1ST SEMI FINAL -
MILLICENT V EAST GAMBIER
The first semi final this weekend is a rematch of last weekend’s round 16 clash with Millicent taking on East Gambier at Blue Lake Sports Park.
It took three quarters for the Saints to really push clear of the plucky Bulldogs but it is hard to see how East Gambier can conjure an upset victory and end Millicent’s campaign.
The accurate finishing of Renee Henke and Malinda Foster has been a key all season and will be again at the weekend. But if East is to genuinely challenge, it will need to generate more scoring opportunities.
That means a full court, seven player defensive effort, because if Millicent is able to move the ball without any form of pressure, they will post a winning score, as they also have an accurate finishing shooting combination in Nikeisha Facey and Demi Verbena.
The Verbena-Bo Creek match up will be one of the key duels of the knockout final.
Verbena runs the Saints attack line and her speed on the drive, her smarts with ball in hand and her long range accuracy is damaging and she has developed a strong chemistry with debut shooter Facey.
The Saints frontline, with the speed and work rate of Lillie Paul and Daisy Tunkin, will need to move the ball quickly and keep it out of the air, which is where Creek shines and wing defender Morgan Amy also loves the aerial game.
Patience will be the key for the East attack line with Casey Horrigan and Tegan Nunan needing to work the angles and shift the young Saints defence with Edie Easterby, Lauren Van Eeden and Portia McRae all capable of both playing a tight checking style of defence, as well as taking risks and hunting the interception.
East has challenged Millicent each time they have gone head-to-head this season but have not been able to apply pressure for the entire four quarters. Millicent has too much experience, depth and versatility – not just on the court but in the coaching ranks with Donna Denton and Michelle Skeer – and the Saints will keep their season alive.
