ROUND 9 TEAM OF THE WEEK
The Round 9 Team of the Week features Kelsey Griffin, who earns her sixth team of the week nod while Lauren Nicholson and Asia Taylor both gain their second honour of 2018/19. For Sydney, Tahlia Tupaea earns her first spot after playing a starring role in Sydney’s upset win against the Boomers, while Kayla Pedersen represents Dandenong in this week’s team.
Round 9 Player of the Week Lauren Nicholson heads up the team as Adelaide went 2-0 on the weekend, fighting their way into the top four as Nicholson averaged 24.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists across the two wins.
After starring in a victory over Melbourne, Tahlia Tupaea makes the team with an average of 16.5 points, three assists and four steals per game across the weekend.
The Flames split their Round 9 double-header but it was their Saturday afternoon victory over the Boomers in which Tupaea made her mark with a game-high 21 points which included the last four points of the contest to get her side over the line.
Another team that pulled off a stunning upset was the Jayco Rangers. After succumbing to the Lynx at home by 25 points last time they faced off at Dandenong Stadium, this time the Rangers put on a stellar offensive display to run away 20-point victors.
Kayla Pedersen was outstanding for the home side, collecting a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds as the Rangers secured a crucial win to keep them in contact with the top four.
Despite that loss, the Lynx still split their round with a win over the Spirit on Friday and Asia Taylor has been named to the Team of the week after averaging 25 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
Taylor’s best performance of the round came against Bendigo, putting up 33 points on 52% shooting to go along with nine rebounds, two assists and five steals.
UC Capitals captain Kelsey Griffin has continued her stellar season by earning her sixth Team of the Week nod for the year. She did a bit of everything in a win over the Spirit, totalling 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block.
Honourable Mentions: Nicole Seekamp (Adelaide Lightning), Nadeen Payne (Bendigo Bank Spirit), Bec Cole (Jayco Rangers) and Marianna Tolo (UC Capitals).