Category: WNBL

GOAT is in town: If you've never attended a WNBL game, you need to change that tonight so you need to come watch not only your team play but also the GOAT of basketball in this country - Photo credit to WNBL

4-Minute Read

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WNBL ROUND 4

Adelaide Lightning vs UC Capitals

When: 7:00pm (ACDT), Saturday 3 December

Where:  Adelaide 36ers Arena (Formerly Adelaide/TS Arena – The Lighthouse)

Broadcast: Nine Now

STRIKE BACK IN HISTORY

Mercedes runs over Lightning start from Adelaide  

Check out this strike back I wrote back in 2020

https://sacrossoverdribble.com/2020/02/19/mercedes-runs-over-lightning-start-from-adelaide/

2022/23 WNBL SEASON RD 4: Adelaide V UC Capitals

Key Matchups

Steph Talbot vs Bec Cole    

In a plethora of Opals talent on the floor tonight – Talbot’s game against the Flyers you feel will go to another level. She went all “Talbot time” over the Caps on Wednesday night with 13 points but when her team needed – she grabbed 7 points to help the Lightning to a 15-6 third quarter. She’s also the best matchup to guard the dangerous shooter in Bec Cole

Cole has been a thorn in the Lightning’s side for many games. She stretches the defence with her outside shooting and if she’s able to knock down a couple early – thats going to free up the import Kayla Thornton and LJ to go to work.

Jacinta Monroe vs Lauren Jackson

Monroe found her game on Wednesday to post her best numbers of the season to finish with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and steals. What I particularly liked was her teams ability to find her at the long mid-range of some on ball screening action that really brought her smarts and strengths into space.

If you have one reason to attend tonight’s game then its to watch the GOAT of basketball play live before your very eyes. Every part of the fundamental elements of the game is demonstrated through LJ from how to play the post efficiently, when to pick and roll and pop and appreciate the movement and positions she gets herself into. A study in basketball will not be however will not want to be what to provide.

Sam Simons vs Nyadiew Puoch

I really liked the game of Simons on Wednesday night. Although she hit the court for just under 10 minutes, Simons dropped 5 points and “looked” for her shot and finished effectively. It could be a trend this season for her and the perfect role she needs to play and if her shot is dropping then thats a good use of her minutes on the floor for Nat Hurst.

Same can be said for another COE package in Puoch. Every minute she gets needs to count for impact as the equal youngest active roster player for the Flyers. In her COE season her strong numbers were 11.6 points and 5.2 rebounds – transitioning that 2-1 ratio in smaller minutes should be the goal. In the season so far she’s lodged an average of 4 points and 1.7 rebounds in 15 minutes of playing time.

 

THREE QUESTIONS TO STRIKE ON

What’s the ceiling for Marena Whittle this season?  

Its still got plenty of distance to go. The thing about Whittle is now she’s settled as a starter that knows her role – and posting career high averages. She’s scoring 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists but like her Opal’s teammate in Talbot now turning it on when her team needs it. Against the Caps she scored 9 in the final term to bring it home.

And she still has more to go does the CG 3×3 Bronze Medallist.

How do you stop the GOAT?  

LJ is going to get some tough baskets and finishes so the best way you can limit her influence is to reduce the number of possessions she gets. Thats easier said than done to let someone else beat you considering there is still Maddi Rocci, Sara Blicavs, Cole and import Kayla Thornton to deal with.

With the Flyers stacked lineup who matches up on who?    

For me there are a number of matchups that make sense for differing reasons

Mansfield/M Rocci – the two point guards will be looking to quell each other, Mansfield looking to force Rocci out of mid-range and Rocci looking to force Mansfield off the perimeter.

Talbot/Cole – Talbot’s length should deter Cole’s catches on the arc and at the offensive end provide a hardworking cover to Cole at the other end of the floor.

Bell/Thornton – the two imports head to head with Bell looking to bring Thornton out of the paint out to the perimeter. Thornton likes to get inside and get to the free throw line so Bell can draw her help to close her down.

Whittle/Blicavs – Two physical players that can bang bodies and are key to creating second chances for each of their teams.

Monroe/Jackson – Monroe’s length and smarts can matchup on LJ and help the Lightning limit her possessions.

So who wins?

Southside are stacked especially with the addition of Monique Conti to the lineup – and have better recent form against the Lightning winning their last three. However the homeside have been preparing for this one to make a statement and you feel they have the right matchups for this team to keep the streak alive at the “Lighthouse”.

This is going to be a thriller with the homeside just finding a way hopefully in front of a full house eager to catch a glimpse of some of the best players the WNBL has to offer.

