Even rusty, Rangers rule

By Paul Pickering
COACH Mark Wright reckons they were “rusty”, but the Dandenong Rangers have settled atop the WNBL ladder after back-to-back wins on the opening weekend.
The Rangers accounted for the Adelaide Lightning 94-80 and West Coast Waves 77-48 on consecutive nights, but returned home from the western road trip with plenty to work on.
In that sense, it was the ideal start for a group that could be anything this season.
“I wouldn’t say the champagne corks are popping just yet,” Wright joked on his return.
“They were a little bit rusty, but they certainly showed some good signs. You can be as critical as you like, but when you win it just sounds silly.”
Dandenong went into Friday night’s game in Adelaide underdone, with Opals star Abby Bishop, import Ashley Robinson and eleventh-hour recruit Sam Woosnam having spent a combined total of about a fortnight with their team-mates.
Robinson, who played alongside Bishop in the Seattle Storm’s WNBA championship side, wasted little time in making her presence felt.
The 194cm centre dropped 14 points and pulled in 13 rebounds in an eye-catching debut, combining brilliantly with countrywoman Tracy Gahan (19 points, 10 rebounds) and returning Ranger Kath MacLeod (21 points, eight assists).
Gahan, Woosnam and Jess Foley – all championship players with Adelaide – were given a warm reception by the Lightning fans, who must have been envious of the talent now at Wright’s disposal.
The Rangers’ new-found depth was on full display against the Waves the following night, when all 10 of the visiting players logged substantial minutes in a 29-point rout.
MacLeod (15) was again the ring-leader, while Steph Cumming (10) and Lauren King (10) led the supporting cast.
Wright said his reserve group found a rhythm during the first half and quickly became his preferred line-up for the night.
“That’s the way it’s gunna go this season – if I can find a unit that works, they’ll stay on until it stops working,” he said.
Bishop’s modest return of 11 points and 17 boards for the weekend spoke volumes of a hectic schedule that has seen her play in the WNBA finals and World Championships in the Czech Republic over the last month.
“I think Abby’s somewhere between the USA, Europe and Australia,” Wright quipped about his new franchise player.
“But she’ll find her way home eventually and be better for the run.”
Dandenong joined the reigning champion Canberra Capitals and Sydney Flames at 2-0 after the opening round of action, with a superior percentage giving the Rangers top spot.
Another road trip awaits, with a match-up against the Kristi Harrower-led Bendigo Spirit tomorrow night (Friday).
Harrower has torched the Rangers in recent years, but Wright says the wily point guard will barely recognise the green machine this time around.
“Kristi will be getting a lot of our attention,” he said.
“There’s going to be a wave of players coming at her, so if Kristi can climb above that then bless her cotton socks, I wish her all the best.”
Dandenong’s first home game will be against the AIS next Friday night (22 October).