The Time Is Now: Perth Wildcats Young Bloods Ready To Take Over

Henshall & Pepper Set To Step Up For The Perth Wildcats

Whilst the Perth Wildcats have had a rocky start to the year and injuries to their star players Bryce Cotton, Tai Webster and Keanu Pinder at different stages throughout the season so far, it now presents the opportunity for Ben Henshall and Elijah Pepper to cement themselves in this rotation. Both of these young guns have had exceptional moments and runs but haven’t really been able to put it all together consistently, but with the Wildcats looking for a spark and some scoring, these two young guns are ready for the challenge. 

Ben Henshall and Elijah Pepper are two names most Perth Wildcats fans were very excited about coming into a fresh NBL25 season. Both of them have had great patches throughout this season, but as all young players do have struggled to put it all together over multiple games. With star player and last season's MVP Bryce Cotton out for an extended period of time, both are getting more of a chance to show what they can do. 

Henshall who is more of a point guard has had increased minutes and role in recent weeks and had a solid game against the Sydney Kings where he put up 2 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The downside of this game though was his shooting, he would finish the game 0-10 from the field. Pepper was also very similar with his shooting worries finishing the game with 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal whilst shooting the ball from the field, 3-15.

Young Guns To Take Over The Scoring In Cottons Absence

With the Wildcats struggling to score the ball this season with any consistency and confidence, the pressure will fall on young guns Pepper and Henshall to find their feet and rhythm on the biggest stage. These young guns are well and truly ready for it and it won’t take long for them to be firing for the Perth Wildcats once again. All you have to look at is their best games this season and you can see these young players are set to play a pivotal role for the Wildcats. 

The Wildcats look to improve on their season this weekend against the top of the ladder Illawarra Hawks and bottom of the ladder, South East Melbourne Phoenix. If they can come away winners in both they will improve to 5-4 and will have a lot of confidence in themselves whilst not having star guard, Bryce Cotton. Whilst the pressure isn’t just on these young guns, their impact and output will well and truly help this team have success.