Weekly WABL Wrap – Round 15

The Weekly WABL Wrap is proudly sponsored by Woods Insurance Brokers.

Congrats to all our WABL players, coaches, managers and parents for bringing great energy to Round 15 of the 2021 WABL season. Here’s the wrap up of how all our teams went including comments from coaches:

U12 Champs Girls – Josh Wallace (sponsored by Welsh Real Estate)

Won against Lakeside Lightning 67-36

Coach comments:

After getting off to a slow start last week, it was great to see us play with a high level of energy from the opening tip, allowing us to get off to a strong start.
Our full-court man pressure was the best it has been all season, which caused turnovers and generated easy scoring opportunities for the team.
We were relentless when it came to chasing down loose balls. Every girl dived on the court multiple times trying to secure possessions for their team.
Ella Welsh was really aggressive driving to the basket, which created scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates, and showed great communication and leadership defensively.
Sasha Nona, once again, was unstoppable on the offensive boards and provided great rim protection on D
Lainey Panizza showed great composure with ball in hand again, which is becoming a promising trend
Scarlett Hill did a great job of recognising driving lanes and getting to the basket for quality layup attempts
Remy Sumich’s shot selection was fantastic in this game. She was really aggressive in attacking the basket and showed a good understanding of when to pass and shoot the ball.
Paige Ogden, Grace Butcher and Jem Barr really set the tone for the team with their energy. Always applying pressure on the ball, constantly chasing, and always first to the floor to secure loose balls for their team.

U12 Division 3 Girls – Vance Karimi (sponsored by DLA Piper)

Lost to East Perth 33-29

Coach comments:

The girls are developing a real healthy rivalry with the East Perth Eagles and all of them played with their hearts on their sleeves. All our girls knew this was going to be a blockbuster and gave everything they could till the end.
It was a slow start but the girls found their structure in the second half. They all missed coach Emma big time, who was unfortunately sick.
Ada-Mae Mourish-Burke played a tough game, constantly chasing back in defence, pushing the team in offensive transition, and always got up after each battering.
Ruby Taylor was a wall in defence in the mid-court. She chased every loose ball and would rip it from a player if she remotely saw the opportunity.
Leisha Charlie gave her all to chase, get in front and stop the fast breaks from the other team.

U12 Division 4 Girls – Marcia Dowling (sponsored by One for Women)

Won against Mandurah Magic 34-30

Coach comments:

The girls are making excellent decisions in help defence and really tried hard to defend the “keepy out zone”. Even though our help protection in offence is still developing, the effort the girls put into implementing our newer strategies was outstanding
Sally Dowling is finding her form and really stepped up in offence as well as continuing excellent defensive work.
Nadia Slee and Alessia Wladyka worked successfully to stop the opponent’s main scorers.
An injured Jacinta Wladyka still managed to show excellent ball-handling in transition.

U14 Champs Girls – Haylee Smyth (sponsored by Mount Lawley Orthodontics)

Won against Mandurah 62-41

Coach comments:

Our rebounding was amazing in this game. We found the open player and made good passes in the first half. We also ran the floor well.
Leeshar Tuialii’s on-ball and help defence was awesome.
Ebony Cox’s on-ball defence was also excellent.

U14 Division 2 Girls – Shannon Ball (sponsored by Active Discovery)

Lost to Lakeside 47-43

Coach comments:

Every single girl in the team did something really well yesterday. Whilst we didn’t come away with the win the resilience of the girls was great to see. Unfortunately, we made some costly turnovers that translated into points for Lakeside.

U14 Division 4 Girls White – Zac Belton (sponsored by Redink Homes)

Won against Warwick Senators 56-28

Coach comments:

For the third week in a row, we improved on our defence and held our opponents to fewer points than in our first matchup! Really loving how focused the girls are right now!
Sienna Duong had a fantastic game getting back into form!
Isabella Budby made some fantastic interceptions and took smart shots! Very proud!
Alex Temby, Emily Livingstone and Mila Reyes continued to fight and disrupt!

U14 Division 4 Girls Grey – Lucy Dowling

Lost to East Perth 47-17

Coach comments:

As a team, we kept the Eagles under 50 which was a big accomplishment for us defensively. It was good to see us working together to score. We just need to work on getting the ball up the court because once we can do that everything else will fall in place.
Charlotte Dillon displayed amazing one-on-one defence shutting down the other team’s top scorer
Salma Rahmadavi gave fantastic effort the entire game. She was under every rebound and loose ball even against the larger opposition.
Sienna Care showed good resilience getting knocked around and good shot choice resulting in a good scoring game for her

U16 Division 2 Girls – Bryn Arnold (sponsored by Smart Capital)

Lost to East Perth 62-57

Coach comments:

In a tough close game throughout the energy and intensity for the most part was excellent. We gave ourselves a chance to win down the stretch but unfortunately came up a little short. However, it was a great team game with all players hitting the scoreboard and contributing on the defensive end.
Charlotte Broadbent was outstanding leading the team in scoring with a season-high 14 points and controlling the boards throughout.
Stella Gregory brought her energy all game whether on the court or making sure the bench stayed engaged.

