NBL1 West 2023: Bree Chalk a highlight throughout grim double header for Slammers women

There is minimal light at the end of the tunnel right now for Alex Ciabattoni and the South West Slammers women’s team, on the back of two more thrashings. The women’s team, predominantly filled with teenagers, are enduring one of the leanest spells in WA State basketball history — having lost 57 of their last 58 games. As it stands, they have lost 16 games in a row, after breaking through for their first win in three years last season against East Perth. During this period, the following coaches — Nathan Grover, Anita Reca, Peter Nalder, Robyn Vogel, Julieann Bissaker and now Ciabattoni — have attempted to establish a winning culture in the women’s program. Ciabattoni’s side have committed 102 turnovers in their first four outings. Saturday — Joondalup Wolves 112 (Teige Morrell 24 points, Emma Klasztorny 18) d South West Slammers 47 (Bree Chalk 13, Alexis Donovan 11) at Eaton Recreation Centre The Wolf Pack headed to the South West with a formidable line-up, including Perth Lynx import Robbi Ryan. Although the visitors led 57-31 at half-time, the Slammers players displayed endeavour, with their ball movement at times flowing well. Unfortunately for the hosts, Joondalup’s superior height and dominance (70-34 rebound count) ultimately created an avalanche of points, with the visitors outscoring their youthful opponents 55-16 in the second half. Keeper stats — Field goals (Wolves 31/55, Slammers 11/35); three-point attempts (Wolves 11/37, Slammers 5/29); free-throw attempts (Wolves 17/19, Slammers 10/20); total rebounds (Wolves 70-34 Slammers); assists (Wolves 29-11 Slammers); steals (Wolves 15-8 Slammers); turnovers (Slammers 23-16 Wolves); fouls (Slammers 18-16 Wolves). Friday — Lakeside Lightning 118 (Laci Hawthorne 24, Caitlyn Jones 21) d South West Slammers 62 (Bree Chalk 15, Alexis Donovan 10) at Lakeside Recreation Centre On a night which began with a few slices of positivity, the young Slammers were once again made to pay for poor ball retention and unforced errors. Although the Lightning led by 15 points at quarter-time, there was enough endeavour at times to indicate that the visitors would at least remain competitive until the final whistle. However, a forgettable second quarter — in which the Lightning scored a staggering 41 points in 10 minutes — promptly burst this optimism. Aside from the Slammers committing 28 turnovers (17 in the first half), the home side enjoyed 52 trips to the free-throw line, cashing in with 31 points. The Slammers also ended the game with three players — Javene Fitch, Alexis Donovan and Bree Chalk — fouling out, which added another frustrating element to the 56-point loss. Ciabattoni took to the court late in the second quarter for a brief three and a half minute cameo, shooting 0-2 inside the paint. Keeper stats — Field goals (Lightning 24/35, Slammers 15/39); three-point attempts (Lightning 13/38, Slammers 5/25); free-throw attempts (Lightning 31/52, Slammers 17/24); total rebounds (Lightning 49-35 Slammers); assists (Lightning 36-12 Slammers); steals (Lightning 20-7 Slammers); turnovers (Slammers 28-10 Lightning); fouls (Slammers 31-20 Lightning).