Arena growth has Cats purring
Summer Walters has cheered on the Perth Wildcats from the stands at every home game since she was five years old.
The devoted fan followed her team from Challenge Stadium to Perth Arena to see four grand final series but believes nothing could compare to this year's championship.
"The game on Sunday was the best game of my life," she said.
"The atmosphere was insane."
Summer, 16, was among hundreds of fans at Forrest Place yesterday to congratulate the players on their record sixth NBL title. The Wildcats have been celebrating since defeating long-time rival Adelaide 93-59 on Sunday in the deciding game of the series.
Captain Damian Martin said the team was thrilled to claim the title in front of a home crowd, describing Wildcats fans as the best in Australia.
"When I moved over here in 2010, we were playing at Challenge Stadium and back then I thought, 'man, playing in front of 4500 people is amazing'," he said.
"We turned 4500 into close to 14,000. That's indescribable."
The City of Perth presented the team yesterday with a congratulatory shield before players signed autographs.
It was a chance for many to say goodbye to US import James Ennis, who leaves this month after an outstanding season. He hopes to get an NBA contract and said the Wildcats helped him a lot.
