The Mandurah Magic women will be out to keep their undefeated record alive when they hit the road to take on the South West Slammers this weekend.
The Magic go into the game on the back of a four-game win streak to start the 2017 season, and will be keen to keep the ball rolling.
But coach Randy Miegel is bracing for a tough challenge.
“It’s a different kettle of fish when you have to take on the South West in Bunbury,” he said.
“They will give us a really tough game but we’re ready for the challenge and if we stick to our key areas we focus on I’m confident we can come away with a win.”
The Slammers won two of their first three games but will come into their match against Mandurah on a two-game skid.
However, they boast a deadly weapon in the form of Brittany Hodges, who is currently ranked fifth in points per game and second in rebounds, going at a clip of 21.7 points and 13.5 rebounds each time she hits the floor.
Her contest against Mandurah’s own Carly Boag looms as a fierce one on the glass, with Boag averaging 12 rebounds to go with her 20.5 points per outing.
Miegel said his team wouldn’t change much ahead of the match, but would need to nullify Hodges’ impact.
“I think she (Hodges) has been playing some great basketball for the South West,” he said.
“She’s definitely the type of player you need to keep an eye on, but having said that we won’t look to change too much from our first few weeks.
“I think our game against Cockburn last Thursday was one of our best so far so far be it from me to tamper with how we’re playing.”
Miegel said he was impressed with his side’s chemistry on the court to start the year, but stressed that they won’t be resting on the laurels.
“I didn’t really think it would click this early for us but to see the girls out there playing good basketball and really enjoying playing with one another is encouraging,” he said.
“It’s only an hour down the road but the girls will travel down together and it will be another bonding experience.
“But just because we’ve shown some chemistry doesn’t mean we can ease up. Training sessions have been hard and we’ll continue to work hard for the results.”
The Magic and Slammers women tip off at 6pm on Saturday, followed by the men’s game.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
