Redbacks head to Wolves Den
This presents an opportunity for the Redbacks’ women’s team to reverse their recent heart-breaking loss in extra-time against the top-placed East Perth Eagles. The Redbacks’ four-win two-loss season record sees them in fourth-place on the league ladder, while the Wolves are in eighth-place with two wins and three losses.
Despite the difference in their respective ladder positions the game will be a tough one for the Redbacks’ women. Perth Lynx and Wolves player Rebecca Mercer has been a major problem for all opposition teams so far this year as demonstrated by her current season record of 24 points per game, which includes 30 free throws at a conversion rate of 86%.
The Redbacks will be relying on the continued strong form of veterans Brooke Hiddlestone and Narelle Henry, along with strong defensive contributions from younger players Frances Clarke and Yasmin Lewis, to negate Mercer’s strong influence and bring home a win.
The Redbacks’ men’s team is currently in third place with five wins and two losses while the Wolves are in 10th place with two wins and four losses. However, the Wolves position on the ladder belies their true potential as demonstrated recently when they beat top-placed Lakeside Lightning, in which forward Doug Gates made 10 three point shots out of 13 attempts at an amazing field goal percentage of 77.
A major factor in this game will be how the Wolves handle the Redbacks high-pressure defence. That pressure starts with the back-court combination of Jarrad Prior and Joel Wagner, who are currently in first and third positions respectively in steals in the league, and continues with the physical presence exerted by big-men Jesse Wagstaff, Jon Meriweather and Daniel Maddox. A further major factor will be whether Wagstaff and Meriweather, along with veteran shooting guard Ryan Neill, can continue their recent high scoring form.
The two games promise to be great spectacles and all Redbacks’ fans are encouraged to attend. The women’s game starts at 6.30PM and the men’s at 8.30PM at the Joondalup Basketball Stadium, corner of Collier Pass & Wise Street Joondalup.
Article by Redbacks Media
Photo by Marg Prior
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