Slammers boss proud of youngsters

It might not look it to some people outside of the locker room, but Printsync South West Slammers women’s coach Nathan Grover can see some light at the end of the tunnel. Even following Saturday night’s 109-40 loss against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns. “We had three players suit up on Saturday night, which was pretty much their first involvement with the team,” Grover said. “They got out there, had a go and were going up against two WNBL players on the court. So I guess it was a huge challenge for the team, but a bigger challenge for those who had not joined us before.” The Slammers head up the Forrest Highway to Wally Hagan Stadium tomorrow night, where they will do battle against the 1-6 Cockburn Cougars. The stadium holds plenty of positive memories for Grover, who was part of the Cougars men’s championship team as an assistant coach back in 2016. “They are in the same position as us,” Grover said. “It is a development year for them and they have a lot of young players in their team who are looking to get experience. “Aside from an import, it is pretty well their full-strength side. They have been competitive in a lot of games this year.” On Saturday night, the women’s Slammers will host a Goldfields Giants development squad at Eaton Recreation Centre, with both sides playing a scratch match prior to the West Coast Classic men’s encounter. Scouting report (Cockburn Cougars) League position: 10th; home record: 0-3; away record: 1-3; last round: lost to the Warwick Senators 90-83, lost to the Kalamunda Eastern Suns 90-53. Key stat: The Cougars have not played since August 22, as their men’s team were in Geraldton last Saturday night. In their last game against the Eastern Suns, they had 20 turnovers, although they were competitive on the boards.