Isaac
Years ago
ABA Week 10 tips off tomorrow
Here's the Round One recap from Hang Time. Pick up a copy at a game for previews of Week 10's games.
This week's games are as follows. Womens games are first for each.MEASURING IMPROVEMENT
As predicted last week, Forestville Eagles completed the round undefeated and have set the standard for other teams to match. This week sees the first of the repeat rounds and thus provides the opportunity to measure the relative progress of teams.
With most teams' playing rosters complete (Joanne Hill (Rockets), Ali Trewartha (Rockets), Stephen Williams (Mavericks) and Brett Maher (Sabres) appearances are imminent), the next few rounds of games will firm up end of season prospects in both leagues.
In the women's league, Sturt Sabres and Forestville Eagles have been convincing although the Eagles have suffered injury concerns. The Bearcats have also had their share of injury concerns with Cherie Smith, Erin Seward, Belinda Battistel and Irene Sourlatzis. The Rockets are there, but not as convincingly as in previous seasons. The Tigers and the Flames are close to convincing us that they will make the final five while the Mavericks are an ever-present threat. South Adelaide may yet provide some heartache for teams above them but appear to be an experienced player short. Unfortunately, the Lions and the Warriors are too far behind to make it, but will provide a challenge against one another to avoid the wooden spoon.
The men's league is as exciting as it was in 2005 with no teams yet completely out of the mix. Forestville Eagles and Sturt Sabres would be the bookies' tip for the last game of the season. Both are well balanced with talent, depth and experience to burn. The biggest problems confronting them appear to be in the management of their rotations.
The Flames also are loaded with talent and will be a challenger. The Rockets have surprised, but appear heavily reliant upon Nick Hambour's form and fitness to match it in the key with the Eagles, Sabres and Flames. The Mavericks may be the surprise packet. With Jacob Holmes suiting, any deficiencies on the boards may now be covered. The jury is still out on the Warriors, but they are definitely missing the added strength of a Whitmore or an Elder on the boards and the guards are still not lighting up as in 2005. The Panthers, Tigers, Bearcats and Lions have been disappointing due to their inconsistency. They will shape the final five but are unlikely to be part of it.
The next focus on the national scene is the preparation of the Opals and the Boomers for the World Championships. Squads have been expanded. South Australia's representatives are Erin Phillips, Laura Summerton, Jennifer Screen, Luke Schenscher, Oscar Forman, Jacob Holmes and Brad Newley. Paul Rogers is missing.
Tigers vs Mavs
Panthers vs Eagles
Flames vs Rockets
Bearcats vs Lions
Sabres vs Warriors
Refs for this week are
46 B.Northcote M.Pepicelli N.Durant M.Harvey
47 A.Just M.Gibson P.Haines N.Wieland
48 N.Bridgeman S.Rivett J.Clover P.Welbourn
49 M.Coombe L.Smith W.Maidment D.Hughes
50 J.Wilson-Smith V.Zare A.Filmer B.McDonald
