SEABL Women’s Round 18 Coaches Review by Steve M

SEABL women proudly sponsored by BIOPLANT – Waste to Energy Technologies

Friday August 14th @ Hobart
Frankston Blues 68
Hobart Chargers 61

We started this game aggressively at both ends of the floor and quickly jumped out to a 6 point lead. On the back of some huge offensive rebounds we extended our lead at 1/4 time to 23-14. The 2nd quarter saw the Blues commit 7 turnovers which Hobart punished us on the scoreboard from and when the half time siren blew scores were locked at 35.

The 3rd quarter continued in the same vain as the 2nd with despite some fantastic Blues defense our inability to look after the ball saw us commit 11 turnovers for the quarter and trail the Chargers 50-46 at the final break.

As they had done all season the Blues showed tremendous heart in the final 10 minutes and refused to lie down. On the back of some amazing team defense and unbelievable offensive rebounding (13 for the 1/4) the Blues held tough and hit the front with seconds remaining. In one of the most controversial finishes you will see, Hobart went on to receive 3 tech fouls in the last 2 seconds to allow the Blues to extend the final score in the Blues favour 68-61

Leading the way for the Blues was PG Maddie Garrick 24 points 14 rebounds, Kelly Bowen 21 points 17 rebounds and the evergreen Emily Fryers 12 points and 16 rebounds. Team wise we smashed Hobart on the boards 61-28.

Saturday August 15th @ Launceston
Frankston Blues 72
Launceston Tornadoes 64

Waking up with a smile on our faces after knocking off the 2nd placed Chargers we made the 3 hour drive to Launceston to take on the 3rd placed Tornadoes. Playing in front of a huge parochial crowd, we started off where we finished the night before and quickly had all 5 starters on the scoreboard to lead 22-13 at 1/4 time.

An even 2nd quarter saw us keep our 9 point lead 37-28. Needing to win to get a home final we knew the Tornadoes would come out firing in the 3rd 1/4 however we managed to answer everything they threw at us. With 2 minutes to go in the 3rd we lead by 8. The next 2 minutes saw the Blues play some of their gutsiest basketball of the season with Garrick, Fryters and Bowen pushing themselves to exhaustion 4 defensive stops in a row and some wonderful offence saw us take an 18 point lead into the last quarter.

With the effects of the brutal game the night before starting to slow us down, Launceston stormed home in the last quarter however again the Blues refused to roll over. With Cotta, Chatfield and Fryters hitting the scoreboard down the stretch this released the pressure off Garrick and Bowen who had run themselves into the ground.

When the siren sounded the Blues had become only the 2nd team of this season to win the Tasmanian Double, defeating Launceston 72-64. Maddie Garrick showed everyone why she is the reigning SEABL MVP in playing 40 minutes for the 2nd straight night, scoring 30points adding 8 rebounds and keeping the dangerous Mansfield to just 8 points. Despite carrying an Achilles injury Emily Fryters was again courageous adding 8 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in 36 minutes, Bowen had 19 points 9 rebounds and 4 steals, whilst Carly Chatfield added 8 points and took 5 rebounds. We also received great defensive contribution from Sammi Simmons and Mel Cotta.

This weekend will be remembered by everyone involved for the courage and heart shown by our team. Frustratingly we finish the season 11-11 and for the 2nd time in 3 years our record would have been good enough to finish 3rd in the East Conference yet not good enough to make playoffs in the South.

I’d like to thank our sponsors, supporters and all the volunteers who have helped us throughout the year.

Finally I want to thank my players for not once dropping their heads. You should be extremely proud of your efforts and the manner you have conducted yourselves both on and off the court.

Check out the SEABL report @ www.basketball.net.au/seabl-women-round-18-report