the scribbler
Years ago
Funny My ABL Womens All Star Five
Okay, so someone had to do it.
Here's my all star five team for the Womens 2006 ABL season.
Vicki Kelson (South)
Adelaide's Queen of ABL has had another solid season, whilst injury has prevented the heady statistics of previous years she has provided a depleted South side with leadership and panache. Stats wise she is averaging just 12.2 PPG, she averages 9.4 RPG the best rebounding guard in the comp. Stats do not detect on court presence, something this feisty lady epitomizes. Her leading games this year were against superior teams boasting competent guards: Flames, Eagles and Bearcats.
Narelle Lindsay (Forestville)
Lindsay is the wily old veteran of the Eagles, her time on the pine more than often reaching 40 minutes. Offensively she is problematic the ability to drive through, around and elude defenders is the bane of many a defender. She has steered her team to finals averaging 15 PPG. Whilst her field day was undoubtedly a 23 point 5 board 6 assist drubbing of the Lions, she has also come up trumps against the more stacked Sabres and more recently posted over 20 points against the defensively orientated Rockets. Her quieter games are usually losses or close wins for the Eagles, so its fair to say she is the barometer of the team, that is she performs and they win.
Sam Woosnam (West)
Lightning Captain is arguably the best all rounder on the floor. Her best games have been against the top four sides: Sabres, Tigers, Rockets and Eagles, where she has not only scored proficiently but added steals, assists and rebounds to the equation. One of those players that can do it all guard her too close and she drives, leave your hands down and she shoots, relax on the shot and she will board it. Been patchy only if court time is diminished, and her high turnover rate is also notable, but these are the mark of a player who perhaps is a step ahead of her teammates and sees opportunities that may be beyond them. Or she could just be sloppy. Either way, she has been best in the West.
Jenine Brown (South)
The leagues leading scorer, she has posted double doubles consistently and had an exceptional season. However, despite Kelson feeding her the ball, this formidable combination have been unable to lead South into finals contention. Whilst offensively she was powerful, South's reliance on zone defence in big games prevented her from showcasing defensive nous. Whilst she will go close to taking out the Halls, I think the Panthers erratic season, their inability to find a consistent path to victory, and competing indirectly with Kelson may cost her votes.
Tracey Beatty (Southern)
Beatty has struggled with finding her true game for a long time, but 2006 has seen a maturity develop that in previous years was left wanting. She has become a mother hen in more ways than one this year, taking Southern under her wing and propelling them into the finals. A pure keyway body she creates problems for teams with her presence her go-go gadget arms regularly collecting blocks and any rebound that falls in her direction. Averaging 16.2ppg and 11.6 RPG, she has boasted double doubles in 14 games this season. Instrumental in tight games against Flames and Rockets, she most recently got Southern over the line in a nail biter against West. Finally comfortable in her own skin, she is my pick for the Halls.
Honorable mentions
Amanda Williams
Is the shining light in a team that is oh so grey.
Erin Lorenzini
Average skills, but this girl is infected with major white line fever. Is extremely efficient and lifts the level of the game by notches, but lacked enough court time to post big numbers.
Nat Hurst
Norwood would not be unhappy with this import- whilst it took a few games to find her mojo, she then posted solid numbers. Provided Norwood with much needed spark.
Not considered due to lack of games: Jenni Screen, Jo Hill
