South West looking to slam Eagles (Round Two WSBL Preview)
South West Slammers make their highly anticipated 2012 women's State Basketball League debut when they face East Perth Eagles in what is sure to be a thrilling round two contest.
The Slammers have made a huge effort to put a poor historical record, which has seen them win just three games combined in the past two seasons and never make the playoffs, behind them by making several high profile recruits over the off-season.
The Bunbury club brought in a pair of imports in addition to WNBL players Kara Hargraves and Zoe Harper, which has led to expectations of huge improvement.
But 2011 runner-up East Perth will be sure to provide a huge test on Saturday, as it'll be desperate to bounce back from a shock round one loss to Lakeside Lightning.
With star forward Sam Norwood expected to sit out the first few rounds of the season, the Eagles will be looking to show they can win without her by beating the Slammers and Perry Lakes Hawks.
Perry Lakes overcame Mandurah Magic in a thriller to make a positive start to the campaign and will be looking to take revenge for its loss to East Perth in last year's semi finals.
The Hawks also face Perth Redbacks, who won both games last week but face a big test in round two as they also meet Wanneroo Wolves.
Wanneroo cruised to a pair of opening round victories on the back of WNBL recruit Nikita Martin's strong form and will again need to be at its best to down Perth and Rockingham Flames, who lost last week despite the strong return of former MVP Kaye Tucker.
Lakeside caused the biggest surprise of the opening week by winning its two games and will be looking to keep up that strong form by beating Kalamunda Eastern Suns.
The Suns lost both round one games but were close in both of them and are sure to provide a tough battle again.
Mandurah will start as heavy favourites to register its first win of the season against Stirling Senators on Saturday.
The Senators were thrashed by defending champions Willetton in round one.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)
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