Buccs, Cougars face off in intense battle

The S&K Electrical Geraldton Buccaneers will occupy the top spot on the SBL ladder at the conclusion of this round, if they can win both games of this weekend’s challenging away back-to-back.

Fresh off defeating the top-ranked Joondalup Wolves last Saturday night, the Buccs will take on the team who replaced them at the summit, Cockburn Cougars, in what is expected to be a ferocious top-of-the-table clash.

The Cougars have only slipped up once this season — an upset two-point loss to the Stirling Senators after leading by 16 at three-quarter-time — and possess an array of stars including last year’s runner-up MVP Gavin Field and star point guard Najee Lane.

The Buccs will also have to contend with their 211cm centre import Marcus Goode, who is averaging a double-double and will be an imposing force inside.

With first choice big man Mat Wundenberg still without a definite return date after being diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy, Buccs coach Aaron Trahair said he would continue to challenge youngster Madison Stoveld to be an inside presence and provide important minutes for them again this weekend.

“It’s a good and a bad situation,” he said.

“So far, Mado’s been really good at stepping up to the occasion, so hopefully he’ll keep doing that not only this weekend but as the year goes on.”

Trahair said most of the planning for this weekend had gone into tomorrow night’s game given the difficulty of playing two games back-to-back.

“You’ve probably got to put a fair bit of importance on the Saturday night game being the first one and just put all your focus into winning that one,” he said.

“She’s a pretty tough ask to back up at lunch time the day after, the boys did a good job last time but who knows what will happen this weekend.”

One potential source of extra motivation for Sunday’s game against Willetton will be the fact that the Buccs’ coach from last year, Mark Heron, will be coming off the bench for the Tigers.

The SBL veteran said his heart was still with the Buccs and that it was going to be a weird feeling lining up against his ex-chargers, but that at the same time he would be doing whatever he could to help his side get the win.

“I certainly hope they do well and I’m rooting for them in most situations — except for this weekend,” he said.

“There’ll be a little bit of banter (but) I try not to talk too much on the court as a player.

“I’ll just try and fill me role and do whatever’s required of me.”