Flyers Start Finals Campaign with win over the Boomers
Flyers take game one over the Boomers – 90-86
Southside Flyers prevail in a classic Melbourne derby to win the first game in the Semi-Final Series against the Boomers, 90-84 at Parkville Stadium on Wednesday night.
A typical tight game between these great rivals with ten lead changes and scores level five times during the game. The Flyers led by as much as ten early in the final while the Boomers enjoyed their game-high lead of seven during the second period.
A pre-game on court presentation to Maddy Rocci (150 games) and Cheryl Chambers (350 games) was the only quiet moment on the court for the rest of the evening with both teams all out to get the first win in the series.
The Boomers led by as much as five points early in the game and led by two at the end of the first period19-21. Lauren Jackson and Leilani Mitchell both with five points in the first 10 minutes.
The second period was more of the same with neither team taking a backward step. After dropping behind by seven points during the period, the Flyers led by two with a minute remaining and then with scores level with just 4-seconds remaining, a 3-pointer gave the Boomers a 3-point lead at the half time break 44-47.
Down 59-61 with just over three minutes to play in the third period, the Flyers went on an 11-point run to end the period up by nine, 70-61. During the period the Flyers scoring was led by Maddi Rocci with ten and both Lauren Jackson and Jasmine Dickey with six.
This was for a one-nil lead in the best of three series, so it was always going to be tough, and the Boomers got to within one point with just over three minutes to play but were never able to level the scores or take the lead. The last few minutes were very tight, and with both teams in the bonus, in the last minute, the Flyers last six points all came from the line. First Lauren Jackson with two and then Leilani Mitchell was sent to the line twice and calmly sank all four to ensure the Flyers were in front at the final buzzer.
Lauren Jackson led the Flyers scoring with 20-points, Leilani Mitchell had 18 and five assists, Jasmine Dickey had 16-points and four steals, Maddy Rocci has 15-points and eight rebounds, while both Mercedes Russell and Carley Ernst also had eight rebounds.
Coach Cheryl Chambers was obviously pleased with the win but knows there is a long way to go.
“It was awesome to get the win against our rivals to start the finals series. Only one win but a great start, now to get ready for Saturday.”
The attention now turns to Saturday night, same opponent, same venue (this time a Boomers home game) and a spot in the Grand Final or a Game 3 decider next Wednesday.