NBL1 West: Slammers face another development lesson against enigmatic East Perth Eagles

Her side might have copped a heavy 106-51 loss against the slick Joondalup Wolves last Saturday night at HBF Arena, but new South West Slammers women’s coach Robyn Vogel still found positives to take from the performance.

Take Javene Fitch for example.

“I think the way Javene bodied up on Teige Morrell — she did really well,” Vogel said. “Morrell is a player who has got considerable experience and size.

“Joondalup are a really tough team and I think they are probably going to go all of the way.

“They are so strong and they have obviously worked very hard over the pre-season in getting their offences organised. Our girls are still developing.”

Despite recovering from a bout of illness leading up to the game, Perth Lynx recruit Alex Ciabattoni again helped provide leadership out on the floor. American import Tylinn Carter led the offence with 21 points.

Vogel and her Slammers head to the Herb Graham Recreation Centre on Saturday night, where they will square off against a Maria Blazejewski-inspired East Perth Eagles.

Although a middle-of-the-road team right now, Blazejewski — an American import who also plays for WNBL side Sydney Uni Flames — is averaging more than 20 points a game and has the potential to lift her team to greater heights.

“We just need to make sure we co-ordinate together out on the floor and run our offences correctly,” Vogel said. “We need to make sure we look out and have faith in each other, along with working hard on the defensive end.”

Scouting report:

(Eagles)

League position: 9th; last round: lost to Lakeside Lightning 81-71; top performer (v Lightning) — Maria Blazejewski (26 points — 7/15 field goal attempts, 3/6 three-point attempts, 3/3 free throw attempts, eight rebounds, three assists).