The Southern Design Sydney Uni Flames will head into Friday night’s home game against the Bulleen Boomers desperate for a win, and the key to this will be improvements made in rebounding and defence.
Rather surprisingly both the Flames and Boomers are yet to register a victory going into the round 3 clash, making this game vital to kick starting the respective team’s seasons.
Flames Head Coach Karen Dalton is aware that improvements need to be made by her team in two areas before Friday night’s clash at the Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre – defence and rebounding.
“Controlling the tempo of the game is critical,” said Dalton.
“Bulleen like to push the ball up the floor and we need to focus on defensive transition to control their running game and win the rebound count.”
Despite a disappointing weekend following two losses on the road, the young Flames learnt a great deal team wise and are happy to be back at home.
Flames guards Katie-Rae Ebzery and Alicia Poto have been the backbone of the team so far this season and they will need support from Lauren King and the teams young post players to defeat a Bulleen team chock full of seasoned veterans in the post.
Flames young guns Ellyce Ironmonger, Tayla Roberts and Ellie Manou will be tested by Bulleen’s Hollie Florence, Emma McDonald and Ellyce Penaluna.
Other fascinating matchups include 2012 Opal Rachel Jarry against Ebzery, and Tess Madgen against Poto. Fellow Flames guard Jaimee Kennedy is coming off a good game against Adelaide and she will once again be expected to provide plenty of energy off the bench.
The Flames will welcome forward April Sykes from the Los Angeles Sparks to the roster this weekend and she is expected to add some offensive punch and scoring power in the WNBL in 2012/13.
At the other end of the court the Flames will need to be at their defensive best in order to keep the Boomers to a score of 65 or less.
Tickets to the Flames game against the Bulleen Boomers can be purchased on game night on Friday October 19 from 6pm at the Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre. Tip-off is at 7pm.
It will be a fascinating game, so get up out of your seat and help ‘Light up the Flames’.
You can also support the Flames on Twitter @SydUniFlames or Facebook Sydney Uni Flames WNBL.
