Perth Lynx coach Ryan Petrik has described star middle Lauren Scherf because the WNBL’s model of twin NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and predicted it is just a matter of time earlier than she information a triple-double.
Scherf starred throughout Perth’s 82-72 win over Adelaide Lightning, scoring 11 factors, successful 14 rebounds, having eight assists, 4 blocks and three steals. It was her fourth double-double from 9 video games.
Petrik mentioned the 26-year-old is a uncommon expertise.
“We’re intentionally taking part in her within the Nikola Jokic position and her playmaking has been elite,” Petrik mentioned.
“Her passing for a six-foot 5 huge is exceptional on this league. We have a number of capturing round her and an open paint for individuals to chop by, so she is having a killer season for us.
“If we would shot higher this season, she’d have a triple double already. I do not know the way you guard her. No-one else performs like her on this league.
“She’s the trendy huge and if any WNBA crew is in search of that fashion of participant, she is totally excellent. (Imports) Marina Mabrey and Jackie Younger stored saying final yr that she is the right modern-day WNBA huge.”
The Lynx knew they needed to win to remain in contact with the highest 4 and the win lifted them to 4-5 forward of subsequent week’s recreation towards the 3-7 Sydney Flames.
Perth seized management in the course of the third quarter and had a wealth of contributors.
Chloe Bibby scored 25 factors and had 9 rebounds, Amy Atwell produced 14 factors and eight rebounds, Sami Whitcomb scored 11 factors and had 5 assists, whereas Alex Sharp completed with 10 factors, six rebounds and 4 assists.
Adelaide’s Steph Talbot was additionally on triple-double watch with 12 factors, 10 rebounds and eight assists whereas Jacinta Monroe had an enormous evening with 23 factors and 10 rebounds.
The Lynx once more struggled from three-point vary and at one stage had made solely 4 of 25 makes an attempt.
Petrik mentioned it was important for his crew to stay centered after a troublesome begin to the season.
“We actually cannot afford to look too far forward,” he mentioned.
“We’re nonetheless not taking part in anyplace close to our greatest and what we’re doing properly in observe is not translating to video games but. We knew we simply needed to win this recreation and we all know we simply must win subsequent week now as properly.
“It could be good if we may begin making some pictures. That’d make an enormous distinction.”
