Import Amanda Wayment under fitness cloud as Giants face major test against visiting Magic

US import Amanda Wayment will undergo a fitness test in a bid to make the Goldfields Giants’ line-up for Saturday night’s NBL1 women’s clash with Mandurah Magic.

Wayment starred in last weekend’s narrow defeat against Willetton but strained an ankle in the dying seconds.

Giants coach Rob Thomson said concerns over her fitness had underpinned a testing week for the squad as several others battled illness.

The group, however, will be bolstered by the return of Haley Waites and Elena and Jaya Scafidi.

“This is an important game for both teams,” Thomson said.

“We’re trying to keep in touch with the top-eight, as we’re pushing to make the finals and the majority of Mandurah’s players were travelling up on Friday.

“That’s an indication of how important this game is for them and so they are not fatigued from the usual bus trip on game day.”

Thomson said the Giants’ ability to contain Mandurah’s experienced players would be pivotal.

“They are a tall side, with Alexandra Wittinger, Carly Boag and Sarah Toeaina,” he said.

“The challenge will be keeping them out of the keyway and the same with Casey Mihovilovich, who is currently the SBL/NBL1 games record-holder with over 520.

“She is such an experienced player who is averaging 14 points a game, so we will need to be guarding her very closely.

“This will be a big test for our team.

“After playing so well last weekend against Willetton, it’s a real challenge to see if we can back it up with another big effort against a quality, top-four side.

“In my opinion, they (Mandurah) have the talent and ability to win the championship this season.

“Having said that, I’m confident that we can take it right up to Mandurah and get the win on our home court.”