NBL1 West 2023: Another tough task awaits Slammers women’s team against in-form Rockingham Flames

The South West Slammers women’s team face another tough assignment on Saturday night at the Mike Barnett Sports Complex in Rockingham.

Alex Ciabattoni’s young Slammers take on a playoff-bound Flames team who have been boosted by the return of American import Mehryn Kraker over the past month.

Kraker, a former WNBA player who hails from Wisconsin, is averaging 26 points a game across her first three games.

Coupled by the hustle from both Christina Boag and German import Lisa Koop, the Flames enter this clash having won six in a row.

Pleasingly, the Slammers were prepared to take the game on during Friday night’s 94-47 loss against Mandurah Magic on the road.

The plucky youngsters bolted out to an early 11-2 lead in the first term, before the Magic’s US college-hardened players got comfortable and took control for the remainder of the contest.

Unfortunately for the Slammers, a lack of height again caused issues at both ends of the glass. The Magic’s ability to win rebounds (65-35) — predominantly through Boag’s twin sister Carly — was telling as it generated additional offensive possessions.

The Flames, will be no different, given Boag and Kraker’s presence. To remain competitive, Slammers players are going to avoid foul trouble and attempt quality offensive looks when they become available.

Tip off is at 6pm.

Scouting report

(Women): Flames

League position: 6th. Last round: defeated Kalamunda Eastern Suns 102-90; top performer (v Eastern Suns) - Mehryn Kraker (29 points - 4/9 field goal attempts, 6/8 three-point attempts, 3/4 free throw attempts, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block).