By this Sunday night just one quarter of the regular season will remain. As it has been for the most part of 2015 it appears that the top three teams will remain around that mark, however teams currently in positions six through to twelve in my view will begin a mad game of musical chairs, as seven teams try to sneak into three ‘playoff seats’.

 

Earlier in the week Craig Mansfield suggested that I wait until the dust settles this weekend before releasing my new rankings, and I was tempted, however I will throw caution to the wind and reveal them before the key games. Recent losses for the top three teams over the last two weeks have also added to the chaos for me trying re-rank my pecking order!

 

It is no secret that Willetton and Lakeside will have the Giants, Senators, Redbacks and Hawks breathing down their necks. Coaches may use the old cliché “We are only worried about our performances,” but realistically they need a slip up from the teams above them to sneak up the standings and into the eight. I do agree that teams cannot influence any other results but their own, however there will be keen eyes on some of the following matchups that may decide who makes the playoffs this season:

 

Lakeside v Stirling

Stirling v Goldfields

Cockburn v Goldfields

Rockingham v Lakeside

Perth v Willetton

Stirling v Mandurah

Perry Lakes v Perth

 

All of the games mentioned occur in the space of the next two weeks, not to mention a few matchups between the top four teams will take place as well, so buckle up because it’s going to be an exciting and tenacious scrap!

 

Here are my adjusted ‘Pecking Order’ rankings after Round 14:

 

1. Joondalup Wolves (1)

 

Made a statement after their shock loss to the Perry Lakes Hawks. The Wolfpack led by 30 points at half time against the Flames the very next night, before running out with a 33 point win. The Wolves are still the best team in the league in my opinion.

 

Next 4 games:

v Slammers (h)

v Magic (a)

v Buccs (a)

v Cougars (h)

 

2. Geraldton Buccaneers (3)

 

The Buccs have gone 4-1 since the end of Round 10 and there was definitely a playoff atmosphere up at Active West Stadium last Saturday, where the home side didn’t disappoint the home fans with a seven-point win over Perth. Yes, the Buccs lost to the Cougars, however Cory Cooperwood was noticeably missing from the line-up.

 

Next 4 games:

v Magic (h)

v Giants (a)

v Wolves (h)

v Lightning (a)

 

 

3. South West Slammers (2)

 

 

Next 4 games:

v Wolves (a)

v Hawks (h)

V Cougars (a)

v Lightning (a)

 

The Slammers have posted a disappointed 1-3 record since the last rankings, however the loss to the Flames was a narrow one and they were missing Tre Nicholls. The Slammers have the same amount of wins as the Cougars, however have played one less game and statistically they have more scoring punch than any other team in the league (111.9ppg). For obvious reasons this weekend against the Wolves is a blockbuster matchup, and the next three weeks will determine whether the two game losing streak is just a small bump in the road or the start of something more concerning for the Slammers.

 

4. Cockburn Cougars (5)

 

An eight game win streak is obviously impressive, however the Cougars have played their last six games at home. They have a 2-1 record this season against the other top four teams, but will end the regular season with just two home games and five on the road. The key stat for the Cougars is that they are 3-5 away from Wally Hagan Stadium this season. Have I ever mentioned that Gavin Field is the best Australian player in the league? He is in outrageous form.

 

Next 4 games:

v Flames (a)

v Giants (h)

v Slammers (a)

v Redbacks (a)

 

5. Rockingham Flames (7)

 

Since Round 10 the Flames are 3-2. As with a lot of other teams the Flames have still not been at full strength due to injuries. The Land brothers draw most of the limelight and deservedly so, however the form of Ryan Godfrey has been instrumental in the Flames success this season.

 

Next 4 games:

v Cougars (h)

v Lightning (h)

v Senators (a)

v Eagles (h)

 

6. Mandurah Magic (4)

 

A 41-point hiding at the hands of the Cockburn Cougars immediately followed a three-point win on the road against the Slammers. The Magic is another team that have had key outs, more recently with Ben Smith and Jarrad Jackson missing. Things will only get tougher for the Magic with a road trip to Geraldton this weekend followed by a home game against the league leading Wolves.

 

Next 4 games:

v Buccs (a)

v Wolves (h)

v Senators (a)

v Tigers (a)

 

7. Lakeside Lightning (8)

 

The Lightning move up in my rankings above the Tigers despite their 3-3 record since Round 10. The victory over Willetton last Friday was impressive and I believe they are in slightly better shape than the Tigers at this stage of the season. The big test for the Lightning will be in Rounds 17, 18 and 19 as they meet the Slammers, Buccaneers and Wolves respectively. In my opinion the Lightning have to win four of their next four games, starting with the Senators tonight if they are to hold onto their spot in the eight.