U16 Division 3 Girls – Adrian Warner (sponsored by MSP Electrical)

Won against Slammers 39-34

Coach comments:

Woo Hoo!! Our first win – against a top-two team no less – was the result we had been building for over the past few weeks. Seeing the reaction of the girls when the final buzzer went was priceless. And by the looks of it a feeling shared by the parents 🙂
We had a strong start to the game and were never headed. Bunbury came back at us in each quarter but each time we showed great character to hold firm and re-establish a solid lead at the breaks. We tightened up a bit in the fourth but our sustained mid-court defensive pressure was the key and for most of the game we played with the improved composure and structure in offense I have seen in recent weeks. We stayed out of foul trouble and had an even spread of scorers. This was a super team effort.
Abbey Macham and Matilda Thomson played with great intensity and made good reads and decisions with the ball.
Ainsleigh Passi had a great all-round effort with some lovely low post moves and strong defensive boards against a taller and very strong opponent, which got us into transition quickly.
Ava Lindegger showed greater composure to not force shots and release to the open player for a reset.
Tegan Wilkinson’s consistent on-ball pressure was matched by good spacing in offense that produced a couple of nice open shots.
Ellen Brieffies worked hard at both ends, ran the lanes well all day and was relentless in attacking the paint.
Hannah Saliacus has come a long way since the start of the season and is playing with greater confidence and taking the open shot with nice form.
Lily Leeder was solid in offense all game and handled Bunbury’s defensive pressure well when carrying the ball.
Dinelka Fernando got off her sickbed to play and gave us good minutes – continuing her recent form.
Isabella Wolfenden picked up a couple of early fouls but to her credit was able to regroup and she troubled Bunbury’s defence with strong attacking moves.

U16 Division 4 Girls – Geoff Alger

Lost to Mandurah 56-45

Coach comments:

Our team’s commitment, effort and intensity were fantastic to watch. Our bench was loud and supportive as they put out lots of energy for teammates on the court.
The number of travels and brave charges our girls took by using their feet to stay in front of their players or helping out their teammates was impressive.
While they didn’t quite get the win, our girls can be proud of meeting the challenge of a very physical Mandurah team and playing out the game in the right spirit.
Taijah Babich, Tiah Nelson and Amelia Weber provided excellent defensive energy that worried the Mandurah guards all game.
Amelia’s bravery and commitment to secure any loose ball was inspirational and her free throws are a testament to the hard work she has put in on her shooting.
Jasmine Ford made great decisions all game adding more driving and finishing to her usual excellent passes.
Anais Adnams took another step forward with her improved commitment to the contest. It was great to see.
Tiana Alger’s cheering and support from the bench was loud and constant.

U18 Division 2 Girls White – Brayden Cook

Won against Perth Redbacks Grey 121-32

Coach comments:

I was happy with our defensive pressure and the way we kept playing with intensity right till the end.
Kerry Hayden was outstanding with 39 points.

U18 Division 2 Girls Grey – Brad Dowd (sponsored by Protek)

Lost to Redbacks White 121-32

Coach comments:

This was always going to be a tough game, but the girls kept fighting the entire time no matter the score, even down to the last few seconds. There were glimpses of great basketball during this game and I am very proud of all the players. We got in foul trouble early and some had to adjust their play to stay in the game.
Emma Jones again played aggressively from start to finish, including some exciting drives to the hoop. In the second half of the season, Emma has impressed with her ‘in your face’ defence, but now without the fouls meaning we can have her out there for longer.
Charlotte Horniman drove hard and shot an impressive 83% from the free-throw line.
Leilani Avia continued her strong efforts in defence on the baseline up against much taller players, which earned her more court time.
Charlize Nicolaou played with a lot of energy and had her best scoring game this season.
Leanna Fernando did extremely well adjusting her game after receiving 3 early fouls to see the second half out without any more fouls. Leanna managed to play effective defence without the fouls in the second half.

