As the grand final looms and teams continue to bow out of their championship races, the Forestville Eagles and Mount Gambier Pioneers are still alive. After overcoming the Mavericks in the opening round of the finals and falling to Sturt last weekend, Forestville have a last gasp opportunity to try win it all for 2019. Overcoming the unpredictable Pioneers is never an easy task and the ladies from Wayville will have their work cut out for them.

A three point difference is all that separated the Pioneers and Mavericks last weekend as the two traded blows resulting in an Overtime outing. Combining for 79-points, Wormald, Frost and Roberts held off an offensively dangerous Mavericks in huge minutes. Despite their incredible numbers offensively, the Mavericks were able to exploit the Pioneers in the paint. Dropping 48-Points in the Paint, Eastern kept their nose in the contest until the final moments and in turn have showed a potential Mount Gambier weakness. As the rounds progress and the pressure to perform grows, we may be seeing the potential cracking of a title favourite. 

The women out of Wayville were on the wrong end of a 15-point margin last weekend as they faced arguably one of, if not the strongest team this season in Sturt. The Sabres held Forestville to 35 percent from the field overall and in turn kept potential high scorers in Vidmar and Brett in low double figures. After committing 17 turnovers, the Sabres were lucky to only concede 14-points against them. Moving forward, by looking to exploit the Pioneers on the break when able and in the paint, they may be able to attain some quick wins on the hardwood. 

Their fixtures this season have been nothing short of entertaining with both outings going down to the wire. In their first meeting, Forestville defended their home court and overcame the visiting Pioneers 70-65 behind Chelsea Roberts’ 21-Point outing. Interestingly, during Round 19, the roles were reversed and in turn Forestville travelled to the intimidating Ice House. After battling it out over the 4-quarters, it was Mount Gambier who emerged victorious by a lone pair of points! Russell made the basket to take the lead with only 7-seconds remaining in the fixture and in turn aided their 55-53 victory. A Forestville lapse on the defensively allowed the hosts to outscore them in the final term 18-10 and also handed them the victory. 

Ones to Watch:

Ambah Kowcun - A quiet night for the young Eagle star only saw her record 2-points in twenty minutes of action on the floor. If all is well in the Eagles camp, expect her to come out firing from range as her and the Eagles’ season are on the line. Nonetheless, the sharpshooter is more than capable of altering a contest with her lethal arm from deep. Averaging just under 10-points a game in 18-minutes of floor time, it is highly possible for her to light it up. 

Amanda Frost: Frost, a high octane player who is able to work both ends of the floor is definitely one to watch as we wind down our 2019 season. Frost, fresh off a team high 30-points shot 11-32 from the floor in 45 minutes. Not only is she a prolific scorer (22-PPG) she is no stranger to dishing the ball and averages just under 5-assists per game. Her ability to find her teammates when needed and find ways to continue to be effective proves Frosts value. Her ability to play these intense minutes and still make a difference on the court shows why she’s one to watch. 

Prediction: Mount Gambier by 3 in overtime.