There is only one guarantee at the 2019 WBBL Cup Final and that is two pieces of WBBL history will be made. Either Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters or Sevenoaks Suns will lift the Cup for r the first time and also become the first WBBL franchise to have won every WBBL competition since the inception of the league.
So who you got? To help you decide, we enlisted the help of several leading WBBL figures to give us a quick take.
Great Britain and Nottingham Wildcats’ guard, BBC Sport commentator, Siobhan Prior – “It’s definitely going to be a spectacle of a game for sure and no doubt a great advert for our game and for women’s sport. Both teams are tough covers at the offensive end. There are lots of offensive threats in the half court for both teams. It could be an exciting shoot-out. It’s a tough one to call, but if I have to pick one, I’d say Sevenoaks – but only just. They’ve been together for a few seasons now. The group they have played in many showcase Finals and performed. They’ll be a difficult team to beat. However, Sheffield have a winning history and I think if one team is going to give Sevenoaks a run for their money, it’s Sheffield. I’m excited to see how this plays out!”
BA London Lions’ play-caller, Mark Clark – “For first time in a number of seasons, we have the best two teams in a Final. Both have genuine ‘X- Factor ‘performers. While others at Sevenoaks have been highlighted, Ta’Yani Clark is the key for me. Can Sheffield take her out of her tempo? If they do, they can win. While Sheffield have great perimeter players, it will be their inside production that could be their biggest plus point. So, Sheffield to win if they pressure Clark for whole game and get production inside.”
Newcastle Eagles’ play-caller Chris Bunten – “So for me, this game will be very close! You have two teams who share the ball well and have multiple players who can step up and make things happen. I think it will come down to four players and whichever duo put up the best numbers will see their team lift the Cup. For Sevenoaks. it has to be the ever steady and super reliable Ta’Yani Clark and Cat Carr – both Newcastle Eagles Alumni. Both players have so much experience, talent and always perform when the lights go on. You know fine well whatever the situation, these two stars will do whatever needs to be done to ensure their team gets the win. On the other side, you have warriors in Alison Gorrell (an ex Newcastle Eagle) and Sarah Toeaina. I know Ali very well and in her first major Final, she will be tough as hell to stop, she always finds a way and is a born winner. I have been super impressed with Sarah this season and she gets better and better every outing. One of these 4 players will be crowned MVP, however knowing them all, apart from Sarah, they wouldn’t care less about the MVP accolade and would trade any individual award for their teams success. Again, whatever duo have the best combined stats will lead their team to victory!”
Oaklands Wolves’ play-caller, Lee Ryan (who also gives a player by player analysis in the official Finals programme) – “It’s a Final that sees the two best rosters in the WBBL going head to head. Sheffield enter as the underdog despite being British Basketball’s most successful all-time club. Sevenoaks will be looking to add the Cup to all their recent successes. It’s hard to bet against a Cat Carr led side, but Sheffield have the edge in the starters and if they can keep their powerful first five on the court, they can win. I see the contrast in benches having a big impact on the final; so it could be Monakana and Co who have the Final say for Suns. No matter what, it’s going to be a battle not to miss!”