Raiders pin hopes on youth

Albany Basketball Association’s top women’s side will be full of youth in their championship division campaign at the Basketball WA Senior Country Championships in Perth this weekend. There will be plenty of speed and height in the Albany side attempting to win their first women’s title in several years. Talented sisters Nardia and Narelle Humphries and State representative Indi Weeden will be key parts of the Raiders’ championship bid while the addition of tall duo Sheridan and Mikaila Kowald is another boost. New coach Craig Anning said his side had found some height, which has been lacking in past carnivals. “We have a very young side this year but some girls have been away before, so they have that experience,” he said. “In the past few seasons, we have lacked some height but we have added some tall girls from outside of Albany, so that’s really important. “If you have anyone taller than the Humphries girls, that is a bonus. “We have plenty of speed and ball handling to match our bigs, so I’m excited. “We should come close if all our girls can gel together and complement each other.” Alyssa Ward, Ella Scamozzi and Kayla Thomas will all play an important role in the young Raiders outfit, who begin their campaign against Karratha on Saturday. The Raiders play five qualifying games opposed to Waroona, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury and Australind and the grand final is played on Monday. Albany also have teams in ladies’ teams competing in division 3 and division 4 at the three-day tournament. ABA Women’s Championship Division Nardia Humphries - Narelle Humphries Ella Scamozzi - Indi Weeden Kayla Thomas - Taylah Orzel Sheridan Kowald - Mikaila Kowald Alyssa Ward - Macy Lane