Saints out to stop Wildcats
BASKETBALL: Despite Warwick’s Big Q dominance to date, the Saints still have a glimmer of hope of snatching the minor premiership, and a potential home grand final in the process.
With just two rounds remaining, the league’s most experienced team is in a precarious position.
Beating Warwick in their last two games would force a count-back for first position, however if they were to fall to the Wildcats twice the door would open for Harristown to sneak a top-two berth.
Despite the tough run home, confidence is high on the back of a 40-point demolition of the Runnin’ Rebels, and player-coach Trevor Grieve said securing a spot in the top-two was their main priority with two games against Warwick remaining.
“We’re not too concerned about the minor premiership. It’s ideal to be first or second to get two bits at the cherry,” Grieve said. “The winner goes straight through to the grand final from there so we don’t want to lose that spot.
“One win (against Warwick) should see us through in the top-two. The ideal situation is if we beat them at home this weekend so next weekend on the road isn’t so important.”
Despite the daunting task of matching up with the unbeaten Wildcats, Grieve believes his side’s experience and unity as a team gave them a chance to knock them off.
“Their primary scorer is always going to be James (Legan). I’ve personally known him for many years both with and against him in Toowoomba,” he said.
“He’s a real threat from outside so we want to get a hand in his face. It’s not going to stop him from shooting, so we want to make it as hard as possible for him.
“If it stays close we can back the face we’ve played together for a long time to execute down the end. They’ll be primarily looking to James which makes it a bit easer to control the fire, whereas we’ve all played together and can get it to whoever has the hot hand.”
One of their strike weapons is young guard Henry Adler, and Grieve said his pace in transition created a new dimension for the team.
“Henry has been one of our strengths,” he said.
“He shot the ball well from deep early against Harristown and got us on the front foot.
“Because he’s young and fit, conditioning takes its toll on other guys. He’s the sort of guy that if he’s out in front of us we’ll throw him the ball.”
“Transition isn’t a major part of our game, but it helps if someone can get out and run.”