Posted on 31 July, 2008
SEABL Women Preliminary Final Preview Podcast
SEABL Elimination Diary Coach Jason Knight
Past history shows that there is never anything much between Bendigo and us, even though on paper we do not match up well against them. Bendigo are an excellent half court team, where as we love transition. The most pleasing thing about the last time we met was that we played a primarily half court game and got the win. Gabe Richards carries a alot of the scoring and rebounding load for them and while that is something we acknowledge, if we get too over focused on that we will get burnt by their very deep team.
For us it is pretty much the same as last weekend, we go into the game knowing that outside of the team itself nobody really expects us to win and we go in as very much the underdog. That’s ok as that tag sits well with the group. We dug deep and played very well in the second half against Launceston, but we will need to do better again to beat the Braves. Who needs to lift ? all of us as this is a one in all in team. This team prides itself on work ethic and although smaller than our opponents week in week out by paying attention to the small areas in our game we tend to combat the height differences pretty well
Excited about the weekend, hell yes. We are excited about the challenge of again proving ourselves to the many people that might doubt this team as a finals contender. But most importantly this season above all others, we enjoy working hard with our team mates and sharing in their successes. No matter what the result come Saturday night I know two things, the girls will give it everything they have to get the win, and I will be very proud to have coached this team in 2008.
SEABL Preview
Bendigo “IGA” Lady Braves VS Kilsyth Lady Cobras
Saturday 2nd August 8:00pm @ Bendigo Schweppes Centre
Referees – Jason Geritz & Mark Connor
For the fourth time two of the best teams in Australian women’s basketball Bendigo and Kilsyth will renew their intense rivalry in the SEABL playoffs. A win would take the Lady Braves to their third consecutive SEABL Grand Final, and a chance to seek revenge against Nunawading, whom defeated them last weekend. Kilsyth is also hell bent on making it to the Grand Final, after a sensational road victory against Launceston last week.
Bendigo have a talented frontcourt rotation consisting of MVP favourite Gabrielle Richards (18.3ppg, 11.1rpg, 1.4bpg), Jasmine Finnigan (10.1ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.7apg) and SEABL games played leader Andrea Walsh. Richards has tormented Kilsyth this season, and averaged 22pts, 12.3rebs and 3.0blks in the three games this year, which should be a concern for the Lady Cobras coaching staff. However Kilsyth have been able to contain the other Lady Braves players in their three contests this season as Bendigo average 76pts per game this season but have only managed a high of 75 against the Lady Cobras.
Kilsyth has a young but highly skilful frontcourt also with Sarah Parsons (13.8ppg, 10.2rpg, 5.1apg, 2.8spg), Clare Papavs (16.4ppg, 6.6rpg) and import Jessica Lonon able to match up well against the Lady Braves. Sarah Parsons has played a major role in both Lady Cobras victories, and will need to produce another high quality performance to inspire her team to victory. The X Factor however will be Desiree Glaubitz (14.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 5.0apg), who missed the round 2 loss. Her leadership is a key aspect of the Lady Cobras success this year, and her guidance will be paramount this week in such a crucial game.
Having held first place for the majority of the season, coach of the year candidate Bernie Harrower will be hell bent on securing the win this week and travelling to Nunawading next week with revenge on their minds. Kilsyth have a 1-2 SEABL playoff record against Bendigo, with the home side victorious in all three games, giving Bendigo a slight psychological advantage. Kilsyth however have a 7-13 record at Bendigo Schweppes Centre and will go into the contest fully confident of gaining the much needed victory.
2008 Head to Head – Lady Braves 63-52 at Bendigo (rd2)
Lady Cobras 77-75 at Kilsyth (rd12)
Lady Cobras 61-55 at Kilsyth (rd18)
