Trevor Jackson
THE Icehouse will fire up on Sunday after the Christmas/New Year break when the Mount Gambier Lakers hit the floor.
The men will host Terang Tornadoes in what should be another victory for the top side.
The Lakers have had little resistance in the 2022-23 Country Basketball League season on their way to top position, although they are level at the pointy end with Ararat Redbacks.
Both sides have lost just two matches this season from 13 outings.
However, the Tornadoes have not been as strong, with just three wins for their efforts from 12 outings.
At home Mount Gambier would certainly start hot favourites, although much will depend on player availability.
Numbers have been up and down all season, but last time these two sides met that was also the case.
Back in Round 5 the Lakers took just seven players across the border to face the Tornadoes and returned victorious to the tune of 20 points.
That was Simon Berkefeld’s return to the floor and he certainly made a splash, with a game-high 35 points.
It was also the input of Ben Young (29), Matthew Berkefeld (22) and coach Kane deWit (19) who ensured the Lakers remained in front throughout the game.
The win was set up with a solid second term, after just four points separated the two sides at the first break.
Mount Gambier outscored the Tornadoes by nine points in the second term, won the third by three and the final stanza by four.
It was certainly a game where the Lakers could not relax and they will take nothing for granted this weekend.
With a more-complete roster the home side should have no trouble accounting for the visiting Tornadoes to remain at the pointy end of the field.
The game tips off at 1pm on Sunday.
