WOMEN 6:30 PM | SATURDAY 23 AUGUST | MARS OFFICIALS: Nathan Wieland and Michelle Dyson Norwood v North Adelaide LAST WEEK Norwood The Flames lost to Sturt at home for the second time this year, going down 65-67. Their 32-46 half-time deficit proved just too much to overcome, with the otherwise impeccable Amy Lewis (27 points) committing three turnovers on their final three offensive possessions. Star Jess Foley did not play due to injury. North The Rockets continued their dominance against South Adelaide this season, getting up 80-63. Jamie-Lee Peris and Jo Hill combined for 43 points and 25 rebounds. KEY STATISTICAL PERFORMERS Scorers Norwood: Amy Lewis 19.3 ppg; Jessica Good 14.0 ppg North: Jo Hill 16.9 ppg; Jamie-Lee Peris 12.9 ppg Rebounders Norwood: Jessica Good 8.8 rpg; Amy Lewis 6.1 rpg North: Jamie-Lee Peris 11.1 rpg; Jo Hill 10.3 rpg Assisters Norwood: Jessica Foley 3.8 apg; Amy Lewis 3.6 apg North: Jo Hill 3.0 apg; Shannon McKay 2.7 apg X-FACTOR Norwood Rachel Herrick. Herrick had one of her stronger games this season when the Flames and Rockets met in Round 5, posting 12 rebounds and 5 points. One of the Rockets’ greatest strengths is rebounding, so Herrick will be important in countering the interior dominance of Hill and Peris. North Jo Hill & Jamie-Lee Peris. Hill and Peris have carried the Rockets throughout the season, and particularly in this finals series. In the most recent meeting between the Rockets and Flames, the Rockets lost 42-76, with Peris absent and Hill (11 points, 3-15 FG) struggling. In the earlier meeting, the two combined for just 28 points and 13 rebounds, with the Rockets defeated by 7. If the Rockets are to score enough points to win, then they will need Hill and Peris at least around the 20 points each mark, as they were in last week’s win. HEAD-TO-HEAD Round 5: Norwood 74 def North 67 @ Mars Round 18: Norwood 76 def North 42 @ Hillcrest VERDICT Ever since they lost to Sturt the first time, the Flames have looked their most vulnerable for a long time. After losing back-to-back Grand Finals to their local rivals, Rocket redemption is suddenly a real possibility. Plenty of ifs, buts and maybes – personnel, foul trouble, efficiency. The Flames deserve to start favourites, but do not be surprised if the Rockets pull off an upset. PREDICTION Flames by 9
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