1. Joondalup Wolves (11-2)

 

Joondalup have posted an 8-1 record since the last Power Rankings. The Wolves comprehensively beat the Cougars back in Round 6, the only small hiccup was a loss to the Eagles. The Wolves were nowhere near full strength in that contest, missing Iliadis, Hire, Evans, Matacz and Questel.

 

Interesting stat: The Wolves take care of the basketball better than any other team, averaging just 12.3 turnovers per game.

 

Next 4: v Magic @Hawks @Tigers v Lightning

 

2. Cockburn Cougars (11-3)

 

The Cougars have won six of their last eight games. Cockburn were outclassed by Joondalup and had a narrow loss up in Geraldton. Marcus Goode’s impact on the glass has been instrumental for the Cougars. He has allowed Field to play away from the basket, and the proof is in the numbers. Field had 11 double-doubles last year and so far this season has just one.

 

Interesting stats: The Cougars have the best-ranked offense (109.4ppg) and are the most accurate team from behind the three-point line (37.2%)

 

Next 4: @Lightning v Eagles @Suns v Tigers

 

 

3. Willetton Tigers (10-4)

 

After starting 3-3 the Tigers have surged up the standings on the back of a 7-1 burst. Funches has had a positive impact for the Tigers, and Damien Scott is scoring at will. Keep in mind that the Tigers seven wins have come against the majority of teams outside of the top eight, with victories against Southwest (twice), Mandurah (twice), East Perth and Kalamunda. Willetton have also beaten the undermanned Hawks and lost to Stirling. This month will help determine if the Tigers are true title contenders, with tougher matchups against the Wolves and Cougars on the horizon.

 

Interesting stat: Kyle Armour is the most accurate player at the foul line this season (87.1%)

 

 

Next 4: @Hawks @Lightning v Wolves @Cougars

 

 

4. Rockingham Flames (10-6)

 

The Flames have posted a 6-4 record since the release of the first Power Rankings. Rockingham have won their last four games in a row, taking down the Giants, Slammers, Buccs and Hawks. Wins over the Redbacks and Senators in the next two weeks will maintain their top four ranking.

 

Interesting stat: The Flames have drawn a league high 378 fouls from opponents and shot a league leading 450 free throw attempts.

 

 

Next 4: v Redbacks v Senators @Lightning v Slammers

 

 

5. Geraldton Buccaneers (10-6)

 

The Buccs and Wolves are the only teams remaining in the league this season undefeated on their home floor. The injury to Adekponya contributed greatly to last weekend’s horror road trip to Perth. Geraldton have lost three of their last five games.

 

Adekponya’s influence on the Buccs offense this year has been influential, with his quickness and ability to get to the basket, and leads the league in free throw makes with 103. The Buccs currently have the leagues most foul prone players with Ralph and Cook leading the league. They will need to do a better job to stay on the floor if Adekponya remains out of the lineup.

 

Interesting stat: Aaron Ralph leads the league in three point makes (65)

 

 

Next 4: v Giants v Magic @Slammers @Eagles

 

 

6. Perth Redbacks (7-7)

 

Perth has won five of their last six games. The comprehensive wins over the Flames and Senators have been impressive. The Redbacks offense is clearly benefitting from the return of Michael Vigor. Jourdan DeMuynck’s scoring output may have decreased, however his assist numbers have risen and Joel Wagner has been averaging around 15 ppg over his last six games.

 

Ben Smith has flourished in his new role off the bench, averaging 22ppg in his last four outings, and made 20/30 threes in the process.

 

The next month will be crucial for Perth pushing for a top four position in the standings.

 

Next 4: @Flames @Giants v Hawks @Eagles

 

7. Stirling Senators (10-6)

 

Won four of their last six, with wins over the Tigers, Suns, Giants and Slammers. The Senators lost at home to the Buccs and were comprehensively beaten at Perth. Cody Ellis draws a lot of praise, however the impressive form of Kyle Lindbergh has contributed significantly to the Senators success in 2016.

 

Interesting stat: Kyle Lindbergh has recorded 12 double doubles this season, just one behind the league leader (Holmen)

 

Next 4: @Slammers @Flames @Giants v Wolves

 

 

 

8. Perry Lakes Hawks (7-8)

 

It is no secret the Hawks need Bryton Hobbs. Another setback for talented guard Rob Cassir further compounds the injury problems at Perry Lakes. The Hawks have gone 4-6 since the last Power Rankings and face a tough month against teams with exceptional point guards.

 

 

Next 4: @Tigers v Slammers @Wolves v Redbacks

 

 

9. East Perth Eagles (5-9)

 

The Eagles are now fielding their strongest lineup with Jervis and Dech returning. Rhys Vague is having an excellent season averaging 19ppg and just under 11rpg, and has posted ten double-doubles this season. The Eagles are beginning their run at the top 8 teams.

 

Interesting stat: The Eagles are the most accurate foul shooting team in the league (73.7%)

 

Next 4: @Suns @Cougars v Lightning v Redbacks

 

 

10. Goldfields Giants (6-9)

 

The Giants have experienced a slide in form over recent weeks and have won just two of their last nine games. The Giants will look to defend their home court advantage better in the second half of the season. Their current home record is 3-4 and the Giants will need to win at least eight games to match their 2015 record.

 

Next 4: @Buccs v Redbacks v Senators @Wolves

 

 

11. Lakeside Lightning (4-9)

 

Daniel Alexander has put up incredible numbers this season. He continues to be a match up problem for opponent’s week in and week out. The Lightning however are struggling, losing their last six games. TJ Hallice has had credible performances, particularly on the glass. The Lightning will seek immediate improvement on the perimeter. In the last six losses Hayden Bell is just 13-52 from downtown and Hallice is 9-28.

 

Interesting stat: The Lightning are the most inaccurate team at the foul line (60.2%)

 

Next 4: v Cougars v Tigers @Eagles v Flames

 

 

 

12. South West Slammers (4-9)

 

The Slammers have also lost their last six games, and have gone 1-7 since starting the season 3-2. Tre Nichols has been superb offensively and has been supported well throughout by Royal Crouch. Unfortunately for the Slammers, the previously mentioned players are the only two who are averaging double digits in scoring. Compounding the Slammers problems is the league’s worst road record (1-5)

 

Next 4: v Senators v Hawks v Buccs @Suns

 

 

13. Mandurah Magic (4-11)

 

The injury to Taylor Mullenax is unfortunate and untimely. Mullenax had season averages of 19.5ppg and 9.6rpg, however his experience and leadership will be harder to replace. Mandurah have had three wins and seven losses since Round 4.

 

Interesting stat: The Magic have statistically the leagues most unproductive offense (88.2ppg)

 

 

Next 4: v Senators v Hawks v Buccs @Suns

 

 

 

14. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (2-12)

 

The Suns have posted two wins since the last release of the Power Rankings. The wins are definitely positive signs for the club, however the Suns still give up a league worst 124.07ppg to opponents. Timothy Squire and Brandon McGill have stepped up in the last couple of weeks on both ends of the floor, hitting big shots and forcing turnovers at crucial stages of tight games.

 

Interesting stats: In just 14 games the Suns have committed a league high 438 fouls. The Suns lead the league in creating points off turnovers (336)

 

Next 4: v Eagles v Cougars @Magic v Slammers

 

Article by Matt CecinsPhoto by Serene Maisey