 

Next 4 games:

v Senators (h)

v Hawks (a)

v Flames (a)

v Eagles (a)

 

8. Willetton Tigers (6)

 

The Tigers have had just one win from their last six games. One positive coming from this has been the offensive form of Damien Scott who has posted numbers that we were accustomed to seeing last season when he was wearing a Cougars jersey. However we all know basketball is a team game, and the Tigers have struggled of late offensively, averaging just 85.3 ppg over their last six games.

 

Next 4 games:

v Suns (h)

v Redbacks (a)

v Magic (h)

v Senators (a)

 

 

9. Perth Redbacks (9)

 

Yes I realise the Redbacks currently sit 11^th in the standings, but the ambitious last minute signing of Raphiael Putney will have a positive impact on the ball club. Putney is tall, long and is extremely athletic. His defensive nous and rebounding will be a big plus for Perth. The Redbacks schedule is fairly kind for the remainder of the season and a fully fit roster will trouble any team in the competition.

 

Next 4 games:

v Eagles (a)

v Tigers (h)

v Hawks (a)

v Cougars (h)

 

10. Goldfields Giants (10)

 

Of their three wins over the last five games, none was more impressive than the home win over the South West Slammers last weekend. Michael Haney and the playing group should be recognised for turning around a season that honestly looked lost. May I just remind you that the Giants started 2015 by losing their first eight games! They are now right in the mix to challenge for a playoff spot after posting a record of 7-3 since halfway through Round 7.

 

Next 4 games:

v Senators (a)

v Cougars (a)

v Buccs (h)

v Hawks (h)

 

11. Perry Lakes Hawks (12)

 

Despite the key loss of Bryton Hobbs in recent weeks the Hawks have been very competitive. Their win last weekend over the Wolves was simply outstanding and for me was the upset of the season. Ben Purser has been at his consistent best, and now with Hobbs back in the line-up opposing teams maybe wanting to avoid this young Hawks team on the rise.

 

Next 4 games:

v Lightning (h)

v Suns (a)

v Slammers (a)

v Redbacks (h)

 

12. Stirling Senators (11)

 

Followers of the SBL and indeed the Senators may have thought the unavailability of Cody Ellis for such a long period would hurt. But would anyone have expected them to drop seven on the trot? I certainly didn’t. Stirling managed to break their long losing skid with a narrow win over the Suns, however they trailed for almost the entire game before snatching the win. It’s great to see Josh Throns back in the state, and the Senators will need his added scoring punch immediately if they are to climb back up the standings.

 

Next 4 games:

v Lightning (a)

v Giants (h)

v Magic (h)

v Flames (h)

 

13. East Perth Eagles (14)

 

The Eagles under Joe Alan have been competitive posting three wins since Round 11. The 100-90 upset win over the Lightning was a brilliant effort. Their next three games are at home and are ones they could easily snatch should they perform at their best. Drew Williamson has really stood up this year and has posted excellent numbers.

 

Next 4 games:

v Redbacks (h)

v Suns (h)

v Lightning (h)

v Flames (a)

 

14. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (13)

 

Eight losses in a row for the Suns see them anchored to the bottom of the standings and my pecking order. The remaining schedule for the Suns however is more than favourable and may provide a chance for this very young squad to salvage something from a disappointing season.

 

Next 4 games:

v Tigers (a)

v Hawks (h)

v Eagles (a)

v Senators (h)

 

*All statistical information used in this article has been obtained from the ‘Fox Sports Pulse’ SBL Website, which can be found at: http://www.sbl.asn.au

 

That is where I believe each team ranks currently, and I’ve gone one step further to try and predict how I think the top eight will stand come the end of the regular season, thus making it through the first round of ‘SBL Musical Chairs’:

 

MY TOP 8 AT SEASON END :

 

*All SBL club logos obtained from the ‘Fox Sports Pulse’ SBL Website, which can be found at: http://www.sbl.asn.au

 

I look forward to hearing the feedback!

 

Good luck to all teams this weekend, start the music……….

 

Matt Cecins

 

‘SBL Slam’: Airing Monday Evenings 9-10 pm on 98five Sonshine FM

 

http://www.98five.com/shows/other-shows/sblslam/

 

Follow Matt on Twitter @matt_cecins