The Flames taking on Joondalup last season.
Camera IconThe Flames taking on Joondalup last season. Credit: Supplied/Mick Cronin

Rockingham Flames Face SBL Double-Header

Declan ByrneWeekend Kwinana Courier

ROCKINGHAM Flames is gearing up for a bumper weekend of State Basketball League (SBL) action with two games over the Easter break.

The first game will see the Flames travel up the Freeway to take on reigning champions Joondalup Wolves before returning to Mike Barnett Sports Complex to host East Perth Eagles on Easter Monday.

The Wolves got its season off to an emphatic start, crushing last year’s grand final opponents South West Slammers 117-59 in last weekend’s opening round.

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The Flames also got off to a solid start, downing Willetton 106-100.

Flames coach Mark Utley told 98.5 SonshineFM’s SBL Slam he was expecting tonight’s game against the Wolves to be an arduous battle, but said he was encouraged by the good form his team showed against the Tigers.

“That will be a tough battle for sure after how well they did against South West,” he said.

“It was good to win at Willetton. It’s always a tough venue, especially with that loud speaker in my ear and it’s great to get a win against a team that’s a quality outfit.”

Flames player Cooper Land took out last week’s SBL Player of the Round after collecting 34 points and 15 rebounds, and the 2014 SBL MVP looms as the man to stop for Joondalup and East Perth.

Tip-off for tonight’s game is 8.30pm at Joondalup Basketball Stadium with Monday’s game against East Perth at Mike Barnett Sports Complex scheduled for 2pm.