NBL1 West 2023: Phenomenal team effort by Rockingham Flames women against beleaguered South West Slammers

Rockingham’s credentials as a genuine NBL1 West women’s contender received another stamp of approval on Saturday night against the rock-bottom South West Slammers.

In one of the most team-oriented performances witnessed this season, the Flames — who have now won eight straight games — strolled to a 109-44 victory over the teenage-filled Slammers.

Incredibly, 10 of 11 players who suited up for coach Tom Knowles scored, while nine had more than five rebounds. A handful were also backing up from a D-League game earlier in the afternoon.

Already up against it before tip-off given the experience-hardened opposition they were facing, Alex Ciabattoni’s Slammers faced another setback, with new senior recruit Paris Duffield, a former Flames player, unavailable for duty.

The Flames burst out to a 20-3 lead inside the opening five minutes, with German import Lisa Koop (nine points, eight rebounds, two steals, two blocks) using all of her 197cm frame to terrorise the shorter Slammers defenders under the offensive basket.

A short time later, Lauren Vincent exited the game because of injury and didn’t return.

After the game, Ciabattoni told the Bunbury Herald that Vincent had hurt her shoulder and could potentially be out of action for a few weeks, although the upcoming bye would likely aid this process.

On some nights, returning American import Mehryn Kraker — selected by the Washington Mystics in the 2017 WNBA Draft — has lit up the scoreboard for the Flames, with her effortless shooting giving rival defences nightmares.

However against the Slammers, she showed her younger opponents how team-focused basketball is equally important, finishing with 11 assists, and involving her teammates at any opportunity possible.

On another dark night for South West basketball, Kate Williams and Alexis Donovan were rays of hope for the visitors, with their intangible plays off the ball routinely forcing the Flames to commit unforced errors.

Saturday night was the Slammers’ 23rd consecutive loss, and 64th of their past 65 games. They have also been outscored 57-14 (seven points each) across their last two final quarters.

Keeper stats

Overall offence (Flames 43/96, Slammers 15/66); Field goals (Flames 29/56, Slammers 12/36); three-point attempts (Flames 14/40, Slammers 3/30); free-throw attempts (Flames 9/14, Slammers 11/16); total rebounds (Flames 69-39 Slammers); assists (Flames 29-10 Slammers); steals (Flames 16-10 Slammers); turnovers (Slammers 30-20 Flames); fouls (Flames 16-all Slammers).