FLYERS ENJOY ANOTHER HOME WIN

Southside Flyers enjoyed a home victory against the Canberra Capitals with Mercedes Russell leading the way.
The Flyers returned to the State Basketball Centre for their first game in 10 days, ready to continue the second half form of their comeback victory against the Lynx on November 22.
A change to the starting five was required when Lauren Jackson was unavailable due to illness and Carley Ernst starting the game. This change to the line-up didn’t stop the Flyers, and while the Capitals held the lead early in the game (4-6) fans certainly got what they wanted in the first period with the Flyers going into the first quarter break leading 24-10.
The excitement of the Flyers form in the first quarter was further boosted for fans during the quarter time break when a young supporter scored a basket from the mid-court line in the Metaltex “Half Court Shot” competition. While the crowd were excited, the young boy was even more excited when he was handed his $500 prize from Dan from Metaltex.
The excitement of the opening period and the Metaltex half-court shot was soon forgotten as the second period saw a complete change to the game with the Capitals going on a 11-0 run to get withing 3-points before Maddy Rocci and then Mercedes Russell got the Flyers back on the scoreboard and ensure Southside went into the half-time break leading by seven (38-31). While in the lead, being outscored 14 to 21 was a disappointing quarter, particularly after such a good start to the game.
The Flyers took control of the game in the third period with Mercedes Russell continuing her excellent form and Jasmine Dickey doing a great job at both ends of the floor. The 11-point three-quarter time lead (59-48) provided the platform for a solid victory against a young Canberra Capitals.
During the final period, the Flyers continued to extend the lead, going out to a game-high 21-point lead Lopes, before finally enjoying a 17 point victory (81-64). The final two minutes of the game provided Flyers Coach Cheryl Chambers with the opportunity give all the players game time, with Development Players, Emily Fisher, Isis Lopes and Georgia Booth, all joining Dallas Loughridge and Klara Wischer on the floor, gaining valuable experience at the elite level.
Mercedes Russell led the scorers with 21-points, Captain Bec Cole 17 (including three from four 3-pointers), and Jasmine Dickey 10 scored in double figures.
The Flyers next game is another home game, the annual Lifeline Game, at the State Basketball Centre against Bendigo Spirit on Saturday December 9, tip-off at 7:00pm.
Lifeline Game
The Flyers and the Spirit will join forces in support of Lifeline to raise awareness and funds for Lifeline Australia. More details will be announced in the lead up to the game.
Lifeline Australia – https://www.lifeline.org.au/