Ice House is going to be electric

A SHOOTOUT between two red-hot teams is set to light up Mt Gambier’s Ice House on Friday night, with Supercats women’s coach Matthew Paton tipping high scores in his side’s clash with the Pioneers.

The NBL1’s top two sides are averaging more than 80 points a game this season, having each lost only once, and Paton said his players could not wait for the trip to South Australia for the top-of-theladder showdown.

“From previous experience, it’s an electric environment, Mt Gambier have done a great job of supporting their women’s program, so it should be a lot of fun,” he said.

With a short turnaround following a “physical and tiring weekend” in which Geelong won both games of its double header, the Supercats have put an emphasis on recovery this week. “Our first priority was recovery and body management,” Paton said.

“We spent a decent amount of time at practice going through and reflecting on what we did well and what we think we can improve on from watching our film from the Knox and Eltham games.”

But the coach said he was well aware of the many strengths of the Pioneers

“From one to five in their starting line-up, they really don’t have a weak spot,” he said. “Across the board they are very athletic, very strong, and can all shoot the three-ball. Everyone is going to have to be accountable.”

Geelong may boast WNBL stars such as Sara Blicavs and Aimie Rocci in its line-up, but Paton said his bench players and commitment to their teammates had been key to its impressive start to the season.

“I don’t think I’ve coached too many teams that have been more pleased with their teammates’ success,” he said.

“Whether it’s them getting on the court for three or five minutes, or hitting a couple of key baskets down the stretch, there’s genuine excitement.

“It makes for a really competitive training environment, and it’s no coincidence that the competitiveness at training has produced the results of the team being as successful as it is.”