Sandringham Sabres Womens Finals Preview

Saturday, the 20^th of July @5:30pm: Sandringham Sabres v Waverley at Southern Basketball Stadium, Cheltenham.

The Sandringham Sabres women come into this do-or-die final off the back off a strong win against the Hobart Chargers to round out their regular season. It has been a relatively strong season for the Sabres after losing their first two games, before going on a scintillating run which culminated in 11 straight victories to be sitting high up on the ladder.

Injuries to key players have however halted their momentum in the backend of the season, winning just four of their last 10 games to finish 6^th. The loss of superstar guard Funda Nakkasoglu and veteran Brittany Smart, both to calf injuries have been costly absences.

While Smart is back for what could be the last game of her professional career, Nakkasoglu will not play a part in the game with her injury. Young gun Hannah Wickstrom is also out, off to college in America in what will be a loss for their off the bench productivity.

They will again look for Klara Wischer to step up who has had a brilliant season. She has averaged 16.6 points per game and a whopping 13 rebounds. Japanese national player Juna Umezawa has also been very important averaging 14.6 points per game and six rebounds and will need to continue that form. Guards Isis Lopes (12.4 points) and Eilidh Simpson (9.9 points) have be crucial all season long as well.

While for their opposition, the Waverley Falcons made a late charge to sneak into the finals race at the eleventh hour. After a seemingly bad season, the Falcons kicked into gear and have won their last six games to qualify for finals and become a threat in season 2024. Centre Carley Ernst (17.2 points and 8.2 rebounds) and star guard Rebecca Cole (17.9 points) have been central in the team’s charge, as have McKenzie Forbes and Renae Mokrzycki.

The last time they met:

Waverley def Sandringham 66-54

Like the men’s matchup, these two teams have only played off once. That battle came back in June when it was Waverley who prevailed by 12 points on the back of an even spread from Mokrzycki (14 points), Forbes and Ernst (both 13 points). The win ended Sandringham’s steak of 11 consecutive wins and kickstarted Waverley’s season.

So, will Waverley reign supreme again, or is it the Sabres turn to dish out some revenge in this do-or-die final?

Get down to the Southern Basketball Stadium in Cheltenham on Saturday for a 5:30pm tip-off to watch this highly anticipated clash between two genuinely good sides.

Written by: Connor Burns | Back Pocket Banter