Spirit faces Flyers in Ballarat

BENDIGO Spirit puts a five-match winning streak on the line when it faces Southside Flyers in this Sunday’s match to complete week five in the Cygnett Women’s National Basketball League season.

Unbeaten and on top of the ladder, Bendigo will take on the reigning champions in Ballarat.

Both clubs marked impressive wins in round four.

The Kennedy Kereama-coached Spirit handled the heat and a strong Townsville line-up to record an eight-point victory in the Fire’s pit on Saturday night.

Gun guard Sami Whitcomb again led Spirit’s attack on 30 points and also won six rebounds and dished out seven assists.

The play of Abbey Wehrung, 17 points and six rebounds; and Casey Samuels, 12 points; and Marianna Tolo, 12 points, was crucial to Spirit’s streak rolling on.

There will be plenty of feeling in the Bendigo and Southside clash.

Flyers is now coached by Bendigo Spirit and Australian Opals legend Kristi Harrower.

A four-time Olympian, Kristi is in the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year Basil Ashman Hall of Fame which is on display at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena.

Coach of Spirit’s two WNBL championship-winning teams, Bernie Harrower is an assistant coach at Southside.

The Flyers scored a 98-77 victory against UCC Capitals in last Sunday’s match at the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna.

The Flyers’ attack was led by Naz Hillman, 24 points; Alice Kunek, 18; and Dallas Loughridge, 16.

Sunday’s clash between Spirit and Flyers tips off at 12.30pm at the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre in Norman Street, Wendouree.