Trevor Jackson
THE Mount Gambier Lakers women face a must-win scenario when the final minor round of the Country Basketball League kicks off on Saturday.
The Lakers sit down in fifth position, with just six teams in the competition.
They do face the bottom side – Colac Kookas – but will need to give it everything to ensure they are a chance to make the playoffs.
However, much will depend on Horsham Hornets, who face a double-header, up against the top-placed Warrnambool Mermaids, then the Millicent Magic on Sunday.
Two losses to the Hornets would open up the ladder and give the Lakers a shot.
Last time the Lakers faced the Kookas they chalked up a comfortable victory, 81-55 at home at the Icehouse.
On the road they will need a repeat performance.
In that Round 7 clash the Lakers dominated every quarter except for the third, where both sides shot 17 points.
Other than that, the Kookas were simply not in the game.
Double-figure scores came from Ava Collins (22), Tenielle Human (17), Olivia Wormald (16) and Mikaela Horrigan (13).
Last week the Lakers were impressive over Millicent, with the inclusion of Claire Hunter (10 points), while Human topped the list with 16.
If the Lakers have a full roster, a big win is assured, then it is a waiting game to see how the remainder of the round unfolds.
