NBL1 West 2023: Slammers women look to bounce back after heavy loss

The South West Slammers women’s team could have to contend with a former club MVP when they host the Kalamunda Eastern Suns on Saturday night at the Eaton Recreation Centre.

Makailah Dyer — who turned heads during her season with the Slammers in 2019 — has the potential to be a match-winner for the visitors, who impressed during their 82-65 win over the Perth Redbacks.

Aside from Dyer’s brilliance, the Slammers defenders will need to curtail Natalie Chou, a US underage representative player, who has been used brilliantly off the bench so far this season by coach Tim Rendulic.

The younger Slammers players, who have been starved of victories at NB1 West level, will need to ensure they retain possession against their older opponents in a bid to be competitive for lengthy passages of play — last week they had 18 turnovers in the first half.

Alex Ciabattoni’s initiation into NBL1 West coaching was a tough one, with the Slammers defeated 89-39 by the Mandurah Magic on Easter Thursday.

Scouting report

(Eastern Suns)

League position: 4th. Last round: defeated Perth Redbacks 82-65; top performer (v Eastern Suns) — Makailah Dyer (26 points — 4/9 field goal attempts, 3/8 three-point attempts, 9/11 free throw attempts, five rebounds, five assists, two steals).