Dandenong Rangers co-captain Carly Wilson will be firmly focused on turning the tide on a recent string of losses. By Glen Atwell
SWINGING the momentum on a four-game losing streak is all that stands between the Dandenong Rangers and a third consecutive Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) championship.
At the end of the WNBL regular season, the Rangers managed to hold on to top ladder position, despite losing five of their last six games.
The minor premiership was a fitting reward for the brand of the basketball played by the Rangers earlier in the season, when they at one time towered above the competition with a 13 win and two loss record.
But on the road to the finals, their opponents have become smarter and the Rangers stumbled to finish the season with 14 wins and seven losses.
Last Wednesday, 25 Janurary, the Bulleen Boomers prevailed in sensational circumstances to record a thrilling 55-52 victory over the Rangers.
With just 30 seconds remaining, the Boomers led by three points and had possession of the ball.
The Rangers, wanting possession, quickly fouled, sending Desiree Glaubitz to the free-throw line.
Glaubitz missed both and seconds later Dandenong’s Samantha Richards attempted a three-point basket, but missed.
Another deliberate foul again sent Glaubitz to the line, needing just one point to seal the game for the Boomers.
Under extreme pressure, Glaubitz botched another two attempts.
Dandenong three-point specialist Caitlin Ryan had the chance to send the game into overtime with a three-point attempt on the buzzer, but could not find the basket, and the Boomers erupted in celebration.
Dandenong coach Gary Fox has refused to shine a negative light on his side’s path to the play-offs, instead beaming confidence that the Rangers can still go all the way.
“It’s been another strong year for the Rangers,” he said.
“We’re confident that the team will make another grand final and achieve its third straight championship.”
Put simply, anything less would be an underachievement.
And it is that weight of expectation the Adelaide Fellas could expose during their semi-final against the Rangers at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium on Saturday.
With five Dandenong Rangers – Carly Wilson, Samantha Richards, Emily McInerney, Jacinta Hamilton and Emma Randall – all vying for selection in the Commonwealth Games Opals squad, there is no doubt the Rangers have the talent to beat the Fellas and progress to the grand final.
If the Rangers can handle the pressure of conquering the competition for the third successive season, the championship three-peat belongs at Stud Road.
Saturday’s game at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium tips off at 4pm.
