Australian Institute of Sport vs Mildura “QantasLink” Mavericks

Youngsters Ogilvy and Demos stepped up big for the AIS last week, reliving some of the pressure from sharp shooters Mills and Weigh. AIS coach Marty Clarke will be keen for another strong performance from Ogilvy, as Nathan Jawai currently has an ankle injury and is doubtful to play this weekend. Mavericks Chaz Briggs (20.4ppg, 13.8rpg) is having a standout season and his battle in the paint with the AIS tall timber will be a crucial indicator in determining the games outcome.

“St Laurence” Geelong Supercats vs Knox Ford Raiders

Both teams play different styles as Geelong is a team loaded with offensive firepower and average 113ppg and Knox are a tough defensive team and have held opposition teams to an average 83ppg so far this season. Knox defeated Mt Gambier by 47pts last weekend without Massingale (26.3ppg, 7.5rpg) and Koford due to injury, but coach Damian Cotter will need both in uniform this week to have any chance of defeating the current East Men ladder leaders.

“Carter Holt Harvey” Mt Gambier Pioneers vs “Oasis” Hobart Chargers

Head to head clashes are tied 13-13 between the two teams, but Mt Gambier hold a 10-3 record for games at the Icehouse. Hobart last recorded a win in Mt Gambier on 13th August, 1999, and has lost their past six matches in Mt Gambier. Coach Mark Chivers will be hoping to end their losing streak, as they need a win to consolidate fourth position on the ladder. After a disappointing weekend in Melbourne in round ten, Pioneers Jamie Holmes (31.5ppg, 13.0rpg) will be keen for an improved performance in front of home town crowd.

Canberra “Club Lime” Gunners vs Mildura “QantasLink” Mavericks

Rhys Carter (21.2ppg, 7.5rpg, 3.2apg) will be playing his first game against his former coach Frank Arsego this week, and will be keen to impress after a few quiet weeks at the offensive end. Canberra has quality guards in Johnson, McHugh and Callaghan capable of containing his talents, and if the Gunners are successful, chances of victory will increase.

Frankston “Cambur” Blues vs Bendigo “Hume & Iser” Braves

After coming so close in round nine losing 99-101, coach Bill Runchey will be confident about his chances of victory this week with the home court advantage. Braves import Denver Tenbroek (32.4ppg, 8.6rpg) scorched the Blues with 52pts in their last match, and his efforts will need to be contained if the Blues are to secure the win. Frankston’s defensive specialist David Hankin did not play in round nine and with him returning to the line-up this week could be the deciding factor in the game.

Ballarat “Telstra CountryWide/Telstra Shop” Miners vs “Oasis” Hobart Chargers

Ballarat are quietly sitting in second position on the south men ladder with a 10-3 record and have won their past nine matches. Miners import Villi Morton will seek medical advice on his injured knee this week to determine his future this season, and is doubtful for this weekend’s clash with Hobart. Ricky Daniels (15.1ppg, 11.6rpg, 3.4apg) has stepped up his productivity in recent weeks and is one of the major reasons for the Miners success this season. He will need to be at his best again this week against Chargers youngster Daniel George (21.3ppg, 12.9rpg). Coming back from injury George is keen to make a statement in the league and hopefully get a call up to the NBL.

Albury/Wodonga “Bendigo Bank” Bandits vs “Patrick” NW Tasmania Thunder

The match-up between Bandits Nick Payne (20.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.6apg) and Thunder Ben Armstrong (19.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 6.1apg) will be an entertaining affair, as both play pivotal roles for their respective teams. Without their individual efforts their teams seem to struggle, and both will likely match-up on other so the contest will be very intense. NW Tasmania has a 5-2 record against East Conference teams and will be confident of securing another road victory.

Bendigo “Hume & Iser” Braves vs “St Laurence” Geelong Supercats

The two teams played an historical encounter in round nine with Bendigo securing a 104-102 victory in overtime, and this weekend is sure to be another fantastic contest. Braves have recorded four successive victories at the Schweppes Centre against Geelong but may be tired after a tough game at Frankston the previous night. Both teams average 100+ pts per game, and have many offensive options; therefore defence could play a crucial role in the game’s outcome.

Club Kilsyth Cobras vs “Patrick” NW Tasmania Thunder

Coach Mark Radford has had great success at the Snakepit in recent years and is currently undefeated when visiting Kilsyth since 2003. Kilsyth returned to the winners circle in a big way last week with victories over ladder leaders Bendigo and bottom placed Mt Gambier. They will look to record another win this week to resurrect their so far disappointing season. Matt Shanahan (20.0ppg, 7.2rpg, 4.3rpg) is the week in week out beacon of hope for Kilsyth at the offensive end.

SEABL Women Round 11 Previews

Ballarat “Community Health” Lady Miners vs Launceston “Integrated Training” Tornadoes

On paper the Ballarat Lady Miners are firm favourites to win this game as they currently hold a nine game winning streak against Launceston, including a 73-51 victory in round three. However Ballarat have lost their past two games this season and struggling to find form. Karen Ashby (19.7ppg, 11.9rpg, 4.3apg) has been the sole shining light for Ballarat this season, and her clash in the paint with Launceston import Christa Hays (13.5ppg, 8.4rpg) will be a match winning duel.

Frankston “Aspect Packaging” Lady Blues vs Bendigo “IGA” Lady Braves

After an impressive victory against Ballarat last weekend, Coach Mark Ridgway will be keen to guide his team to another upset victory against a higher ranked opponent. The two teams have played twice already this year with Bendigo winning 86-61 in round eight and 81-76 in round nine; but the winner of this weekend’s clash with be able to hold on to the Brian Blackley shield for the remainder of the season.

Albury/Wodonga “Telstra CountryWide” Lady Bandits vs NW Tasmania “McDonalds” Thunder

Despite their 1-9 season record, Albury/Wodonga has been improving each week, and will be keen for a victory this week against the Thunder to stop their current losing streak. A big concern for Lady Bandits coach Mick Hickey is the teams disappointing 58 points per game average, and therefore needs his team to be more consistent at the offensive end and improve on their 35% season shooting percentage.

Bendigo “IGA” Lady Braves vs Launceston “Integrated Training” Tornadoes

Both teams will be playing their second game for the weekend, but the home court advantage will be a bonus for the Lady Braves. After struggling with injury early into the season Kelly Lemezs (11.5ppg, 6.0rpg) has been providing consistent numbers in recent weeks and is enjoying being back in the SEABL after a year in retirement. Her combination in the paint with Michelle Fletcher is a vital component in the Lady Braves success this season, but they will have a tough tussle against Tornadoes Jasmine Finnigan (15.1ppg, 9.2rpg) and Christa Hays this week.

Club Kilsyth Lady Cobras vs NW Tasmania “McDonalds” Thunder

Revenge will be one thing all the Lady Cobra girls will be aiming for this week as the NW Tasmania team recorded a 77-75 victory at home in round six. League leading scorer Jessica Bibby (21.1ppg) should be back this weekend after a week with Canberra Capitals at the FIBA World Challenge in China. However the Kilsyth player Thunder will need to contain at the offensive end is Lil Keane (19.7ppg, 9.3rpg) as she has proved three times already this week she is capable of a top quality Player of the Week performance.