Lightning claim win 21 with demolition job of Sirens

18/FEB/2008 – The Adelaide Lightning tonight smashed the Christchurch Sirens 107-58 to register their seventeenth consecutive win in a powerhouse display at the Distinctive Homes Dome in Adelaide.

An undersized and severely undermanned Christchurch was no match for the high flying Adelaide Lightning whose 107 points was an equal club record and season high.

On top of having six players bag 10 points or more the Lightning shot an impressive 49% (40-of-81) and handsomely won the rebound count 48-25.

The athletic Renae Camino scored a game high 21 points to go with seven rebounds with game MVP Jenny Whittle adding 20 points and eight rebounds and ADF Opal Erin Phillips bagging 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Import Tracy Gahan tallied her 14th season double-double, tallying 15 points and 12 rebounds. Point guard Angela Marino netted 11 points and captain Sam Woosnam chipped in with 10 points.

Whippy guard Noni Wharemate scored a career high 18 points to lead a Christchurch side missing Donna Wilkins, Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe and both Natalie and Charmain Purcell. Lamisha Augustine added 16 points and Ashley Awkward bagged 12 points, showing glimpses of her outstanding athleticism.

"I guess the important part of the season is starting and I am just so excited about it," Camino said. "We all get along really well and are looking forward to next week.

"It's good playing in such a good team and really helps with so many good players who get me the ball at the right time."

Adelaide opened the game with two straight baskets but excellent individual play from Augustine, who nailed a 12 foot jumper and dropped a lay-up off a steal to make it 4-all but all that did was spark the much vaunted Lightning offence into action.

Led by almost unmatchable fast paced transition, Camino nailed nine points and Gahan dropped seven points as Adelaide outscored the Sirens 25-10 over the next 7:35 to lead 29-14 at quarter time.

Continuing to struggle to cover all of Adelaide's offensive options, the Sirens went further behind, down 40-19 by midway through the second term.

The minor premiers were unrelenting though, applying full court defence throughout the term and with Phillips, Foley and Camino running amok and Jenny Whittle dominating inside Adelaide won the quarter 31-17 to hold massive 61-31 halftime lead despite the efforts of Augustine and Wharemate.

The Lightning continued to move the ball freely at the offensive end in the third term, resulting in a number of open baskets and a 15-6 run to establish a 41-point 78-37 lead with 3:42 remaining before finishing 87-45 up at three quarter time.

Amazingly, Gahan had tallied her 14th season double-double by the 3:42 mark of the third quarter.

The Lightning blitzed continued in the final term as they surged to 99-50 lead on the back of a 12-5 run before finishing 107-58 winners

Lightning head coach Vicki Valk rotated her bench heavily in the latter stages with back-up guard Jess Mahony impressing. Valk, who boasts a 20-2 win/loss record, said before the game she wanted her side to restrict the Sirens to fewer than 60.

In a historic night for the Lightning, club legend and Opals star Rachael Sporn had her famous number 14 singlet retired in thanks for years of hard work, dedication and passion for the Adelaide club.

With her husband and two children looking on, Opals head coach Jan Stirling gave a touching speech and congratulated Sporn on her outstanding achievements.

Sporn's number 14 singlet is the first to be retired by the club.

Adelaide 107 (Camino 21, Whittle 20, Phillips 17) def
Christchurch 58 (Wharemate 18, Augustine 16, Awkward 12) at the Distinctive Homes Dome.