Ultimate Game Guide: Boomers and Southside to ignite local rivalry in pre-season clash
Coming off a frustrating two-point loss to Bendigo in a pre-season nail-biter in Latrobe Valley, the Deakin Melbourne Boomers are ready to up the ante in their first-ever hit-out against the newly established WNBL team, Southside Flyers.
With six Boomers players having just returned from the FIBA Asia Cup – Ezi Magbegor and Cayla George winning bronze with the Australian Opals, and Stella Beck, Kalani Purcell, Penina Davidson and Toni Farnworth representing New Zealand Tall Ferns, the Boomers will be primed for this eagerly anticipated match up.
Last week the team also welcomed US signing Sophie Cunningham, fresh off her WNBA season with Phoenix Mercury. Cunningham is the final team member to arrive in Melbourne, meaning the Boomers will be at full strength for the first time in pre-season.
Chelsea D’Angelo expressed her delight at having a full roster for the game: “The girls and I are really excited to see the whole team come together against Southside this weekend before kicking off the season next week”.
“It will be great to see Soph (Cunningham) out on the court in Boomers colours for the first time as well.” D’Angelo said.
With the newest Victorian rivalry set to commence, there will be added interest with former Boomers captain Jenna O’Hea, who is now the Flyers captain. She’s joined by fellow Opals Sara Blicavs and Leilani Mitchell, which ensures the Flyers, will be strong all over the floor, and provide a real challenge for the Boomers.
This pre-season matchup is an event not to be missed, you can purchase your tickets here.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 5th
Who: Melbourne Boomers vs Southside Flyers
Time: 7:30pm tip off
Where: State Basketball Centre (291 George Street, Wantirna South)
Live Stats: Live Stats will be available here.
MERCHANDISE
Boomers merchandise will be available at the game.
MEMBERSHIPS
Don’t miss out on your Boomers membership before the season starts! Buy your membership here.
TEAM NEWS
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
- Sophie Cunningham makes her debut as a Deakin Melbourne Boomer in the final pre-season game against Southside.
- Maddie Garrick recently won gold for Australia in the FIBA 3×3 in Tokyo.
- Ezi Magbegor and Cayla George won Bronze with The Opals at the FIBA Asia Cup last week.
Southside Flyers
- Southside signed Louella Tomlinson and Opals player Sara Blicavs for the 2019/20 WNBL Season.
- Recently named WNBA Most Improved Player, Leilani Mitchell joins the Flyers this season.
- Backing up Mitchell in the point guard position is up-and-comer Aimie Clydesdale, who moved across to the Flyers from Adelaide.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
Sophie Cunningham – In her Boomers debut Sophie is coming in off a ripper season in the WNBA with Phoenix Mercury.
Maddie Garrick – Garrick was exceptional against Bendigo in the previous pre-season outing, scoring 26 points and also came home with gold from the FIBA 3×3 in Tokyo.
Southside Flyers
Sara Blicavs – Sara was a strong contributor for the Opals squad in their recent Asia Cup.
Jenna O’Hea – Last years Boomers captain will face her former teammates for the first time in this pre-season hit-out.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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GAME BROADCAST
This game will be broadcast by Deakin Live.
Check our socials for the link prior to the game.
NEXT UP
Next up is Round One of the 2019/20 WNBL season where the Boomers will take on Bendigo Spirit, in Bendigo.