MANDURAH Magic coach Randy Miegel is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the Rockingham Flames in the women's SBL semi finals and is confident he has the right blend of youth and experience to more than take it up to the defending champions and minor premiers.

The Magic advanced to the semi finals by beating the Kalamunda Eastern Suns in two games in the quarter finals after finishing the regular season in fourth position, and their reward now is a semi-final battle with the Flames with a grand final berth at stake.

Game 1 takes place this Saturday night at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre and Miegel is confident that his Magic team can more than take it up to the Flames even if they are the minor premiers, defending champions and are led by Darcee Garbin and Sami Whitcomb.

Miegel is backing in his team against the Flames and can't wait to play in front of a vocal Mandurah home crowd on Saturday night in an attempt to take a one-nil lead in the series.

"After getting through what was a challenging quarter finals series against the Eastern Suns we are feeling quite good about the upcoming series against the Rockingham Flames. For the first time in a number of weeks I had my full squad train together Tuesday/Thursday night," Miegel said.

"That has allowed us to prepare well! There has been quite a lot going on off the court to promote the match and the Mandurah basketball community is right behind the girls. So I would expect the match to be played in front of a large crowd."

The Flames might have the championship experience and stars throughout their line-up, but Miegel is confident he has the right mix in his squad to get over them.

With MVP candidate Casey Mihovilovich leading the way with support from Ashlee Sidebottom, Briana Klasztorny, Emma Klasztorny, Shelley Boston, Rachel Halleen, Peyton Davis and Gemma Thomas, Miegel has plenty of weapons in his arsenal as well.

"The Flames bring a high paced and entertaining game every week they spread the floor, penetrate and shoot well from the perimeter. Our challenge is the same as what everyone else's has been over the past couple of years and that is to contain that style of play," Miegel said.

"I believe I have the right mix of girls to challenge the Flames with Boston, Thomas and Mihovilovich giving us loads of experience in finals, added to that I have many young girls on the team ready to prove themselves in finals play. There will be no excuses on Saturday night."

Article by Chris Pike
Photo by Serene-Elise Photography