Redbacks, Slammers shine early (Pre-Season Blitz Wrap)
Perth Redbacks' men and Southwest Slammers' women were among the most impressive teams in the State Basketball League's Pre-Season Blitz tournament.
The Redbacks were one of three men's team to finish with a perfect 4-0 record from the tournament, which was played from Friday to Sunday at the WA Basketball Centre, while the Slammers were the only women's team to do so.
Perth, which was knocked out in the quarter-finals in 2011, had an average winning margin of nearly 20 points in its four abbreviated games.
The Redbacks proved far too good for East Perth on Friday before thrashing Rockingham and Goldfields and squeezing past heated rivals Willetton.
Other men's team to finish the men's Blitz with a perfect record were Mandurah Magic and Geraldton Buccaneers, who both missed the finals in 2011.
Mandurah's effort was highlighted by tight wins over defending champions Wanneroo Wolves and 2011 minor premiers Lakeside Lightning, while the Buccaneers' average winning margin was nearly 25 points.
Last year's men's Grand Finalists Perry Lakes and Wanneroo both won just one of their four games, as did Lakeside, country powerhouse Goldfields and 2011 strugglers Kalamunda.
Cockburn, East Perth and Rockingham were the only three MSBL teams to finish the tournament without a win.
On the women's side, the Slammers showed the potential to be big improvers after winning just two games in 2011.
The Bunbury side has been a perennial WSBL struggler but made several big off-season recruits, the benefits of which were particularly seen in a 26-point thrashing of Kalamunda and thrilling two-point victory against Perry Lakes.
The Redbacks, who surprisingly missed the finals in 2011, also showed positive signs by winning three of their four games including a 37-29 win over reigning champions Willetton.
That was the only loss the Tigers suffered, while East Perth and Wanneroo also finished with 3-1 records.
Lakeside and Stirling both lost all four of their games while the Suns and Cougars each won once.
The season proper begins on Friday, March 16 when Perth host Kalamunda, Lakeside play Rockingham and the Hawks face the Magic.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)
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