COD Prediction: Lightning by 3 points

Mansfield from heaven: Mansfield is no doubt still on cloud nine after a hailstorm of triples - seven of seven and clearly showing she's the barometer for the Lightning - Photo credit to WNBL

3-Minute Read

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WNBL ROUND 4

Adelaide Lightning vs UC Capitals

When: 6:00pm (ACDT), Wednesday 30 November

Where:  Adelaide 36ers Arena (Formerly Adelaide/TS Arena – The Lighthouse)

Broadcast: ESPN

STRIKE BACK IN HISTORY

The trio nearly take court together  

A strike back with a difference with an almost moment. Both head coaches Nat Hurst and Kristen Veal nearly played with Steph Talbot in her two and only seasons with the UC Capitals (2014-2016). In 2014 it nearly became a reality as Talbot signed with the Caps after her rookie season with the Lightning and drafting to the WNBA at pick 33. The Caps new head coach Veal was close to the end of her career after the previous six seasons at the defunct Logan Thunder. It didn’t quite happen with all three playing as Nat Hurst our head coach ended up signing in Europe that season with Canik BLD in Turkey.

What a trio that would have been under the legendary Carrie Graf.

Source: Pick and Roll

2022/23 WNBL SEASON RD 3: Adelaide V Sydney

Key Matchups

Lauren Mansfield vs Jade Melbourne    

Seven of seven from beyond was not just about how Mansfield got her shots – but also the impact it had on the momentum for her team. It sparked several strikes from the Lightning and so far in season 2022/2023 she is proving to be the barometer.

The much needed return for the Caps is that of Melbourne. Not only does she come into provide plenty of missing pieces – the smiling assassin will bring back her 9.5 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game her team has desperately missed.

Steph Talbot vs Rae Burrell

A quiet start to the season for our champion Opal – but thats not a bad thing on a Lightning team that has leaned so heavily on her at both ends. With one key matchup in the front court to really make sure they don’t give the Caps any momentum – it could be a big night for the skipper.

With one import gone in Cohen – the pressure will mount on WNBA Los Angeles Sparks Centre Burrell to have a huge input week in week out. She’s averaging 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game but if the Caps are to cause a legit upset – they will need her to start by dropping 20 plus in this one.

Chelsea Brook vs Rebecca Pizzey

Who Brook is to this year’s Lightning is still a question to be answered. Averaging less than one in each key statistical category in about 13 minutes per game – this is a game where Brook can take her minutes and look to be aggressive like we know she can be. She can be an x-factor if she can click into previous season form off the pine.

Pizzey crossed up the highway from Sydney for more opportunity – and now this season is the time to take her game to that next level. With another spot freed up in the front court its a great opportunity for her to gain some more minutes and show why she belongs in the WNBL. She’s capable after a big season with the Eltham Wildcats in NBL1 South posting 14.15 points at 49 percent and 7.46 rebounds per game.  

THREE QUESTIONS TO STRIKE ON

How do you balance the talent in the lineup?  

Its a classic conundrum for the head coach of the Lightning and her staff. As she said on the Shooting the Breeze podcast

Even in the first few weeks quality players in the lineup missed out on minutes. Previous minutes fillers such as Brook mentioned above, Sam Simons, Abby Cubillo and Ella Batish are clearly buying into the next up mentality when called upon. That makes it easier when players are eager and waiting for their piece of the minutes pie – then perform accordingly out on the court.

Who can be the surprise packet tonight for the Caps that can hurt the Lightning?  

While Melbourne and Burrell are the keys to upsetting the Lightning – its Shanice Swain that can cause problems for the Lightning with her aggressive play and speed with ball in hand – beware the guard already starting with a career best start.

The Caps are clearly depleted how do the Lightning avoid complacency?    

With a 1-3 record to start the season, every opportunity to win is crucial so I can’t see the Lightning getting ahead of themselves and coming out less intense than their last home game. To turn the Lighthouse back into the fortress is – they need to shelf any notion regardless of whos on the other side anybody on any given day can get you in a tight league.

So who wins?

Its time to start making the “Lighthouse” a very tough place for opposition to come and this one being a “TV game” – plenty of the other six teams will be watching. I think the Caps will be very competitive with a chip on their shoulder but a strong 10 minute period from the Lightning should like last game put away the Caps early enough with the Southside Flyers looming this weekend.