U12 Champs Boys – Dylan Vilardi

Lost to Lakeside 66-33

Coach comments:

Our defence in the half-court was amazing. Our rotation, communication and ball pressure was way above standard which led us to have a whole bunch of fast-break opportunities to score. Unfortunately for us, we didn’t finish everything
Lucas Fry came on the court and controlled the game like a true point guard. He set the tone early on the offensive end and gave it a 110% effort on the defensive end

U12 Division 2 Boys – Ash Brian (sponsored by Drafting Now)

Won against Warwick Senators Green 57-55

U12 Division 4 Boys White – Jordan Hands

Won against Senators 64-62

Coach comments:

The passion and fight the boys showed to come back from 10 points down in the last quarter was exciting and inspiring.
Luka Delic contributed strongly to this win with 12 points and 10 rebounds

U12 Division 4 Boys Grey – Andrew Logan (sponsored by MD Building Maintenance)

Won against East Perth Eagles 68-40

Coach comments:

A must-win game for our boys against a side above us on the ladder. Our boys came to play from the get go. We had 45 rebounds as a team and only 6 turnovers, that’s the game right there! Excellent reward for the boys’ persistence and hard work after a couple of tough losses the last fortnight.
This was a team win. Everyone played their role.

U14 Champs Boys – Aleks Lackovic (sponsored by Sto WA)

Won against East Perth 45-41

Coach comments:

With our DEFENSIVE focus, we limited a high scoring opposition to just 41 points. Our team containment was outstanding, the boys were disciplined in stance, closeouts, box-outs and help for four quarters. Every team member played under control but with maximum aggression in attacking the ring and creating ball pressure. The team’s ability to make the right read, execute counters and find the advantage ensured we controlled all four quarters.
All of our players today executed pure efficiency at both ends of the floor in a must-win game to ensure we cement a finals position.
Levi Hewett trained the house down mid-week and earned a starting position. He continued this form during the entire game, executing efficiently and rebounding like a beast.
Jerry Davies had his best game of the year, playing with poise and executing his role as a facilitator. This then ensured transition opportunities were cream.
Ben Galvin, Mason Clark, Romeo Lyszkowicz and Jack Saliacus all hunted the one-percenters (rebounds, deflections, banging in box-outs whilst setting monster screens and executing counters efficiently).
Maks Lackovic, Zac Anfuso and Jaxon Kowal ensured we maintained and controlled tempo, attacked the ring and showed selfless execution in finding our bigs and wings.
The TEAM first attitude was amazing to watch.

U14 Division 2 Boys – Mitchell Jesson

Won against Southwest Slammers 48-37

Coach comments:

The last time we played the Slammers it was probably our worst game of the season – one in which we just accepted defeat. Our aim was to make them work hard to beat us this time and with that effort came the W. Very proud of the effort.
It was also pleasing to get our third win in a row. As is the fact our team is playing with a desire to work hard on the defensive end and to limit turnovers.
Jay our big was not 100% and Samuel Peirce spent valuable minutes when called upon to defend a much bigger opponent. Sammy does everything in his power to combat the catch, make his opponent shoot over a hand and then box out. Any coach would be proud.
While Cooper Hewer isn’t having the offensive season he would like, he is still a vital member of our team when he’s not scoring. This was on display when he delivered a ripping run-down block of a Slammers three-point shot. I personally felt that moment was pivotal in ending the Slammers’ challenge. Well done Coops. Keep that defensive effort up.
Jay Hazell/James Bowen – can’t split them, so I join them – 27 points @62%, 15 boards, 3 assists, 5 steals and a block. Great job from those two.

U14 Division 3 Boys – Ron Flores (sponsored by Euroz Hartleys)

Lost to East Perth 60-56

Coach comments:

In a game where we were down by 20 points at one stage, we showed great effort and resilience to only lose by 4.
It was rewarding to see our effort rewarded to get us within reach of the win all the way up until the final seconds.
The team showed great glimpses of our pressure on-ball defence and that’s what gave us the momentum to come back.
The ball and people movement were great at stages and it was great to see the development of the players.

U14 Division 4 Boys – Alex Maude (sponsored by Masterwall)

BYE

U16 Division 2 Boys – Paul Cassir (sponsored by Infuse Life)

Won against Lakeside Lightning 78-75

Coach comments:

The team continued to try and make the defensive adjustments required to fight back into the game, and was successful in building a lead after trailing throughout the first half. The end of the game posed challenges for us to cement the win, but it was pleasing to see how the team were able to finish off the game despite the pressure.
Riley Ford played strong defence throughout the contest and is developing greater confidence offensively – which is invaluable to us.
Yawasyaf Yohans also took on the responsibility to adjust his defensive efforts to match the speed and intensity of the opposition players.
Cooper Deshon and Andrew Chilufya exploited the lanes and continued their consistent contribution on the scoreboard.
Jaxon Sym and Cameron Ford made some timely baskets and brought intensity on defence that allowed us to counter the opposition’s dribble penetration.
Harry Cuerden was instrumental in actioning the feedback provided to him to make adjustments on the court to benefit our team.
Harry Wheatland and Emmanuel Ngugi fought hard to use their physical presence to rebound and contest the opposition shots. Foul discipline was an issue at times, but this is a goal to work towards.

