Launceston’s Forward Trio Pummel Sandringham
The immediate future is looking bright in Launceston as the starting front court of Alex Wilson, Emilee Harmon and Mikaela Ruef combined for 76 points in a 100-80 rout of the Sandringham Sabres.
The match was all but over after one quarter as the Tornadoes opened up a 31-14 lead. Emilee Harmon poured in 11 in the first term before finishing with 26 points and 7 rebounds.
The Sabres were able to quiet down the power forward after quarter time but Launceston simply moved to their next threat in Wilson as the conveyer belt of front court dangers turned over.
Wilson added 9 points in the second term on her way to a stat-line of 28 points on 11-14 shooting, 6 boards, 2 assists, 4 blocks and a steal.
The triumvirate was completed by centre import Ruef, who needed no time at all to settle into her role. Her 7 points in the third quarter helped balloon the lead out to a game high 29 before the trio received some well-earned rest in the last period. Ruef tallied 17 points and 17 rebounds (5 offensive) while Launceston recorded a 48-26 advantage in the paint.
The Tornadoes have had little success in recent years, not reaching the playoffs since 2010 while finishing last season with a 6-18 record. It is still early days but the dominance shown by Wilson, Harmon and Ruef in their opening match is promising enough to think that Launceston could be returning to the finals this season.