Women’s division one basketball final preview: Olympians v CBC

Olympians

Olympians are under no illusions about how difficult it will be to repeat their semifinal heroics against Collegians in the division one women’s grand final at Niels Hansen Basketball Stadium tonight.

The sensational 68-66 win last Friday tarnished CBC’s unblemished 2019-20 record and proved the six-time reigning premiers are fallible after all.

But player-coach Jaymi Worthington played down the gravity of the triumph, pointing out one or two qualifying factors that worked in her team’s favour last week.

“It was the first time we’ve beaten them this season and we’re well aware they were missing one of their key players in Mackenzie Clinch-Hoycard,” Worthington said.

“She has a big impact on the game and we know how dominant she can be.”

That’s not to say Olympians have written themselves off.

In fact, Worthington said there was plenty for the underdogs to be optimistic about.

“We have a strong belief within the group,” Worthington said.

“I think we’re a really good unit. We’ve got 10 players and everyone backs each other up.

Olympians will also be spared the pressure associated with title favouritism, entering the match with precious little to lose.

Collegians

Collegians will be out for redemption against Olympians during the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association division one women’s grand final tonight, according to CBC coach Miles Tierney.

CBC appeared, for all money, to be waltzing towards their seventh consecutive gong before the second semifinal on February 13, when their long-term rivals pulled off a stunning 68-66 upset.

It was the team’s first loss since December 6, 2018, also to Olympians.

But Tierney said his charges were in good spirits following the shock defeat, buoyed by the prospect of recapturing their best form during the title decider.

“I think (the loss) was needed just to remind the girls that, on any given day, any team can win, realistically,” Tierney said.

“It was a good wake-up call for them and, by the same token, they really want to get out there and redeem themselves.

“Especially because a lot of people have been talking to them about the loss. They just want to go out there and show that they are the best side.

“I think the girls are feeling pretty good about it all, to be honest. They’re more excited than anything.”

It seems the novelty of winning titles has not worn off on the six-time reigning premiers.