WHERE’S YOUR TEAM AT? WNBL MID-SEASON REPORT 

With Round 8 of the Cygnett WNBL wrapped up, we are officially at the halfway point of the season! How is each team shaping up as we head into the back-half of the season and into finals?  

Adelaide Lightning  

Ladder position: 7th  

Adelaide began the season 0-3 in losses under 10 points before getting their first win in the books. The Lightning got a big upset win over Southside and sent the Boomers into the first overtime game of the season. Despite only having won three games so far, there is potential to win more heading into the back end of the season. It’s been exciting to watch Lauren Mansfield and Isobel Borlase both have stellar seasons for the Lightning.  

Bendigo Spirit  

Ladder position: 2nd  

Wow, what a blistering start to the season for Bendigo! A new club record of seven-straight wins to begin the season certainly had people talking. The depth in the Bendigo squad is impressive with a mix of experience and youth making them hard to beat. The combination of Kelsey Griffin and Kelly Wilson continues to give the opposition headaches, with reigning MVP Anneli Maley killing it on the boards as well as the scoreboard. Bendigo will be a serious contender for the title this season. Will be an interesting game when Bendigo comes up against the reining champs on Sunday! Could this be a preview of the Grand Final?  

Melbourne Boomers 

Ladder position: 1st  

The reigning premiers have kept their momentum up from last season, currently sitting pretty on top of the ladder with an eight-game win streak. The Boomers have shown they can be clinical in their attack with their star players like Cayla George and Tiffany Mitchell stacking the stats sheet week in and week out. Kristy Wallace has been phenomenal as their starting guard, and will have the Opals’ captain, Tess Madgen returning from injury this week to bolster the squad even further. Can the Boomers go back-to-back?  

Perth Lynx  

Ladder position: 5th  

The Lynx are still within reach of the final four. Last season’s runners up will be looking to improve heading into the second half of the season, with the likes of Sami Whitcomb and Lauren Scherf leading the way on court. Perth will be looking to finish the season strong, with two key matchups against Townsville sill to come.  

Southside Flyers  

Ladder position: 3rd  

Southside remains the only team to dish both the Boomers and Bendigo their only losses this season. Currently sitting in third position on the ladder, Southside has the potential to go all the way to the Grand Final this season. The Flyers have the depth in their squad with the likes of Monique Conti able to fire off the bench and bring the energy. Having the GOAT on your squad doesn’t hurt either, with Lauren Jackson getting two double doubles so far. Southside have a big matchup against the Boomers tonight, can the Flyers move into second place on the ladder?  

Sydney Flames 

Ladder position: 6th  

Sydney got off to a slow start to the season. After going winless until Round 5, Sydney utilised their matchups against the winless UC Capitals to get three wins on the board. Shyla Heal and Keely Froling have made appearances in the Team of the Week, and along with Tiana Mangakahia bringing strong defence, the Flames have potential to win more games this season.  

Townsville Fire  

Ladder Position: 4th  

While Townsville missed out on the final four last season, they certainly have improved this season. Currently sitting in fourth place, Townsville are definitely a chance to remain there, if not bump into third. The combination of Steph Reid and Lauren Nicholson this season has been outstanding. If the Fire can get all their starting five firing at the same time, they will be hard to beat.  

UC Capitals  

Ladder position: 8th  

The UC Capitals remain winless at the midway point of the season. They have had glimpses of brilliance from Jade Melbourne and Shaneice Swain, but the individual performances aren’t enough to get them a win this season. The Caps were unlucky with injury early on in the season with Gemma Potter unfortunately going down with an ACL injury, and Jade Melbourne missing a few games due to an ankle injury. Hopefully a full-team performance can see the UC Capitals get a win on the board in the second half of the season.