For my R@nD0m POV post this week, I complete the second part at my look at the remaining seven venues around the SBL and my ranking system for them. It was great to see some discussion on the review last week… and I am still waiting for our friends in Kalgoorlie to enlighten us as to who was the club who removed the window out of the visitor’s changerooms up at Brookman Street, and then flatly denied it!!

                                                                                                                                                                       

 

Lakeside Recreation Centre (Lakeside Lightning)

The Church as it has come to be known as is definitely a unique venue given several key factors along with a usually large and vocal crowd that the Lightning get. Crowds have dropped off in the last couple of seasons, much like the Lightning’s form when compared to their championship winning era over the past decade, but given the nature in which their main grandstand is designed along with having a very ‘enclosed’ feeling about it, it doesn’t take much at all for it to get loud inside the Church!

Pro’s – Probably the most shooter-friendly rings in the League, which when you look at the likes of three-loving locals Hayden Bell, Brad Jackson along with sharp shooting imports like Hallice, Alexander, Sunshine… even all the way back to Aaron Shaw and Keith ‘The Saltshaker’ Salscheider – its little wonder the Lightning have always shot well, and subsequently been hard to beat on their home floor.

Con’s – Lack of a bar is a massive one… I mean a man can only bring a hip flask every so often before he is frowned upon!! On a serious note though, the Church always seems to be one of the more less-lit venues in the League. Maybe it’s the dark jarrah court, maybe it’s the Black / Dark Purple walls which don’t allow a lot of reflection… but it always seems darker inside the South Lake venue than most other venues in the League.

Great for shooters and spectators alike, but still a very tough venue for visiting teams to get a W at, particularly when it’s a full house inside there! Loses valuable points on the Bar factor but still a very nice venue nonetheless. League Ranking – 8^th

 

Mandurah Aquatic & Recreation Centre (Mandurah Magic)

A much needed redevelopment down in the Peel, as the Magic get set to move into a brand new six court stadium in early 2017 all going well with construction down there. The old SBL court had seen better days, and the small / shallow grandstands never did much to fully ‘capture’ the atmosphere at Mandurah home games.

Pro’s – Court surface was good given its age, but like the rings and in particular changerooms at MARC, were definitely due a decent upgrade that came with the redevelopment.

Con’s – The small grandstands, dead spots on half of the court reminiscent of the old Courts 6, 7 & 8 at Perry Lakes… Not to mention the smallest and most headache-inducing visitor’s changerooms in the League being the children’s crèche which was either right next to the pump room given the distinct chlorine in the air, or just MARC has the most chlorinated pools in all of Australia!

Fair to say I was not a huge fan of the old SBL court down at MARC and it will be great to see their new SBL Court when it is opened in the New Year. Hopefully positive times ahead for the Magic on and off the court in 2017 with the new stadium and club offices. League Ranking – 14^th

 

Bendat Basketball Centre (Perry Lakes Hawks)

The showpiece of WA Basketball is getting that ‘worn in’ feeling now but still commands itself as one of the best venues in the League. Great seating, optimal lighting and excellent run off on all sides of the court make it a great court to coach, ref or spectate on and is the perfect replacement for a court which still holds fond memories for a lot of people who got the opportunity to play on it back in the day across the road.

Pro’s – Being the showpiece stadium of our great sport, it was always going to have a lot going for it – Two scoreboards for great viewing from all sides of the court or players depending on which way the game is being played; Double level tiered seating with good space in front of chairs for tall people etc along with nice wide walkways for people to get up and down without having to say ‘Excuse me’ every two seconds; The BBC is definitely a leader in a lot of areas and makes you wonder if the foundation clubs in East Perth & Perth wonder sometimes if maybe they should have stayed at their original home in Perry Lakes and shared the facility much like they did back in the beginning of District days in the late 80s

Con’s – Quite possibly, especially now that Curtin is no longer used, the hardest court to shoot on given the expanses and staggered backdrop up the Western end of the court, along with those tough rings which have absolutely no give in them at all. The first row of seating where it is on the playing floor and directly behind the bench makes it nigh on impossible for people to see half of the action as well given the usual height of most SBL teams. And let’s not get started on the overpriced menu of the Café….

Definitely one of the better venues in the League, even more so when both grand stands are out along with Corporate Boxes along the baseline for major games / events. Could be better though which is why I don’t have it ranked as high as some might like. League Ranking – 3^rd

 

Belmont Oasis (Perth Redbacks)

Ah my first love (Some who have known me would question why this isn’t Vic Park Rec Centre given I played most of my juniors there… but alas aside from good memories, the Oasis will always be ‘home’ for me) From the excitement of seeing the place built and opened when I was 12 (1993/4ish – the opening… not my age haha!) to countless WABL and SBL games along with domestic games on that court, it will always have a special place for me personally. Unfortunately the old girl has seen some better days and heading into her third decade of existence, she does need an upgrade in a few places that’s for sure!!

