Slammers, Flames complete miracle turnaround (Women's semi-final wrap)
South West Slammers and Rockingham Flames have completed a fairy tale turnaround, coming from the two bottom positions in 2011 to the women’s grand final in 2012.
The Slammers knocked out the defending champions, Willetton Tigers, in just two games after a 61-52 win to claim game two and the series.
Former championship winning Tigers centre, Zoe Harper, tormented her old side with a solid 20 points and 19 rebounds for the Slammers.
Slammers imports Kim Sitzmann (18 points, seven rebounds) and Valeria Ogoke (14 points, 13 rebounds) provided solid support.
Tigers captain Melissa Marsh tried to spark her side with a strong 21 points and seven rebounds, while young star Courtney Hargreaves was solid defensively with 15 rebounds.
In the other series Rockingham needed games two and three to progress to the grand final after the Wanneroo Wolves managed to level the best-of-three series with a 62-46 win on Friday night.
The Wolves set up the game two victory with a 21-7 third quarter behind solid performances from Nikita-Lee Martin (17 points), Shani Amos (12 points) and Meghan D'Arcy (11 points).
Flames star Emma Cannon tried to get her side over the line with 23 points and 20 rebounds, however it wasn’t enough to get the Flames over the line in game two.
A Saturday night game three tie-breaker saw the Flames take down minor premiers 67-60 to advance into the grand final.
Emma Cannon stepped up again, leading Rockingham to victory with 28 points and 25 rebounds, Kaye Tucker chipped in with 13 points and Jacinta Bourne with eight points and nine rebounds.
The Wolves were again led by Nikita-Lee Martin (16 points, eight rebounds) and Shani Amos (11 points), while Ainsleigh Sanders was strong with nine points and nine rebounds.
It will be the first grand final appearance for both the Slammers and the Flames, with one of the teams set to take home their first championship on Friday night at the WA Basketball Centre.
The Kickz101 Women’s State Basketball League Grand Final is on Friday 31 August at the WA Basketball Centre, tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster, click here to purchase tickets online or call 1300 136 122 or visit your nearest Ticketmaster outlet.
Article by Hannah Coleman
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.