Morcom praises Perry Lakes' spirit
Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks coach Rick Morcom praised his side’s fighting qualities following the come-from-behind win over Metropolis Fremantle Cockburn Cougars in game one of the WSBL quarter-finals at Wally Hagan Stadium.
“It was a good win in the end,” Morcom said following the 72-59 triumph.
“After a slow start, the girls came out and showed what they can do (in the second half).”
Down by four points at half-time, the Hawks responded well from a spray from Morcom to break away from Cockburn in the second half of the opening game of the best-of-three series.
“I lost my voice screaming at them at half-time, I wasn’t too happy,” he said.
“I told them their effort areas were shocking.
“They definitely out-rebounded and out-hustled Cockburn in the second half.”
Morcom commended the efforts of centre Christine Boyd, who finished the game with 17 points and nine rebounds.
“I thought Boydy did a great job for us,” he said.
“She had 17 points but every time we needed some she delivered.
“All the guards contributed pretty well, including Tegan Walker who shut down Emma Pass in the second half.”
Boyd was well supported by Gabriella Clayton (16 points and nine rebounds), Rosie Tobin (10 and 11) and Walker (10 and seven) who all reached double figures.
Import Emma Pass was the Cougars’ best with 23 points and 10 rebounds, with centre Nicole Johnson (14 points and eight rebounds) working hard all evening.
Cockburn now faces an uphill battle to stay in the play-offs with game two and three (if needed) to be held at the WA Basketball Centre, where the Hawks have an impressive 8-3 record this season.
But Cockburn coach Fleur McIntyre remains positive heading into the do or die Game Two away from home.
“If we can replicate 40 minutes of basketball similar to the first half, we will be right in there,” she said.
“Perry Lakes are a veteran team, they know what it takes to get it done. If we can stay focused and positive in Game Two and can hit some shots we have a really good chance.”
Article by Jordan McArdle at Wally Hagan Stadium
Photo by Mick Cronin
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