NBL1 West: Olympic star Maley set to hitthe boards as Redbacks come to Albany in search of finals certainty

Perth Lynx captain and brilliant forward Anneli Maley will headline an exciting women’s NBL1 West contest in Albany on Saturday. While the men are fighting for scraps in the race to the finals, the Hawks and Redbacks women are well in the hunt ahead of the regional blockbuster. Redbacks are third and Hawks sixth on the NBL1 West ladder with Redbacks in a rich vein of form that has seen them win four of their last five games. Both sides could have fielded Olympic athletes, with Maley in the Redbacks’ squad and Sami Whitcomb on the roster for Hawks. While Maley is a confirmed starter in Albany, Whitcomb, a bronze medallist with the Australian Opals at the Paris Olympics, will not make the trip as she is in America with her WNBA team Phoenix Mercury. Set to star for the Redbacks are UCLA graduate Natalie Chou and development player Alaska Rhebok, but 2023 championship player Patricia Brossman is out of action. Redbacks chief executive Ryan Lenegan said Saturday’s clash was important in terms of likely finals match-ups. “We want to put some space between ourselves and the Hawks so we can secure that second chance home final,” he said. Hawks women’s coach Craig Mansfield is happy to take his side to the country. “It is great to have the opportunity to showcase the NBL1 and basketball in all areas of WA,” he said. “Our squad includes several players and coaches who grew up in regional areas so it is fun for us to promote the game more widely and hopefully inspire some potential athletes, coaches and clubs with our league. “Our last game against Redbacks was highly competitive so it should be an entertaining match up for spectators. “Hopefully we can make a few adjustments and have improved enough as a group to come away with a win.” When the sides met on April 17 Redbacks edged a thrilling contest 96-91, Maley enjoying a 37-point haul on the night. Top scorer for Hawks was Alex Fowler with 27 points as Whitcomb bagged 23. Last time out, in round 13, the Hawks walloped East Perth Eagles 104-58 while the Redbacks were 82-66 winners over Eastern Suns. The women’s match tips off at 5pm.