THE Albury-Wodonga Lady Bandits have had a rocky first half of the season, sitting last in the East conference, although not for lack of effort.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Rather, an inability to hit open shots has really hurt the Border outfit’s ability to put scoreboard pressure on the opposition.
Only US pivot Ali Bouman has been able to hit more than 50 per cent of her field goal attempts, with fellow import Kristina Baltic the only other player above 40 per cent.
Both imports were under pressure to produce after some lacklustre displays and both delivered on the Tasmanian road trip last weekend, raising hopes of a more reliable offensive presence for the remainder of the SEABL season.
The rest of the starting line-up — Teyla Evans, Montana Farrah-Seaton and Ashton Eaton — have all shown plenty of flashes, but now need to provide consistent support if the Lady Bandits want to add to their single win over Ballarat in round 6.
Albury-Wodonga’s bench remains painfully thin, although Wangaratta youngsters Carly Perso and Olivia Storer both look to be players of the future.
10g, 46.0 FG%, 66.7 3P%, 35.0 FT%, 8.3r, 1.2a, 11.3p
Might have finally seen the light last weekend, averaging 17.5 points and 12 rebounds in the two games against Hobart and Launceston. Has never had to be the primary scoring option before but has the talent to be an offensive force. Needs to improve horrendous free-throw shooting.
10g, 51.9 FG%, 0.0 3P%, 51.5 FT%, 6.9r, 0.5a, 10.1p
Hampered by a niggling knee injury, Bouman has nonetheless battled away, not missing a game. Lit up Hobart for 23 points and 15 rebounds, a stat line the Border club needs her to produce week-in, week-out for the rest of the season.
10g, 31.5 FG%, 27.8 3P%, 67.9 FT%, 6.3r, 0.7a, 9.2p
Athletic forward who has shown she can take a game by the scruff of its neck. Consistency now the key to unlocking enormous potential. Double-digit scoring in past three games and has upped her rebounding numbers too.
10g, 33.3 FG%, 16.7 3P%, 50.0 FT%, 4.2r, 2.5a, 6.8p
Has shown plenty of flashes but has only cracked double digits in two games. Very good in the open court and finishes well around the basket. Steady playmaker is also a very good rebounder from the backcourt. Has cut down turnovers in recent weeks.
9g, 39.2 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 50.0 FT%, 3.6r, 1.0a, 8.3p
Hasn’t quite taken the leap her potential demands. Season high of 16 points against Brisbane in round 8 but hasn’t been able to provide a consistent scoring presence. Work and junior national team commitments have been partly responsible.
9g, 39.3 FG%, 20.0 3P%, 66.7 FT%, 3.3r, 0.8a, 6.1p
Lady Bandits received special dispensation for Maenpaa to play as a third import. But aside from a 19-point display in the lone win over Ballarat, hasn’t made a huge impact. Needs to improve rebounding numbers and three-point shooting.
9g, 35.4 FG%, 14.3 3P%, 14.3 FT%, 2.4r, 0.3a, 4.0p
Numbers don’t show it but has barely put a foot wrong. Wangaratta youngster has played fearlessly and shown a nice touch around the basket. On-court awareness is good and communicates well defensively. Has great potential, just needs to get stronger.
10g, 12.5 FG%, 4.3 3P%, 100.0 FT%, 1.2r, 0.2a, 1.9p
Veteran playmaker and skipper has been her usual hard-nosed self but numbers are well down across the board. Barring injury, will become the first Lady Bandits player to crack the 200-game mark against Brisbane on July 10.
8g, 34.6 FG%, 0.0 3P%, 50.0 FT%, 2.6r, 0.0a, 2.5p
In her second season of SEABL play, has again provided a solid, if unspectacular, presence off the bench in limited minutes as a backup forward. Season high six points against Nunawading in round 2.
The club’s 10th coach in 10 years. Has been vocal from day one in his belief in the team’s ability to get the job done. Not afraid to tell players what they’re doing wrong. Could possibly shorten the rotation and give starters more minutes.
INCOMPLETE: Olivia Storer, Alex Trezise, Carly McRae, Brooke Cincurak
