In the SLBW, few teams can match the tactical flexibility of the Caledonia Gladiators’ centre rotation. AeRianna Harris, their dominant starting centre, anchors the team with her powerful paint presence. Scoring inside and controlling the boards, Harris sets the tone for Caledonia’s interior play. Her impact is underscored by a team-leading plus-minus of +14.14 per game, reflecting an ability to influence both ends of the floor.
When Harris takes a seat, Delaynie Byrne offers a starkly different skill set. Operating comfortably on the perimeter, Byrne’s shooting ability stretches the floor and forces opponents to adjust their defensive schemes mid-game. A natural pick-and-pop threat, Byrne excels at creating space for her teammates and knocking down shots from beyond the arc, adding another dimension to Caledonia’s offence.
This dynamic is best illustrated by the percentage of shots each player takes as three-pointers. The chart below highlights the stark contrast in their shot profiles:
The numbers speak for themselves. Harris takes less than 2% of her shots from beyond the arc, anchoring herself firmly in the paint. Meanwhile, Byrne attempts 56.8% of her shots from three-point range, showcasing her ability to stretch the floor and challenge defences in a completely different way. Her pick-and-pop ability amplifies this threat, opening opportunities for Caledonia’s guards to penetrate or exploit mismatches.
Forcing Opponents to Adjust
The Gladiators’ flexibility lies in their ability to adapt through Harris and Byrne, whether staggered or sharing the court. Their contrasting styles—Harris’s dominance inside and Byrne’s perimeter versatility—force opponents to prepare for vastly different approaches, often creating mismatches and late defensive adjustments. This adaptability gives Caledonia a tactical edge, positioning them to exploit a variety of game scenarios. As the season progresses, Harris and Byrne’s complementary skill sets could be the key to Caledonia’s success.
