Top four hope fires the Flames

The Rockingham Flames’ bid for a top-four finish to the Women’s State Basketball League season remains on course following wins over Kalamunda Eastern Suns and Perry Lakes Hawks at the weekend.

Now unbeaten in their past eight matches, the Flames moved into the competition’s top three after accounting for Kalamunda by four points on Friday.

In a see-sawing match at the Mike Barnett Sports Complex, Rockingham raced to a nine-point quarter-time lead before the Suns drew level at half-time.

The sides traded baskets for the remainder of the match, but Rockingham held sway to complete a hard-fought 90-86 win.

Import Emma Cannon was immense for the home side, netting 44 points and claiming 27 rebounds.

Cannon has been the driving force behind Rockingham’s remarkable charge up the ladder this season and averages nearly 27 points a game.

Kaye Tucker and Jacinta Bourne were also important for the Flames, emerging with 19 and 10 points respectively.

Cannon again led all scorers with a game-high 26 points in Saturday’s win over Perry Lakes.

Rockingham laid an impressive foundation in the first half to lead by 23 points at the long break.

They were briefly challenged in the third quarter, but had far too much firepower for the ninth-placed Hawks en route to a 58-84 win.

Tucker (12 points) and Bourne (11) were again impressive, as was Holly Coomey, who netted 12 points in her best offensive contribution of the season.

Rockingham have a bye this weekend before a double-header against Mandurah Magic (home) and Perth Redbacks (away).

A real test of Rockingham’s premiership credentials is likely to come a week later against ladder-leaders South West Slammers.

The Bunbury side are unbeaten in their past six matches and are yet to lose on their home court this season.

However, Rockingham have emerged as one side likely to put that record under significant threat.

After opening the season with one win in four matches, the Flames have shown themselves to be genuine premiership contenders on the back of eight matches unbeaten.