Flames crash to third loss

The Rockingham Flames sit at the bottom of the State Basketball League ladder after crashing to a third consecutive loss against the Wanneroo Wolves at the weekend.

Picture by Vision Inspired Photography: New Wolves import Jordan Wild looks to block out Rhett Della Maddalena.

In guard Trent Gerovich’s 200th game, the Flames proved little match for the top-of-thetable Wolves, who stretched their winning record to four matches, courtesy of a 119-83 triumph.

The result compounds the Flames’ horror start to the new season, which began with defeat against Lakeside Lightning and the Goldfields Giants the previous weekend.

Down by 14 at half-time, Rockingham were put to the sword by Wanneroo in the final quarter as the Wolves piled on40 points to 16 to put the exclamation mark on a 36-point win.

Jackson Hussey was particularly damaging for Wanneroo, netting a game-high 27 points, including 13 in a devastating third quarter.

For Rockingham, Percell Coles highlighted an impressive individual effort with 21 points.

Of particular concern for Flames coach Mark Utely will be his side’s three-point shooting, after they converted just two of 17 attempts from outside the paint.

Things do not get any easier for Rockingham this weekend, with a trip to Cockburn to face the Cougars.

Meanwhile, regional rivals Mandurah Magic continued their recent dominance over the Stirling Senators by way of a 96-86 win at the Warwick Leisure Centre.

Taylor Mullenax was again instrumental for the sixth-placed Magic, netting 37 points to follow his 38-point haul against the Perry Lakes Hawks a week earlier.

In women’s State Basketball League action, Rockingham slumped to their second straight loss of the new season after lowering their colours to Wanneroo.

It was a similar story for Mandurah, who also remain winless after going down to Stirling 67-48.