Pro’s – One of the nicer court surfaces to play on in the League, you never had to worry about dead spots or ‘slippery’ areas at Belmont. I have found its always been a nice court to shoot on also, though this may have changed in recent years with the move to Ringleader rings from the old ones which were up and repaired (Apparently re-welding something every time it breaks back in the day was considered completely fine… but still they were nice hoops to shoot on!) has changed that just slightly. A similar setup to that of Morley with sponsor’s boxes on far side of the court along with the little cove for the Voice of the SBL in Matty Cecins, it works well for something which has been the same way since the club moved to Belmont from Leederville all those years ago.

Con’s – The grandstand is starting to really show its age in parts, particularly on the visitors side. Raised nails and warped boarding which hasn’t been changed in several years are not only a spectator risk, but also a dodgy look. The old scoreboards were barely visible sometimes given the aging bulbs inside and from memory I am not sure if they were new or old ones when we were there a couple of weeks ago (Old age is getting to me dammit!) The lines on the courts too of the old keyway along with the new one make it incredibly confusing for players and refs alike to know which is which at normal game speed and hopefully for Perth’s sake this can be re-addressed when the court gets its annual resurfacing over the Christmas break.

Fond memories for me but as an SBL venue it’s definitely lower on the list than it probably could or should be if some money was put into it by its current management in Belgravia Leisure. League Ranking – 13^th

 

Mike Barnett Sports Complex (Rockingham Flames)

From my first love to my current one, The Hothouse as it is more commonly known down in the Southern Suburbs is definitely a stadium which is similar to Wally Hagan in that you either love it or you hate it. Whether it be the wide open spaces making depth perception almost impossible for visiting teams to get used to in warm ups, or visiting ‘stars’ being heckled by the clown on the microphone down there or his mates in the always popular Baseline Bar, MBSC is very much one of the most unique venues in the League.

Pro’s – Good music, great expert commentary… Ok, OK I kid but I had to do a bit of self-advertising in this post somewhere! You will always find a good atmosphere down at most Flames home games, with decent crowds filling the Grandstand and always a good number of people enjoying the view from the Bar which stretches across the length of the Baseline down the Flames bench end of the court. And it would be remiss of me not to mention the best sound effect in the League in Ann-Marie Foster with her spectacular ‘Wah Wah Wahhhhhhh’ after each missed opposition free throw driving both visiting players and spectators crazy and always looking back to see who it was making that amazing noise!

Con’s – The scoreboard definitely tops this list… with many a people requiring an eye check after looking at this thing for too long given its amazing brightness! (Which I guarantee you all even annoys us Rocko people haha) Now I don’t see this as a con but just because of the space between the sideline and the Grandstand, it is almost guaranteed that someone each and every game will step out of bounds on that far sideline due to the lack of depth perception / awareness as to where you are on the court, particularly when the lines cross over with the other courts running in the complete opposite direction!

A very nice court to play on, but a court that can be very tough to shoot on if you don’t get your eye in early, the Hothouse is certainly not one of the worst places to play in the League compared to other venues. Word is the City of Rockingham are planning on upgrading the rings in the New Year too so hopefully they keep that promise true as I know that is another area which definitely needs to improve on not only the SBL Court, but even the other five wooden courts down at MBSC. League Ranking – 6^th

 

Warwick Stadium (Stirling Senators)

The newest venue in the League and unfortunately I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the new stadium yet, but if all else fails I am up there in the last week of WABL this year with my Under 14s so I will definitely see it then! From all reports a very nice court and the improvement from the worst grandstand in the history of grandstands from their old SBL Court, to the new version – is phenomenal, which is great to hear!

Pro’s – From the players I have spoken to who have played up there, it’s a great court to play on but it will take some time for the rings to become a little more ‘shooter friendly’ given their newness (Yes that is our new word for the week people, start using it in your conversations)

Con’s – The only negative I have heard about Warwick is that whenever there is a hint of humidity in the air, it gets very sticky inside the new stadium very quickly and makes it more like an NT venue rather than one which is in WA.

Was never going to be that negative given it’s the newest venue in the League and aside from the humidity issues, from all reports it really is worth the millions of dollars spent on its creation. Exciting times ahead in the far northern suburbs with both Stirling and Joondalup to be in new / redeveloped stadiums by 2018! League Ranking – 7^th

 

Willetton Basketball Stadium (Willetton Tigers)

One of the oldest venues in the League, Willo usually gets a negative rep – particularly from clubs in the south who have to play them twice a year at WABL level in 16s and 18s; because such is the success of their program that you always know it is going to be damn tough to walk out of that stadium with a W. This is further magnified at SBL level with somewhat of an ‘open bank account’ when it comes to their playing list, and the Tigers are definitely a club where success isn’t welcomed, it’s demanded at all levels. This reflects in their supporter base also and the WBS can be very intimidating for any visiting SBL team given its very ‘closed’ nature as well as the somewhat intimidating bar hanging over one end of the court.

