GEELONG vs KILSYTH

A lot is at stake in this game as both teams need to win to have a chance of securing their respective conference minor premiership.  Geelong is on an eight game winning streak and will secure first place in the South with a victory over Kilsyth and should Nunawading lose to Canberra.  Worst case scenario is second place should they win this game.  However with a loss to Kilsyth the Supercats could fall to third if Hobart beats Ballarat.

Kilsyth moved into first place last week after two great victories over Sandringham and Dandenong, and are currently on a six game winning streak.  If Bendigo defeats Mt Gambier the Cobras have to win to consolidate first position, otherwise they will finish second and have to travel to Bendigo next week for the Semi Final.

Geelong are the best offensive team in the league averaging 92pts a game, but will be tested this week against the best defensive team in the competition.  Kilsyth have held their opponents to an average 73pts this season and defeated the Supercats 93-69 in rd11 this season already.

The defensive skills of reigning East Men Defensive player of the Year Quincy Henderson will need to be showcased this week against the Supercats sharp shooters Nathan Herbert and Ismail Muhammad.  He can’t defend both players, but which player is Coach Grant Wallace going to choose to stop?  Both Herbert and Muhammad have been the catalyst behind the Supercats eight game winning streak as together they have averaged 53pts, 14rebs and 7ass in the eight games.  Quincy is going to need a lot of help from his team mates to contain the two inform players of the league.

Our Tip – Geelong by 10

Playing coach Anthony Stewart has been providing the team with great leadership and is averaging 25.5pts, 3.5rebs, 6.3ass in his past 4 games.  This is an important game for Hobart as a victory could see them move into second position if Geelong loses to Kilsyth.  Ballarat are travelling with only eight players this week and will be without star import Drake Reed.

After a disappointing stretch of games at home the Braves have lost their number one position and now must beat Mt Gambier and hope that Kilsyth lose to Geelong to clinch the East Minor Premiership.  Braves import Ivan McFarlin has been solid in recent games and his battle in the paint with Andrew Rice is sure to have a major impact on the games final outcome. 

Both teams are out of the finals picture, but both will be keen to end their 2010 campaign with a victory.  Thunder Imports Martin and Gary have been solid all season and will be keen to produce another exceptional game in front of their adopted home fans, and increase their chances of returning for another season next year. 

Nunawading need to win to secure the South Men Minor Premiership.  Canberra scored a victory over Mt Gambier last week and will be keen to finish their season with another win.  A lot will be expected of youngster Maalo Hicks in this game as the Spectres have lost veteran leadership and frontcourt offensive power with Greer and Cameron not playing. 

Knox is currently on a three game winning streak and with another victory this week will clinch third place and host Brisbane next week in the Semi Finals.  Since the injury to John Philip, Raiders import Lester Strong has averaged 27pts and 11rebs in the past three games which are both well above his season average of 16pts and 10rebs. 

Sandringham has had a horror run in recent weeks, losing six of there past seven matches and falling from first place on the ladder to third.  Sandringham need to win this week and hope Hobart lose to Ballarat otherwise there drastic fall down the ladder will continue as they will finish the regular season in fourth position and forced to play finals games on the road.

Brisbane needs to win and hope the Raiders lose to Albury/Wodonga to have any hope of hosting a conference final this season.  Brisbane recorded an 8pt victory over the Rangers in rd1, but both teams have changed significantly since this game.