North Adelaide Rockets v South Adelaide Panthers - Sat, Apr 5, 8:15pm at Hillcrest

This game has been promoted via the unveiling of North’s championship banner, but the Rockets will need a more balanced performance than it showed last week to get its first win. With no Dusty Rychart and Nick Hambour troubled with an injury and fouls, North struggled to find its rhythm against Norwood, while South were experiencing a similar struggle against Southern. Guard Justin Halleran hit 5 threes in his 30 point effort, and with Erik Burdon also on the court, expect to see shots launched from car park at both ends. After rejoining the Panthers mid-way through 2007, Luke Frost will play a big part in South’s chances this year.

 

Southern Tigers v Forestville Eagles - Sat, Apr 5, 8:15pm at Morphett Vale

A new-look  Southern escaped in a nail-biter against South, and Phil Brown’s double double was a big factor. Brown, Paul Smith and Shane Boal will see increased opportunities after the losses of Matt Clarke and Brad Gerlach, and Brown has been the first to make the most of them. The March heat wave contributed to a 3 week delay to the start of Forestville’s season, and although Pero Vasiljevic is yet to arrive, the Eagles will have enough fire power to hurt teams in most areas. Gerlach’s first game as an Eagle is against his former club, and will be more than familiar with the Morphett Vale experience.

 

Woodville Warriors v West Adelaide Bearcats - Sat, Apr 5, 8:15pm at DH Dome

Gavin Kargans and Ben McKay have led the scoring charge in Woodville’s off-season, though the Warriors are a far-cry from the groups that played in CABL Grand Finals in 2004 and 2005. Injuries have affected the Bearcats start to the season, and at the time of print, it’s difficult to know who will be fit to play. Emus squad member Kurtis Phillips made a solid debut with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals, but the Bearcats will need 2007 form from Anthony Spadavecchia and Rory Craddock to return to the finals this year. The proximity of these two clubs means that the western derby means more than any other game.

 

Central Districts Lions v Sturt Sabres - Sat, Apr 5, 8:15pm at Starplex

Centrals’ Scott Whitmore had a successful start to his coaching career last week, but may find things tougher to against a Sturt team that also started on a high. Predicted to miss out on finals, the Lions may be the Sabres of 2007, with Lachie Parker materialising in good form, and a rejuvenated Paul Vandenbergh hitting 5 of his first 6 shots. Marcus Ng’s ankle injury may shift the focus of Sturt’s offence to 36er Jordan Dodman, whose size and strength will test the depth of Centrals’ front court.

 

 

Eastern Mavericks v Norwood Flames - Sat, Apr 5, 8:15pm at Adelaide Hills

Eastern surprised many by “cracking the tonne” against Centrals, though one would question whether they can prevent Norwood from doing the same. North struggled to contain the size of Keith Krause and Dan Thompson last week, so expect Ben Dearman and Shane Breheny to have similar issues this week. Krause was dominated both ends of the court in week 1, and Todd Matthews provided his usual mix of scoring and leadership. With David Cooper, Andrew Webber and Max Papendieck yet to arrive, Norwood will again have their sights on the Nationals.