Round one made for an unfortunate return to competition for the South West Slammers’ men’s side.
Travelling north to face Kalamunda Eastern Suns at home, the Slammers had a tough challenge to overcome.
Kalamunda showed form from the outset, with Kerrod Horn (14) putting his side in front with three successful free-throws.
Slammers’ players Clive-Warren Harvey-Weeden (10) and Michael Lay (10) kept their side in contention.
However, strong offensive plays helped to put the Suns in front 30 to 21 at quarter time.
Feeling re-invigorated after the first break, the Slammers picked up form in the second quarter.
Slammers’ stars Matthew Leary (9) and Travis Durnin (11) assisted in narrowing the margin before half time.
Durnin also starred in defense and blocked Jamieson Lewis’ jump shot with four seconds remaining.
The Slammers took back the lead after half time, but the Suns refused to slip away.
Chasing a first round win at home, the Suns nabbed 14 consecutive points midway through the third term.
Suns Logan Viskovich (25) and Kevin Davis (18) propelled their side to a 15-point lead at three-quarter time.
Durnin and Demetrius Robinson (8) converted multiple free-throws to give Slammers’ fans hope.
Sam Sopolinski (11) created opportunities and clinched five two-pointers in the fourth.
Kalamunda surged to a comfortable lead in the final term before clinching a 103 to 77 victory.
The trip up to Kalamunda proved costly for the South West Slammers’ women’s side on the weekend.
Playing their first clash of the 2018 State Basketball league season, the side was determined to take down Kalamunda Eastern Suns on its home turf.
The Slammers stared favourably from the tip-off, keeping level with the opposition early in the first term.
Slammers Georgia Denehey (12 points) and Charlotte van Kleef (nabbing a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds) kept their side in front throughout the quarter.
Kalamunda was never too far behind, with help from Jewel Williams (21).
Leading 30 to 28 at quarter time, the Slammers faced tough competition in the second term.
The Suns led early in the quarter before a blistering run by Slammers’ captain Kate Fielding (12) helped her side get back in front.
Holding a nine-point margin at the main break, the Slammers needed to keep up its first-half intensity.
Assisted by Courtney Bayliss (15) and Tayah Burrows (19), the side maintained control in the third.
A surge from Alexandra Ciabattoni (20) and Jorjah Smith (21) helped the Suns to clinch the lead by three-quarter time.
The Suns maintained momentum as the Slammers quickly ran out of steam.
A low-scoring term from the away side saw Kalamunda run out to a 93 to 84 victory.
The Slammers’ men’s and women’s sides will play their first home games of the season in round two against Mandurah Magic.
