The reigning WCBL U18 Girls Champions, the Southwark Legends, will look to retain their WCBL crown in the final game of the WCBL U18 Girls season. Standing in their way are the WCBL newcomers, RDF Eagles, who are eager to complete their successful new season by de-throning the reigning champs.
Southwark Legends have been the dominant force in the league, finishing the regular season with a near-perfect 8-1 record. Their success is largely attributed to the dynamic duo of Kaylin Robinson and Korrey Foster-Obeng. Robinson, a two-time game MVP, has been a consistent performer all season long, averaging an impressive 16 points, 2.5 steals, and 1 assist per game during the regular season. Her ability to score, especially from beyond the arc, and create turnovers on the defensive end has played a huge part to the Legends’ success. Foster-Obeng, another game MVP recipient, has also established herself as a force to be reckoned with if RDF have intentions of snatching the title away from the South Londoners. Foster-Obeng plays both sides of the ball, as evidenced by her season stat line of 11.5 points, 5 steal and 3 assists per game – she’s competitive, talented and has her eyes set on another title. The talented duo are complimented by the 3-point shooting and leadership of Aisha Bass – another double-figure scorer to the Legends potent attack. The Legends are coached by the proficient Ryan Abeleda, who always has his teams well prepared and positioned for success as the strive for back-to-back titles.
On the other side of the court, RDF Eagles have been a revelation in the division this season. Boasting a talented roster with European experience of their own, the East Londoner’s are led by the outstanding all-around play of Maggie Farrer. Farrer, who has earned two game MVP awards this season, has been a force to be reckoned with all season long, averaging 16 points, 2 steals, and 1.5 assists per game. Her ability to score from outside, pace of play and success in transition has been difficult for opposing teams to stop. She makes plays on both ends of the floor – always active on the defensive end with ability to read passing lanes, pressure the ball and fuel the RDF fast break. Also key to the Eagles success is Maggie’s sister Kate, who is a versatile wing with shooting ability that balances the floor for coach Lamar Roberts squad. The ‘Double Trouble’ attack from the Farrer sisters will go a long way in determining the outcome in this game, as they pursue their first WCBL title.
In the head-to-head match up between these two teams during the regular season Southwark edged out a 4 point win in a closely contested game, 40-36, and rightfully come into the game as in-form favourites. However RDF have been on a winning streak of 5 games in a row coming into the final and will like their chances of upsetting the champs.
Key players to watch:
- Maggie Farrer (RDF): 16 points, 2 steals, 1.5 assists per game
- Kaylin Robinson (Southwark Legends): 16 points, 2.5 steals, 1 assist per game
- Korrey Foster-Obeng (Southwark Legends): 11.5 points, 5 steals, 3 assists per game
This final is set up to be a a tense and exciting showcase of the considerable talent in the WCBL U18 Girls division. Will the Southwark Legends’ defensive prowess and offensive firepower prove too much for RDF, or will Maggie Farrer and her teammates find a way to neutralise the Legends’ attack and come out on top? With both teams hungry for the championship title, expect an intense and closely fought battle from start to finish.
