Picture: TREVOR JACKSON
THE Mount Gambier Lakers women will kick off a big night of basketball at the Icehouse tomorrow, as they host Millicent Magic in the Country Basketball League semi-final.
The game was originally set down for the Peter Seebohm Stadium at Millicent, but due to convenience it has been transferred to Mount Gambier.
The game will precede the Lakers men’s clash against the Colac Kookas, with a big crowd expected to support the blockbuster contests.
Of the two games, the women’s clash provides plenty of “local” interest, with the Lakers and Magic playing out two classic arm wrestles this season in the minor rounds.
Millicent has the upper hand, with a five point win at home, followed by a four-point victory at the Icehouse.
With little in the final results of those games, tomorrow is sure to provide an entertaining contest.
Lakers’ Coach Scott O’Connor said he was keen to show what his girls could achieve against such a tough opposition.
“They have been good this season and have got the better of us twice in really close games,” he said.
“We hope to turn the tide this week.
“We have played really well at home this season and have had some good results, but I guess it all just comes down to how we play.”
The Lakers’ game plan will be affected by the absence of young stars Emily Dawe, Claire Hunter and Mikaela Horrigan, who will be Adelaide for Under 18 national training.
However, O’Connor said he was confident of fielding a strong side.
“We still have plenty of size and depth in the squad,” he said.
“Our girls have had some good results with their backs against the wall, playing in Horsham with six players and just five in Bellarine.
“I am really positive about the weekend.”
Much of that come from three bigs – Olivia Wormald, Keryl Ousey and Sarah Ritter.
“Our three bigs have been really important for us, but we have been getting good scoring from Tara Bryant from the perimeter lately as well,” he said.
“Tara passes the ball quite well and shoots quite well, so she is important for us.”
Much of the focus will be around the Magic’s reliance on Emily Winter.
Last time the two sides faced off she was kept to just 10 points.
That may have been a small win for the Lakers, was it not for sister Alana stepping up with 19.
“I think Emily is their main focus and if we can hold her I think the rest of the team will struggle,” he said.
“We just have to do a good job in disrupting her early.”
A positive attitude is the main focus for O’Connor to achieve success.
“I think we just have to go in with a really positive mentality and mid set,” he said.
“We have had some really big wins this year – we were able to beat Warrnambool at home and they have only lost two games for the season.
“We know we can get it done, we have a game plan and we will go in and try to execute that.”
The game tips off at 6pm.
