Oaklands Wolves Head Coach Lee Ryan Targets Play-Off Glory

Oaklands Wolves head coach Lee Ryan is embracing a new challenge as his side looks to complete a Super League Basketball (SLB) treble by capturing the play-off crown at the O2 Arena in mid-May.

The Wolves celebrated receiving the SLB regular season silverware in front of a capacity crowd following their emphatic 88–64 victory over the Leicester Riders on Saturday. However, Ryan is already focused on finishing the season in style by adding the play-off title to their achievements:

"Going into the play-offs as league champions gives us a great platform to build from; however, once they begin, it’s a shootout and, in many ways, a brand new season," he said. "Straight knockout means every team will be desperate to advance. We must draw on the experience we’ve gained this year and be ready, knowing there will be a large target on our backs. Work has already started to ensure we are the last team standing!"

The Wolves will host the Riders for the fourth time this season at 5 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Ryan’s side will be aiming for a fifth consecutive victory over the Midlands team, who finished the regular season in eighth place with a 7–13 record.

The Riders proved stubborn opponents in the early stages on Saturday, with the hosts only leading 17–13 at the first break. However, a dominant second quarter saw the Wolves pull away to a 42–27 half-time lead. A 21–18 third period extended the advantage, before they closed out the game with a 25–19 final frame.

Ryan took the opportunity to give his younger players valuable court time. Academy captain Caitlin Ryan (no relation) hit a triple and blocked her former Oaklands teammate Daisy Porter, while Darcey Woodman marked her SLB debut in style with a three-pointer.

A balanced offensive performance saw all 11 Wolves players get on the scoresheet, led by Abigail Rafferty, who recorded 13 points and six rebounds. Dani McCray, Bo Guttornsdottir-Frost, and Sam Ashby each contributed 12 points, with GB international Ashby also dishing out six assists. Lavinia Da Silva added 11 points, while captain Shanice Beckford-Norton finished with six points and five assists.

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