New Rockingham Flames import Donovan Jack delivered 30 points and 10 rebounds against the Stirling Senators.
Camera IconNew Rockingham Flames import Donovan Jack delivered 30 points and 10 rebounds against the Stirling Senators. Credit: Supplied/Vikki Hile

SBL: young Rockingham Flames men’s team making improvements in win over Stirling

Chris PikeWeekend Kwinana Courier

THE young Rockingham Flames men delivered an impressive State Basketball League road win on Saturday night but the women fell short against the Stirling Senators.

The men’s team had a terrific performance, coming away with a thrilling 81-79 road win over the Senators.

After coming up short against the Shawn Redhage, Alex Loughton-inspired Redbacks the previous Friday night to open the season, the Flames again had a significant hurdle on Saturday with Stirling welcoming back Illawarra Hawks NBL player Cody Ellis.

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The Flames were terrific though, and took away the first win under new coach Brad Samuelson in thrilling fashion.

New Rockingham import Donovan Jack was outstanding with the big man delivering 30 points and 10 rebounds on 13-of-22 shooting from the field.

Justin Beard provided good support with 16 points and five boards as well with Ryan Godfrey contributing 11 points, nine assists and five boards.

It is a vastly new-look Flames women’s team in 2017 following the departures of Sami Whitcomb, Deanna Smith, Lizel Buckley, Talisia Bourne and Ifunanya Ibekwe over summer.

They started the season well beating the Perth Redbacks but could not quite back that up on Saturday night going down to the Senators at Warwick.

The Senators ended up winning 95-77 but it was not without some positives for the Flames who are still awaiting the arrival of import Chastity Reed.

Jacinta Bourne is thriving on the increased responsibility she has in 2017 and had 22 points and nine rebounds. South West Slammers recruit Dena English also had 17 points and five rebounds.

Rockingham will take on the Joondalup Wolves at Joondalup Basketball Stadium on Saturday night.

Both Wolfpack teams lost the grand finals in 2016 and are unbeaten in 2017.