COD Prediction: Lightning by 18 points

Time to strike: The Adelaide Lightning were "brave" in their first three games of the season in narrow encouraging losses, now its time to convert that form into their first win tonight - Photo credit to WNBL

3-Minute Read

WNBL ROUND 3

Adelaide Lightning vs Sydney Flames

When: 7:00pm (ACDT), Saturday 19 November

Where:  Adelaide 36ers Arena (Formerly Adelaide/TS Arena – The Lighthouse)

Broadcast: Nine Now

STRIKE BACK IN HISTORY

Round 6 2015/2016: Boag big night takes out brave Lightning 

My random research back in the 2020 WNBL hub season uncovered that former Sydney Flames forward Carly Boag loved playing our girls. In Round 6 of the 2015/2016 season, in her debut season – Boag produced 10 points and 7 rebounds and along with Tahlia Tupaea (Recent UC Capitals) and Kate Ebzery (Former Opal and Perth Lynx player) knocked off the Lightning who were closer than they had been all season to getting their first win.

There were big games from current Townsville Fire forward Mikaela Ruef (18 points) and former Southside Flyer Leilani Mitchell (17 points and 7 assists) as well as contributions from Mikaela Dombkins with 15 points and recent Southern Tigers NBL1 Central centre Tara Dodman (nee Robinson) with 11 points.

Key Matchups

Lauren Mansfield vs Shyla Heal    

Last season the Lightning got spurts of point guard play from their import Kiana Williams – now Mansfield has the keys to that position. An injury disrupted season seems to have been overcome and her numbers are showing positive early season form. Already she is #7 in the league for assists with 5.3 while also contributing 13.3 points per game

Much of the Flames fate will rest on the awaiting Opal. Heal has started the season a little quietly but coach Nat Hurst and her team will be under no false illusions of the damage she can cause.

Marena Whittle vs Jocelyn Willoughby

There is some doubt over Talbot for tonight so if she does miss then Whittle will need a “next-level” game to really give the Lightning momentum. She has translated her NBL1 Ringwood and 3×3 CG form to the new season already averaging 10.7 points and 4.7 rebounds.

It looks like unlike the import revolving door of last season – the Flames have a good one. Willoughby already is leading the scoring (#5 in the league) with 18.5 points for the Flames and already featuring in the league top ten for steals. She’s a dangerously versatile player which needs to be stopped by the Lightning from lighting up – she averages 57.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Isobel Borlase vs Vanessa Panousis

The breakout from Borlase shouldn’t be a surprise as you’ll read below – but it is! The jump in form between her one WNBL game to this season has been tremendous and given her side a different dynamic. She’s proven in her first three games how much stronger in dribble penetration and finishing at the rim she has become in the form of an average of 17.3 points while adding 3.7 assists – plus finishing at the charity stripe shooting 76.9 percent.

Panousis inclusion has added to the depth of the Flames this season. In questions over the Flames defence, the former one time Lighting and NBL1 East Sutherland Sharks product brings a tenacity to the Flames guard rotations. Expect her to wear some of the matchup of Mansfield and Bell throughout tonight’s contest.  

THREE QUESTIONS TO STRIKE ON

Where has this form come from for Izzy?  

You saw it in the FIBA Asia Womens U18 World Cup for the Gems and the backend of the NBL1 Wildcard series. Borlase was named in the all-star five for the cup after averaging 14.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.8 steals per game. She also grabbed 14 rebounds in the final to secure that nomination. Borlase also scored an average 13.5 points per game with the COE across the backend of the season. She had some big final quarters when challenged during that competition as well as pointed out by Daniel Herborn of the Pick and Roll.

How do the Flames address the defensive end of the floor?  

The Flames gave up an average of 78.5 points in their first two games. In season 2021/2022 they gave up an average of 76 – the leagues best the Melbourne Boomers give up 66. The addition of Willoughby, Panousis and Managakahia are going to help reel back those 10 plus points which have been the difference between Ws and Ls. Coach Heal is going to have to be strong on his rotations and balance the guard lineup he has with the offensive firepower he has at his disposal.

If not Talbot – who steps up for the Lightning to get them across the line?    

Its time for a big game from one of the Lightning’s new faces. Kierstan Bell has started with an average of 10 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. The WNBA #11 draft pick and LV Aces championship player can endear herself with a huge game – especially if our Opal hero is not quite ready yet.

So who wins?

With both teams winless in the early part of the season – this one is an early must win for both sides. The Lightning at home now after three “brave” performances against top early pre-season predicted contenders showed plenty. A big Adelaide crowd and back at the home where Sydney have not won at since the 12th January 2017.

Think the Lightning will get this one comfortably and get their campaign underway.

COD Prediction: Lightning by 14 points

Please continue to support SA basketball news and features content being written as well as national/international with the Pick and Roll – with our recent influx of work we are making content all free to read again but need constant contributions to make this happen. If not keen to subscribe then please message to receive direct debit details