WSBL Power Rankings

SBL Slam Radio host Matt Cecins releases his WSBL Power Rankings after the first four rounds.

"The rankings and opinions shared in the articles are mine, and not necessarily the views shared by the SBL"

 

1. Willetton Tigers (4-0)

 

Not only are the runners up from last season undefeated, they are smashing teams on the scoreboard for fun in 2016, with an average winning margin of 30.25 ppg. They had an impressive grand final rematch win over the Flames 83-54, albeit in a game without big name stars including Tomlinson, Garbin and Whitcomb.

 

Ebony Antonio has made a brilliant start to the season, and the Tigers are holding opponents to a stingy 57.25 ppg. A big test this week awaits against a full strength Mandurah Magic team on the road.

 

Next 4: @Magic, v Suns, @Slammers, @Senators

 

2. Rockingham Flames (5-1)

 

The Flames remain one of the front-runners with five straight wins after the loss to the Tigers. Ryan Petrik has a hungry and versatile squad that has WNBL talent Ify Ibekwe still to arrive.

 

Jacinta Bourne has been excelling and over her last two games and she is averaging 19.5 ppg, 9.5rpg and 4 apg.

 

Next 4: bye this week, @Magic, v Suns, @Redbacks

 

3. Perry Lakes Hawks (4-0)

 

Impressive wins over Mandurah, Lakeside, East Perth and Stirling. The combined record however of the previously mentioned opponents is 5-12. The next four games will give a firmer indication of where the Hawks fit amongst the other contenders for 2016, starting this weekend against the dangerous Joondalup Wolves.

 

Deanna Smith is in outrageous form, rightfully earning the WSBL POTW honours for week 4. The Hawks roster lacks height, however this has allowed an opportunity for Emily Burton to play meaningful minutes this season, and she has not disappointed with her efforts to support Sarah Donovan. Mia Satie is a wonderful young player and future star of the WSBL.

 

Next 4: @Wolves, @Magic, v Eagles, @Tigers

 

4. Joondalup Wolves (2-1)

 

A one-point loss to the defending champions fell in middle of convincing wins over SW and inflicting the first defeat upon Perth. Joondalup are one of the taller and better rebounding teams in the WSBL, who play excellent team defense.

 

The offensive skill sets of Martin and Wischer will create headaches for any WSBL team and Amy Kidner has been an X-factor for Joondalup with averages of 11.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg.

 

This weekend against the Perry Lakes Hawks starts a three game stretch of home games, and the battle with the Hawks will be pivotal in getting an accurate read on the Wolves title aspirations this season.

 

Next 4: v Hawks, v Cougars, v Slammers and then a bye in week 8

 

5. Perth Redbacks (3-1)

 

The Redbacks have an even blend of experience, youth and scoring in 2016. Four players are averaging in double digits for scoring (Mercer, Jones, Jakens and Gilmore) and Lisa Wallbutton is averaging 9ppg and 9rpg. After an undefeated start to the season, the Redbacks were sent crashing back to earth by a classy Joondalup outfit last weekend. Perth will need to execute better on offense against teams with effective, pressuring defenders on the perimeter.

 

Perth face a challenging test against Rockingham at home in week 8.

 

Next 4: @Senators, v Eagles, @Cougars, v Flames

 

6. Mandurah Magic (2-1)

 

Not so surprising was the loss in week two against the Hawks, but more so the margin of 40 points without Casey Mihovilovich. Since their opening loss, the Magic have made the necessary adjustments, particularly on defense by only allowing 59 and 43 points to the Senators and Slammers respectively.

 

The decisive test for the Magic will be the next four games, the first of which is against the red hot Willetton Tigers. If the Magic wins three or more of these games, consider them legitimate top four contenders this season.

 

Congratulations again to Casey Mihovilovich, a class player and competitor for 400 games. Her dedication and performance for such a long period is a credit to herself and the Mandurah Magic.

 

Next 4: v Tigers, v Hawks, v Flames, bye

 

7. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (2-3)

 

A disappointing start to the season with a loss to Perth at home, followed by a heartbreaker against the Cougars. The Suns have rebounded with wins over the Eagles and Senators and had a competitive display against the Flames.

 

Stacy Barr could be a legitimate contender to the MVP crown of Sami Whitcomb this season if she remains healthy and available. Her first three games have yielded 29, 32 and 25 points and she has demonstrated just how deadly her perimeter jump shot is. A fit and healthy return to the court for Melissa Moyle sooner rather than later will see further improvement for the Suns. Two stern tests await after this weekend’s bye.

 

Next 4: bye, @Tigers, @Flames, v Senators

 

8. Lakeside Lightning (1-3)

 

There has been noticeable improvement already from the Lightning. A one-point loss to the Senators in their opening game led to a dominant win over the SW Slammers. The Lightning has since dropped their last two, however have been more competitive in those games against Perry Lakes and Rockingham.

 

Craig Mansfield and his team could potentially win three of their next four games and the Lightning could climb the league standings and power rankings, as their schedule looks more than favourable.

 

Next 4: v Eagles, @Cougars, v Senators, @Magic

 

9. Stirling Senators (2-4)

 

The Senators are struggling for consistency in the early stages of the season, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. Amber Land is the only Senator currently averaging over ten points per game (13.8ppg)

 

Clarke is an excellent coach with many years of experience, but he will require improved scoring performances from Walker, Armstrong and Bestry. Further inconsistency from the Senators over the next four games and they may lose touch with the top 8.

 

Next 4: v Redbacks, bye, @Lightning, v Tigers

 

10. Cockburn Cougars (1-4)

 

A clutch one point win over the Suns in round two was followed by three lopsided losses to the Senators, Flames and Tigers. The concerning stat for the Cougars is the lack of consistent team defense, giving up an average of 79.2ppg to opponents. This is currently the second worse number in the league behind the SW Slammers (88ppg for opponents)

 

Nicole Roberts and Chelsea Evans have provided glimpses of stepping up as a viable third scoring option, however will need to do this on a more consistent basis if the Cougars are to climb up the standings.

 

Next 4: @Slammers, @Wolves, v Lightning, v Redbacks

 

11. East Perth Eagles (0-4)

 

The Eagles have had the toughest start to the WSBL season schedule wise, facing off against the Tigers, Flames and Hawks. The one result that got away was their fourth quarter fade out and subsequent loss to the Kalamunda Eastern Suns.

 

Unfortunate clearance issues have hindered Steph Jones from appearing for the Eagles so far in 2016 and her imminent return will be most welcomed, particularly on the glass. Jones will also add instant scoring punch to a lineup that has only one player scoring in double digits (Jorre St Jorre)

 

Next 4: @Lightning, v Slammers, @Redbacks, @Hawks

 

12. South West Slammers (0-4)

 

The Slammers have yet to register their first win, however the effort of the very young squad has been evident throughout. Dena English has shouldered a lot of the scoring responsibility and she has had some admirable games, in particular her 23-point effort against the Redbacks.

 

Georgia Denehey is a good player in the making, and she has made a noticeable impact on the court throughout the early stages of the season. The Slammers will be more competitive at home and could possibly catch the odd team napping.

 

Next 4: v Cougars, @Eagles, v Tigers, @Wolves

 

 

Tune in to 'SBL Slam' 7pm Tuesday nights on 98.5 Sunshine FM or subscribe to the 'SBL Slam' weekly podcast on iTunes.

 

Follow Matt on Twitter: @matt_cecins

 

Article by Matt Cecins

Photo by Mick Cronin




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