Red hot Giants excited for challenge of Slammers in semis
THE Silver Lake Resources Goldfields Giants have made a stunning run all the way to the SBL semi finals and coach Michael Haney is excited by the challenge the South West Slammers now provide.
Having not reached the playoffs the past two SBL seasons, the Giants started 2015 in disappointing fashion losing their first eight games but ever since then they have proven themselves to be one of the best teams in the competition with potentially the best trio in all of the league.
The Giants ended up winning 14 of their last 18 games to end up qualifying for the playoffs in seventh position and then sweeping the No. 2 seed Geraldton Buccaneers in two games in the quarter finals.
With Jay Bowie, Jacob Holmen and Mathiang Muo continuing to lead the way with good support from the likes of Russell Hurst, Brandon Hewitt-Holloway, Edin Zunic and Shamus Ballantyne, the Giants now enter the semi finals against the Slammers full of confidence.
Haney is in his first season as coach of Goldfields and he couldn’t have been more proud to have led his team over the Buccs, and especially to have done it in two games considering the physical nature of the matches.
"We are thrilled as a basketball club to be returning to playing basketball at this time of the year once again," Haney said.
"Gero was a very physical series for us and are thankful to of only had to play two games. We played very smart basketball and held our composure during the runs the Buccs through as us to move ahead."
Haney is now excited for the challenge of taking on the Slammers in the semi finals starting Saturday night at Neils Hansen Basketball Stadium with South West having finished the regular season in third position before beating the Willetton Tigers in two games in the quarter finals.
"Slammers will provide and different style of series for us but I think we're excited for the next challenge," Haney said.
"We have another tough task of attempting to contain a MVP candidate in Nichols while stoping all their outside weapons. It will be another great experience for the players playing in important games with great crowds!"
Article by Chris Pike
Photo by Mick Cronin
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