Perth Lynx head coach Ryan Petrik has described himself as shell-shocked after his star co-captain, Anneli Maley, was surprisingly omitted from the latest Australian Opals squad.
Maley's Stunning Response on Court
The shock selection news, announced on Saturday, came just before the Lynx faced the Adelaide Lightning on Sunday. Maley answered her national team snub in the most emphatic way possible, delivering a powerhouse performance to lead her side to a 109-82 victory at the SA Basketball Centre.
Maley was utterly dominant, posting 19 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. This continued her outstanding form this WNBL season, where she has been averaging a double-double. The reigning All-WNBL Second Team member, who also attended a WNBA training camp with the Los Angeles Sparks earlier this year, is the league's leading rebounder.
Coach Petrik's Blunt Assessment
Petrik did not hold back when asked about Maley's exclusion from the 19-player Opals squad for March's World Cup qualifying tournament. "All of us were shellshocked that she wasn't in the Opals squad because her form has been elite," Petrik stated.
"Apparently she's not good enough. Clearly we speak with a bias but I'm not sure what else the kid is meant to do," he added, expressing clear frustration. Petrik praised Maley's all-around game, highlighting her shot creation, playmaking, and transformative impact on the team's rebounding. "We almost can't rebound without her on the floor... We turn into the worst rebounding team of all time without her."
Lynx Firepower on Full Display
Maley's effort was part of an offensive masterclass from the third-placed Lynx, who are now 9-3 and riding a four-game winning streak. The team exploded for 61 points in the first half, marking the second time in three games they have achieved that feat.
She was brilliantly supported by Alex Ciabattoni, who scored a career-high 32 points, and Amy Atwell, who added 28 points. Petrik emphasised the team's growing depth and offensive threat. "Amy got going, Chibba [Ciabattoni] got going and Ally [Wilson] got going. There's a lot of pieces you've got to try to guard now," he said.
The Lynx will look to continue their hot form when they host the fourth-placed Canberra Capitals at the Perth High Performance Centre on Tuesday.
