Flames’ big names likely to be a handful for improving South West outfit

The South West Slammers men’s team are likely to have their hands full defensively against the Rockingham Flames on Thursday night at the Mike Barnett Sports Complex. Aside from the reliable presence of former Perth Wildcats captain Greg Hire, the Flames have added two valuable pieces to their high-octane offence — Marshall Nelson and American import Devondrick Walker. Born and raised in Texas, Walker initially headed Down Under in 2017 to join the Perth Wildcats as an import, before a serious foot injury robbed him of the chance of ever playing a game for Perth. A few years later, he signed with the South East Melbourne Phoenix during the 2019-20 season as an injury replacement for Keith Benson, and averaged less than 7.5 points per game. The Slammers will need to dig in across both ends of the glass against the Flames, after being outgained in offensive and defensive rebounds against the Geraldton Buccaneers (21 offensive, 37 defensive, to 13 offensive, 24 defensive) and Perth Redbacks (17 offensive, 33 defensive, to seven offensive, 28 defensive) last weekend. Scouting reports: (Slammers) League position: 12th; last round: lost to Geraldton Buccaneers 94-62, lost to Perth Redbacks 89-56; top performer (v Redbacks) — Caleb Van De Griend (16 points —5/12 field goal attempts, 0/0 three-point attempts, 6/9 free throw attempts, nine rebounds, three steals) Form: The Slammers opened their campaign with consecutive defeats, although their endeavour and hustle in general play couldn’t be questioned. The absence of big import Buay Tuach was noticeable for Shane Goff’s side, as they routinely laboured in their bid to generate additional offensive possessions. On the positive side, Brody England and Alastair Ishigami-Sims both got through their weekend unscathed after lengthy time off last season due to injury, while Caleb Van De Griend worked hard in the paint during the loss against the Redbacks. (Flames) Form: Pitted against the Mandurah Magic, a team tipped by many to claim the NBL1 West men’s crown, the Flames blew the game out on the back of hard work during the second and third quarters. With the game up for grabs early in the second term, Marshall Nelson (who had scored nine of his side’s points up until that point) took control of the contest. After coolly taking the ball up court, Nelson tangled his Magic defender in knots, before leaning back and draining a three-pointer from downtown. The cool and calm nature in which he made the play sparked his teammates, who clicked into gear to finish the half with a wave of momentum. League position: 6th; last round: defeated Mandurah Magic 90-84; top performer (v Redbacks) — Marshall Nelson (30 points —4/7 field goal attempts, 4/8 three-point attempts, 10/10 free throw attempts, three rebounds, three assists, one steal)