U16 Division 3 Boys White – Luke Simonette

Won against Southwest Slammers 80-51

Coach comments:

I was really pleased with our offensive output in this game. We shot at a really high percentage (52%) because of great ball movement (as also shown in the season-high assist count (21)). Everyone had an assist, steal and a rebound.
We also defended well, especially in the second half.
Bas Allegre went to work in the post with a tidy 19 point, 10 rebound performance.
Everyone put intense defence and unselfish offence into action.

U16 Division 3 Boys Grey – Anthony Nixon (sponsored by Auto Control Systems)

Lost to Mandurah 68-66

Coach comments:

The past few weeks we have been quite distracted with injuries and inconsistencies and we just weren’t our usual selves this game.
Mandurah came into this game having to win to try and make finals and were simply far more energetic and hungrier than we were.
Our usually reliable ‘big guns’ didn’t fire and with a few turnovers and defensive lapses in the final minutes … we lost by 2 in a very close game.
The team kept positive but this is a reminder that we need to ‘turn up’ every game and be ready to hit our assured finals position at full speed in four weeks’ time.
Josh Richards continues to learn and improve at an amazing rate with strong rebounding and 17 points.
It was great to have Max Millard back from injury with 13 points.
Defensive effort and intensity award of the day was Ethan Harders who worked tirelessly to apply defensive pressure and continues to make huge improvements as the season progresses.

U16 Division 4 Boys – Anthony Nixon (sponsored by TECC and Insight)

Lost to Mandurah 67-41

Coach comments

We kept positive despite being frustrated in a very physical game and continued to work hard despite being out hustled and outsized in the paint.
Mitch Nixon stepped up as head coach for the full game and did a great job keeping the boys positive and active (with a few bribes of snakes at 3Q time).
Declan Kenny and Romain Suraweera worked hard against bigger and very physical opposition.
It was great to have Riley Panizza back from injury on the point.
Noah Rees-Turner made good steps forward in staying positive under pressure.

U18 Champs Boys – Simon Daff (sponsored by Della Franca Farms)

Lost to Slammers 110-97

Coach comments:

This was a much better four-quarter game today. We played well offensively and defensively. The only problem was it was never really at the same time. The boys are improving their rotations and ball movement. We just need that consistency going forward.
Kame Igbinovia had a great all round game for the club. Offensively playing both inside and out and playing as our undersized big. He rebounded well and always stayed in front of his man.
Other special mentions are Charlie Morcombe and Ethan Port Louis for great shooting games and great talk on D.

U18 Division 3 Men White – Luke Notley (sponsored by McDonalds Karratha)

Won against Willetton 73-39

Coach comments:

We played great defence most of the game, pressuring the ball and forcing Willetton into 29 turnovers.
It was great to see everyone get really involved today. Jesse Wilcox and Finn Warner put some great points on the board for us.
Miguel Chaitika, Darren Fernandez, Jess and Ethan McIntosh helped us keep pressure on the ball carriers all game long.
Luis Uribe, Callum Bond, Oliver Pedley and Lachlan Taylor put in some great defensive efforts and crashed the boards really well for us.

U18 Division 3 Men Grey – Brandon Riley (sponsored by Inspirations Paint)

Won against Redbacks Silver 94-53

Coach comments:

Our half-court defence was far better, and offensively we were moving the ball well and our spacing was much improved.
Ethan Saliacus had a huge game at both ends of the floor.
Billy Pearl found some form from three-point land and his defensive effort was at a good level.

U18 Division 3 Men Silver – Sam Fox (sponsored by Strut Specialists)

Lost to Redbacks Grey 94-53

Coach comments:

This is a game we don’t want to overanalyse. We didn’t play our style, particularly on D, and dug ourselves a hole from the outset. It was a rough day at the office against the top team who were on fire, however, I loved how we fought it out, made some key adjustments and put together some good stretches. This loss comes after a 5 game win streak and beating 3 teams in the top 6. This group is indomitable. Bring on the next game.
Aiden Cannington picked us up and brought some excellent efforts on D that led to O.
Thanos Snooks-Holding shot the ball very well from deep and gave us a great lift.
Oakley Fung attacked the paint well.
Mandla Magwenzi played a great role on the court and on the bench.

U20 Men White – Michael Clarke

Won against Kalamunda Suns 98-93

Coach comments:

This was another important, gutsy win against good opposition.

U20 Men Grey – Rob Gordon

Lost to Willetton 100-54

Coach comments:

I was proud that we didn’t stop trying in this game.