This weekend’s Sturt v Norwood games at Pasadena could have major ramifications on the Central ABL finals, even though they are still three months away.

Heading into the last round of the first half of the Central ABL season, Norwood’s men and women are both in second place, a game clear of Sturt’s men and two ahead of Sturt’s women, however with the recent form of, and additions to, both Sabre units, neither result would be etched in stone.

With two games under his belt, Jacob Holmes is almost averaging a triple double, with 24 points, 9 assists and 20 rebounds per game. Darren Ng’s form has been more than reasonable (he scored his 32 points against Eastern last week all in the first three quarters) and Sturt now have legitimate NBL talent in the front court and back court. Claybrin McMath has scored in double figures in every game in his first Central ABL season and would be buoyed by his recent selection to the Australian team participating in the Oceania Under 19 tournament. Mark Bauer continues to gain respect for his defensive efforts, keeping Erik Burdon, Joe Ingles, Cam Wilson and Ryan Kersten to 6, 13, 10 and 16 points respectively.

Norwood, however, are still legitimate premiership contenders and Todd Matthews’ return from injury has hardly hurt. Last week against Woodville Matthews had 19 points at 62% along with 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals, and with David Cooper likely to return later in the season, Norwood would be as favoured as Sturt, Forestville and West to progress to a Grand Final. Andrew Webber is leading the way with 22 points a game and a league-leading 50% from the three point line, while Keith Krause and Dan Thompson are consistently grabbing 10 rebounds. Coach Rupert Sapwell has one of the deepest groups in the competition and has been able to provide over 10 minutes of court time per game to 13 players this season.

The result of the women’s game is no easier to pick. Pre-season, with the possibility of Lightning guard Jess Foley being a regular, Norwood were considered early favourites and even without Foley, the inclusion of Lightning teammates Rebecca Duke and Amanda Williams made for a formidable lineup. The Flames have dropped games to West and South, although Duke didn’t play in either game. In the three games she has played, she’s averaging 16 points a game and all have been comfortable victories. 17 year old Jordan Walker-Roberts has taken a big step forward this year, making the most of her increased court time with 12 points per game and with Cara Boothey and Zara Olekalns also contributing, Norwood have the makings for a strong group for years to come.

Make no mistake - Sturt’s 5th position on the ladder bears little resemblance to their likely chances in this game. Their season has been interrupted by injuries to Monique Bowley, Angela Marino and Brooke Sidebottom, but with former WNBL player Katie Orr (nee Langford) returning last week, and former Maverick Conor O’Brien joining the team, Sturt’s chances have increased significantly. Marino returned from injury last week to score 22 points at 58% and is still the most difficult-to-defend point guard in the league. Caroline Burgess and Brigid Bowley had season-high points last week and their presence will be invaluable as the season progresses. Sturt boasts an impressive mixture of athleticism, experience and youth, and as their lineup settles, most would expect to see them playing in September.