Tucker hails new import

Rockingham Flames captain Kaye Tucker praised new import Sammy Whitcomb’s impact as the surprise ladder-leaders chase their ninth-straight win in the Women’s State Basketball League.

Coach Ryan Petrik told the Telegraph in January he would be happy to make the finals by finishing in the top eight, but the Flames’ plans were thrown into disarray when reigning MVP Emma Cannon reneged on a decision to return to Australia.

The club swooped to pick up Whitcomb, who has repaid Petrik’s faith with a string of sensational outings.

The Flames continued their hot streak to down second-placed Wanneroo 73-47, with top-scorer Whitcomb’s 25-point haul crucial to the win.

“Sammy has been fantastic since she came in and has given us a lift, there’s lots of positive energy around the club at the moment,” Tucker said.

“Sammy actually played in the same league as Emma Cannon and was equal top-scorer in the German league and also led steals as well.

“She’s definitely the same calibre as Emma and we’re absolutely stoked to have her out here.

“She fits in not only on the court but also socially, which is really important to have everyone gelling on and off the court.”

Tucker believes the Flames are well on their way to another memorable season, after making their inaugural grand final appearance against the South West Slammers last year.

“At the start of the season, Ryan was happy to make the eight because we didn’t think Cannon was coming out until round 9/10,” she said.

“Obviously, that fell through and we got Sammy earlier and that boost of talent — and got some more wins on the board.

“I guess now we’re aiming for a top one-two finish, not in the four-five- six area, if we can finish there we’re in good stead for the finals series.”

While the women are flying high, Flames’ men’s side, coached by Mark Utley, have won just twice in 10 games and are in the middle of a rebuilding process.

Tucker, who has spent 11 years at Rockingham, believes plans are afoot for both sides to challenge for finals on a regular basis in coming years.

“I think last year was a big boost for us making the grand finals for the first time,” she said.

“We’re one club, that includes the men, they’re in a bit of a rebuilding phase, with two good imports, Steven (Bennett) and Cooper (Land), passing on information to the younger players.

“Mark’s got a plan for the boys but that’s going to take a couple of years. If we can keep succeeding in the women’s, and once they’ve caught up, hopefully we can have two teams looking for finals every year.”

Kalamunda Eastern Suns provide the opposition for the Flames at Mike Barnett Sports Complex on Saturday.

Tucker was hopeful Flames would continue their hot streak and looked at passing last year’s 10-game winning run.

“Kalamunda are a tough team, different to us, they’re high-tempo, in your face defensively, and I think it’s going to be a good challenge for us,” she said.

“You want to play competitive basketball each week and they’re definitely going to give us a good run.

“Our big goal at the start of the season was to make sure we improved each week and we’re definitely doing that, we’re making gains every single week in different areas.”

Tip-off for the women is at 6pm, followed by the men at 8pm.