Robinhood Stars Captain Maia Wilson wants to see all seven players in purple firing at the same time on court when they return home for the second match in the Barfoot & Thompson Northern Challenge.
“We haven’t found that balance just yet,” she said.
The Stars’ conversion rate was low against the Steel last week with the defensive pairing of Anna Harrison and Elle Temu picking up a wealth of ball for the side. Wilson said it was an area they would need to address if they are to turn around the three-goal loss they suffered when they met the Mystics two weeks ago.“That was probably something we felt really guilty the last time we played the Mystics, with a team like that you can’t afford to not score the balls you turn over."
The Stars will need their midcourt maestros to continue to ignite their attack, with Gina Crampton (424 feeds) and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan (353 feeds) working well to find shooters Maia Wilson and Jamie Hume all season.
The Stars' defensive end has been rock solid all campaign and will again be spearheaded by Anna Harrison and Elle Temu who were at their menacing best against the Steel - making 18 gains and pulling in six intercepts between them.
There is still just the one point between the two teams on the ANZ Premiership ladder and the next two weeks could provide plenty of movement in the top three Finals Series positions.
The winner of the match will hold top spot on the competition ladder - while the Stars will be hoping to pull away from the chasing pack having led the competition for the last nine rounds.
Mystics captain Sulu Fitzpatrick continues to lead by example and her combination with Kate Burley has produced a tough blue defensive wall for any attack to penetrate. Fitzpatrick said it had taken time for the connection between the two defenders to grow, but they were now reaping the benefits of a “good D unit”.
ANZ Premiership Round 11: Robinhood Stars vs Northern Mystics- Sunday 27th June 6:15pm, Pulman Arena, Auckland
