Rockets Women have consecutive opening season wins

The North Adelaide Rockets women have opened the 2015 Premier League season with two consecutive wins. On Saturday night, the women defended their home court and defeated the Woodville Warriors by 34 points.

The Rockets women began the game with a really strong start. They played with good defensive pressure up the floor, minimising scoring opportunities for the Warriors. Coach Brenton Johnston had subs in early, allowing for the Rockets to continue with their intense front court pressure. A couple of early baskets from Kirsty Williams and Shannon McKay and the dominating strength inside the key from Jo Hill down both ends of the court allowed the Rockets to enter the first break with a 14 point lead.

Scoring wise, the second quarter started slowly for both teams with the first points being scored with only 4 minutes remaining. The Rockets were able to take advantage of some fast break opportunities towards the end of the second quarter which allowed them to build on their already solid lead. Both Jo Hill and Jamie-Lee Peris were able to make baskets under heavy pressure from the Woodville defence. The Rockets kept the Warriors to just 14 points in the first half, allowing themselves to enter the half time break with a solid 16 point lead.

The third quarter began with both teams trading baskets until the Rockets women were able to extend their lead after some solid outside shooting and a 3 point play from veteran Jo Hill. Genna Anderson also had a strong quarter, hitting some of her trademark shots from just outside the key. At three quarter time the Rockets had extended their lead to 19.

It was during the fourth quarter when the Rockets women really began to extend their lead, outscoring the Warriors 27 to 12. Coaches Brenton Johnston and John Della-Pia took advantage of the lead and rotated all 12 players into the game, allowing the bench players to play significant minutes. A series of aggressive drives to the basket by Jess Cook (Smart) and a fast break lay-up from Jamie-Lee Peris added to the Rockets lead during the fourth quarter. Sophie Byrne finished the game with a 3 point buzzer beating, cementing the Rockets win over the Warriors 71 – 37.

The Premier League Women play their next home game this Saturday night 28th March at 6:30pm at Hillcrest Stadium. 




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