After three punishing rounds of the State Basketball League season, the South West Slammers’ women’s side scored its first win for 2018 in round four.
Forced to play in Joondalup against a formidable Wolves’ side, the Slammers needed to come together and work hard.
The away side was troubled by Wolves’ captain Shani Amos (6) and Nikita-Lee Martin (24) shortly after the tip-off.
Both sides missed valuable opportunities midway through the first quarter, before the Wolves regained composure.
Leading by 10 at quarter time, the home side continued its momentum in the second term.
As the Slammers gave away multiple fouls, Joondalup fought to further increase its lead.
The tables turned midway through the quarter. Joondalup missed a series of rebounds before Slammers Charlotte van Kleef (21) and Courtney Bayliss (21) pulled their side back into the contest. The Slammers rallied to lead by one point at half time.
Assisted by stars Georgia Denehey (13) and Raya Thompson (6), the Slammers remained in front by a small margin in the third.
The Wolves’ first-quarter momentum slipped away as the Slammers ran out to a 57 to 49 lead at the final change.
Joondalup pulled the margin back to four before the Slammers kicked into gear.
Despite the accurate shooting of Kourteney Zadina (8) and Amy Kinder (11), successful jump shots and three-pointers led to an 82 to 69 win for the Slammers.
The South West Slammers’ men’s side is still without a win after four rounds of the 2018 season.
On Sunday, April 8, the team travelled to Joondalup to face a fierce Wolves’ side.
Joondalup, unbeaten after the first-three rounds, was determined to make it four from four.
Eager for victory, both teams tussled for control of the ball and failed to score for almost the first two minutes.
Justin Reynolds (12 points) opened up the scoring with a free throw, before the Wolves went on the attack.
Joondalup’s Jalen Billups (15) slotted two lay-ups and a three-pointer to put his side in front, while Benjamin Gaspar (16) tore through the Slammers’ defense.
Ahead by eight at quarter time, Joondalup extended its lead through free throws from Jordan Wellsteed (13).
The home side created numerous opportunities, while the Slammers struggled to do the same.
Impressive around the court, Sean Easther (9) slotted a three-pointer before blocking Demetrius Robinson’s jump shot close to half time.
Despite the efforts of Reynolds and fellow Slammer Matthew Leary (5), the Wolves refused to back down.
After leading by 37 at three quarter time, the home side cruised to victory in the fourth.
Both sides missed crucial chances early in the term, before the Slammers showed signs of fatigue.
Joondalup is clinging to top spot on the SBL ladder after its 97 to 48 win.
The Slammers’ side now sits at the bottom of the leaderboard after four rounds.
The Slammers’ men’s and women’s teams head back home to face Lakeside Lightning in round five.
