Sarah Mozley

The Willetton Tigers' WSBL recent success has not been a fluke.

After a few losses early in the season the girls have bounced back and only lost one game since round two.  

Last week they recorded big wins against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns (70-64) and Mandurah Magic (64-52).

Head coach Simon Parker says their success over the last round was the result of hard work and determination.

“It was a great outcome for the girls but they worked really hard to get both wins,” Parker said.

“I think our defence has been very good, limiting teams to low scores has been a big focus but it's making us productive on the offensive end also.”

US import Laina Snyder was named WSBL Player of the Week, the second time this season, for her efforts in both games.

She finished with a game high 25 points and 14 rebounds against the Suns on Thursday, and a team high 18 points against Magic on Sunday.

Parker said Snyder has become an on-court leader with the intensity she plays with.

“Laina’s best quality as a player is the intensity that she plays with, she is very active, she is a very smart and her leadership on court has been very valuable especially as we have a young group of players,” Parker said.

Another highlight from the round was captain Desiree Kelley, who has been one of the Tigers' most consistent and valuable players this season.

She racked up 22 points, nine rebounds against the Suns, and 17 points, six rebounds and six steals against Magic.

Parker said Kelley has worked hard on all areas of her game and is setting a strong example to her team.

“I'm extremely happy to see all the work Desiree has put in is starting to pay off for her on court, she has been doing extra work away from the group with her fitness, strength and shooting and it's really starting to show,” Parker said.

“She plays extremely hard and has been very productive in many areas of the game, scoring is up and she is leading the league in steals, being a young captain she really leading by example.”

As the Tigers approach the halfway mark of the season, Parker knows there’s plenty more work to be done to maintain their success.

“We want to be confident but we have to have the game to back it up, we are a team that works hard to get the results we have been achieving, we know if we keep working hard in the right areas we will win games of basketball.”