Next-gen stars put out Sparks

THE Geelong Lady Supercats’ roster depth has passed an important mid-season test, demolishing new franchise Sydney Sparks by 33 points, 68-35, in a low-scoring encounter in the Harbour City.

With regular stars Sara Blicavs and Alex Bunton on Australian Opals duties in Phoenix, Arizona, and effervescent guard Alex Duck on leave, the next generation of Lady Supercats was summoned to rise to the challenge of quelling the Karen Dalton-coached Sparks, eventually doing so with relative ease.

“I’m really proud with the way the group stepped up,” coach David Herbert said.

“When you lose 30 points and 20 rebounds you must find other ways to win and I think we did a terrific job, we came out ready to go.

“We paid attention to detail, we followed the scout well and they struggled to score making only 11 of 61 (18 per cent) from the field.”

Chantel Horvat shouldered the bulk of the scoring burden with a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds, while Isabella Brancatisano chimed in with 15 points and eight boards. A revelation emerged in the form of Eve Braslis, with the sharpshooting teen landing 14 points at 75 per cent, to go along with her 10 rebounds and three assists in a superb 26-minute contribution for the visitors.

While the Sparks were missing aggressive Minnesota Lynx WNBA-draftee Tahlia Tupaea, they weren’t without their stars adding Sydney Flames WNBL guard Sarah Graham to a lineup that already featured Shanae Greaves.

“They have those experienced players surrounded by a band of development players all heading toward the WNBL,” Herbert said.

“So, it was a test of our youth as well and I thought we stood up. It showed that our future looks very bright.”