Pro’s – Beautiful court to play on, given its age – and you get a sense of the history and success in the place whenever you walk into Court 1 at Willo. Great location opposite food outlets and a major shopping centre makes it appealing for the whole family as well as some of the best toasted sandwiches in the League (Cockburn does have them covered though in this regard!!)

Con’s – Wall to court ratio is closer than may appear from the sideline, hence why the installed padding on them (With tigers logo on it of course) a couple of years ago mean any fast break could have dire consequences for any player not able to stay on their feet. Not sure if they’re still used but I remember a few years ago the visitors changerooms were underneath the main grandstand and were ridiculously cramped – definitely a negative for all players over 6’2!!

Willo have been approaching the local council for a much needed redevelopment, with the popularity of their perennially successful program meaning they have well and truly outgrown the WBS in its current form, and here is hoping the State Government recognises the petition the club had going last year and grants them the appropriate funds to re-develop the four outdoor courts so Willo can continue to grow a program that many are envious of not only in WA but across the country. League Ranking – 9^th

 

R@nD0m’s League Stadium Rankings (Best to Worst)

 

1^st – Eighth St Stadium (Geraldton Buccaneers)

2^nd – Brookman St Stadium (Goldfields Giants)

3^rd – Bendat Basketball Centre (Perry Lakes Hawks)

4^th – Wally Hagan Stadium (Cockburn Cougars)

5^th – Joondalup Basketball Stadium (Joondalup Wolves)

6^th – Warwick Stadium (Stirling Senators)

7^th – Mike Barnett Sports Complex (Rockingham Flames)

8^th – Lakeside Recreation Centre (Lakeside Lightning)

9^th – Willetton Basketball Stadium (Willetton Tigers)

10^th – Ray Owen Sports Centre (Kalamunda Eastern Suns)

11^th – Eaton Recreation Centre (South West Slammers)

12^th – Morley Sport & Rec Centre (East Perth Eagles)

13^th – Belmont Oasis (Perth Redbacks)

14^th – Mandurah Aquatic & Leisure Centre (Mandurah Magic)

 

                                                                                                                                                                       

 

Here is my look at Week 13 in the Men’s State Basketball League. With the All-Star game all done and dusted, now it gets down to the Business end of the season where a few questions will need to be answered:

 

• Is East Perth the only REAL threat of getting back into the Top 8? The four teams below them in the Giants, Slammers, Lightning & Magic are all on huge losing streaks and it is very hard to see any of them having a drastic form reversal any time soon!
• How far can Perth climb up the Ladder? The spiders have won six out of their past seven games with the only blemish being a tough loss up in the Midwest, but with likely wins against Goldfields x 2, Lakeside x 2, Mandurah plus winnable games against Perry Lakes & East Perth… it could see them finish as high as Third or Fourth if results go their way in the final few weeks!
• Could Lakeside finish with the Wooden Spoon? Horrible road form so far this season (1-4 at the moment) and eight out of their last twelve away from The Church means this could be a very realistic possibility!!

 

Hawks @ South West (Eaton Rec Centre 8:30pm Fri Night)

Perry Lakes impressing with a double digit win over the more fancied Tigers at HQ last weekend, whilst the Slammers extended their losing streak to six with a home loss to the Senators on Sunday night. Hawks will also have the added pressure of worrying about fatigue ahead of their home game versus the Wolfpack on Sunday afternoon.

Key Matchup – Hobbs vs Nichols… On the proviso of course that Hobbs is fit!

Hawks to continue the Slammers losing misery, defeating them by 19

 

Tigers @ Lakeside (The Church 8:30pm Friday Night)

Local derby here and with only four remaining home games, Lakeside will want to win every single one of them. Very hard to see that happening though, with the Tigers out for redemption after being embarrassed against the Hawks in Week 12. God Squad needing more from the likes of Shervill, Bell & the younger Lightning brigade to help out Alexander & Hallice if they want to cause the upset in this one.

Key Matchup – Bowie vs Alexander… A Guaranteed shootout!

Willo to bounce back to form with a 14 point W

 

Eagles @ Cockburn (Wally Hagan Stadium Fri Night 8pm) **Game of the Week**

What a matchup this will be as the second placed Cougars host the resurgent East Perth down in Hammy Hill. Big factor here will be Cockburn with only the one loss at home this season, whilst the Eagles are 3 – 4 away from Morley. Former Cougar Junior Vague taking on his old club is always good to watch and his duel with ‘Shaggy’ Field will likely be a big factor in who gets the W here.

