Get ready Miners fans – this South East Australian Basketball League game at the MARS Minerdome on Saturday night is going to be huge.

In the blue team, Ken Horton and Roy Booker have headlined the GMHBA Miners’ charge and entertained fans with stellar roles from ever-sharpening point guard Anthony Fisher and slam-dunking recruit Nathan Sobey.

In the red team, import Mike Mercer is Geelong Supercats’ go-to player and leading scorer with well-versed, strong support from Nick Owusu, captain Nathan Herbert and big man Eric Gaff.

The Supercats top SEABL’s east conference with one blemish on their record. That was a while ago too, because the Supercats arrive in town on an eight-game winning streak.

The showdowns between Ballarat and Geelong are thrilling and this encounter has been building in blockbuster status for the past month.

The Miners were near-unstoppable through May, dropping one game in eight and surging into the east conference top four.

David Flint was named SEABL coach of the month and Booker picked up player of the month honours.

Their return home last week against Sandringham was a little lacklustre. 

Poor shooting through the opening half sparked a 13-point loss.

The Miners regrouped in a strong third term but Sandringham went on a 15-3 scoring spree to open the third term.

Clashes against the Supercats traditionally bring out the best in the Miners, regardless of where they sit on the ladder, and this game should offer the Miners a strong indication of form and potential to progress in play-offs.

The Miners are ranked clear fourth in the east conference.

Guaranteed is a Minerdome packed with a roaring crowd. The Supercats travel with a strong, vocal army and the Miners will be keen to draw on as much home support as they can.

melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au