South West Slammers set for double-header against Cockburn Cougars and Joondalup Wolves

The South West Slammers will stage their home opener against Cockburn Cougars on Friday night as part of a weekend double-header. Both Slammers sides will welcome the Cougars to Eaton Recreation Centre before heading to Perth’s north to take on Joondalup Wolves at HBF Arena the following day. In their reunion with former Slammers player-coach Alex Ciabattoni, Jason Chalk’s women’s side will have their hands full dealing with the Cougars, who are the reigning NBL1 West women’s champions. The Cougars recorded an opening round win over Mandurah Magic 83-73 without WNBL stars Ciabattoni and Steph Gorman, as well as imports Daniel Raber and Maria Blazejewski. Shane Goff’s Slammers men showed good signs in their 11-point loss to the Flames and will look to continue their momentum against the Cougars, who feature NBL player Rhys Vague and veteran point guard Kyle Armour. The Wolves’ imports shape as their major danger players for Saturday’s contests, with C.J. Turnage scoring 38 points in their 89-67 win over Perth Redbacks last Thursday while Sarah Toeania and Dairen Huff combined for 48 points in their 87-78 women’s victory. Tip-off for Friday night is 6.30pm for the women and 8.30pm for the men and Saturday’s fixtures will get under way at 5pm (women’s) and 7pm (men’s).