Key Matchup – Jervis vs Goode… A battle of two of the best big men in the League as the Length & Smarts of Jervis goes up against the ‘Fridge’ that is Goode (Tall and Wide for the younger generation who don’t get the reference!)

At home, Cougars to get the W by 2 ahead of a Saturday night clash up in Lesmurdie

 

Magic @ Geraldton (Eighth St Stadium 7:30pm Sat Night)

Mandurah in more pain than a speculative Malcolm Turnbull election promise at the moment, head to Gero to take on a Buccs side who are struggling on the road but still undefeated at home. How much will the injury to Adekponya & the loss of Samuelson affect the Midwest side may not be seen in its full effect tonight, but it could play a major role in seeing just where the Buccs finish this season.

Key Matchup – Setty vs Ralph… Setty is the only reason this might not be a 50 point blowout if he can keep the Magic in this!

Buccs in an absolute mauling by 27

 

Redbacks @ Goldfields (Brookman St Stadium 7:30pm Sat Night)

Redbacks on fire since the return of Vigor, allowing Thomas to really play a pure 4 man spot and cause matchup headaches for a lot of teams! Goldfields relying purely on Manigault & Holmen need to find something, heck anything out of their Australians if the Giants are to push for a Finals berth come mid-late July

Key Matchup – Manigault vs Demunyck… If the Giants stud import can contain the Spiders Shooting Guard, an upset isn’t out of the question up in what will be a very cold Kalgoorlie!

Redbacks to survive a scare, winning by 9

 

Senators @ Rockingham (Mike Barnett Sports Complex 8:30pm Saturday Night)

Flames outclassed on their home floor last weekend by Perth, backup at home to take on a Senators side that have eyes firmly on the Top Four. Senators surviving a late comeback down at Eaton on Sunday and will fancy themselves in this one down in the wide open spaces of Mike Barnett. Corban Wroe’s first visit to the Hothouse and his matchup with Taylor Land / Ryan Godfrey will be very interesting to say the least!

Key Matchup – Ellis vs C Land… A matchup of two of the best scorers in the League should guarantee an entertaining battle to say the least. Whoever gets the upper hand in this one should prove the winning factor for their team also!

Flames in a thriller by 2

 

Cougars @ Kalamunda (Shed in the Sticks 8:30pm Saturday Night)

This could go one of two ways for the Suns – Either they push the Cougars who will be on the back end of a double header and keep it to a 10 – 20 point ‘respectable’ loss, or Gav Field & Najee Lane have their way from the opening tip-off and Kalamunda are embarrassed on their home court by 40 – 50 odd points. Either way I can’t see them genuinely challenging Cockburn enough to get the win here even if it is up in the Hills.

Key Matchup – Lane vs McGill… A bit hard to pick a key matchup in this one considering I don’t think Coach Clarke and the Suns have had the same starting 5 two weeks in a row, such is the nature of the system he is running up there. Lane once again a likely MVP candidate and it will be up to McGill to nullify his influence if the Suns are to keep this anywhere near respectable

I think it will be a tough day at the office for the boys from the Hills… Cougars by 46

 

Wolves @ Perry Lakes (Headquarters 2pm Sunday Arvo)

The League Leaders head to Floreat to take on a Hawks side who back up after the trip down to the South West on Friday night to take on the Slammers. Only game for the weekend for the Wolfpack so expect them to be fresh and fierce early on to try and really break this game open against Perry Lakes who might be fatigued if it is a close one on the road on Friday night.

Key Matchup – Davis vs Purser… Really a battle of two complete opposites, with the supreme Athleticism of Kevin Davis set to do battle with the brute Strength of Ben Purser. Everyone knows the prowess and ability of KD to just blow the game open with a highlight block or dunk at any opportunity, but if Purser can use some of his natural aggression and physicality against the Wolves’ US stud, the Hawks might be in this for a lot longer than Etto & Co might like.

Wolves to get up in a close one by 5

 

Lightning @ East Perth (Morley Sport & Rec Centre 2pm Sunday Arvo)

Final game of the round here and both these sides coming off games earlier in the weekend means bench depth will play a fairly big piece in determining the winner. For Lakeside it really is a question as to who can stop big man Jervis inside, as if he gets the likes of Alexander or Hallice in foul trouble early, this one could be over before the Half.

Key Matchup – Alexander vs Vague… Clash of two pure scorers: In Alexander you have one of the most consistent and accurate shooters in the League set to go up against Vague who on his night, can light up the court like few others in the League. How these two defend each other will likely be the key rather than what they do on the offensive end

Depth would be Lakeside’s biggest disadvantage this season, and for that reason along with their 1-4 record away from The Church, I will go with the Eagles to get the choccies by 15

Article by Travis Young
Photo by Mick Cronin