Weekly WABL Wrap – Round 10 – 23 June 2024

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

Here’s the Round 10 wrap-up of how all our teams went, including comments from coaches:

12-1 Girls – Marcia Dowling (sponsored by National Geotech)

Won against Joondalup Wolves 63-33

Coach comments (Dahney Chamberlain)

• The girls had an amazing game this weekend against the Wolves. The first time we played them in Round 3, we won by 7. So this was a big improvement from Round 3 and is a testament to how much the girls have developed both as a team and as individuals.
• Mia Exeter had 23 points (@50%) this game, including 2/3 three-pointers. She also pushed the ball up the court well, pulled in 14 rebounds (7 offensive) and had 8 blocks and 3 steals.
• Elsey Lohman white played exceptionally well despite hurting her knee the previous day. Elsey attacked the basket with confidence and aggression. Playing great on-ball defence and getting steals, Elsey finished the game with 4 points, 5 steals and 5 assists.
• Olive Bird played an amazing game. She looked after the ball and consistently took the right shots. She attacked the basket well to draw fouls and get to the line. She narrowly missed out on a triple double stat line, finishing with 11 points (including 1 three-pointer), 11 rebounds, 9 steals and 2 assists.

12-2 Girls – Paul Philpott (sponsored by Infinity Designed)

Lost to Lakeside 92-33

Coach comments

• Wow, what a game! Starting with only 6 players and having 2 foul outs, our wonderful Redbacks girls never threw in the towel. They simply used it to wipe the sweat from their brows as they kept on challenging Lakeside for every ball. Olivia and I were so impressed with the heart of this team.
• Whilst every player gave their all today, Rachel Deering’s performance was incredible. Rachel assisted with every aspect of the game, from intercepts to leading transitions and court coverage and was clearly a bother for Lakeside. 
• Zoe De Morton was forever seen wrestling for every ball, refusing to give it up to Lakeside, allowing her to drive hard and deep into the key for some well-earned results. 
• Kate McKern rose to the challenge today guarding our yard with some confident rebounds.

12-3 Girls – Khalid Elmi 

No coach comments submitted

12-1 Boys – Ofir Ben Dror (sponsored by Pivot Project Consulting)

Lost to Joondalup 46-72

Coach comments

• This was almost a mirror image of the game last week, with our boys matching up well with the other team initially. The defence was strong, and our scoring generally came from driving to the basket. 
• The second half was again a bit frustrating for the boys as they can’t yet seem to overcome the way their game changes when they are being pressured. 
• In the last quarter, we successfully demonstrated a more organized and calm offense, which gave the boys a good example of what should work for future games.
• Eli Mancini was once again damaging with his drives through the key – scoring and getting fouled. 
• Noah Mucjanko was strong as a 4 in the key and also exposed the defence from the left side. 
• James Price managed to stop their most important offensive player in their PG.

12-2 Boys – Dom Pitchen (sponsored by Sushi Wawa)

Lost to Joondalup 41-56

Coach comments

• The boys did well throughout the game, matching the intensity and level of play despite missing some of our players. The game got away from them in the end, but they should be proud of their efforts.
• Harrison Kingsbury had a great game. He did well to box out, grab rebounds, and play big inside on offense. Well done, H. 
• Denim Hamilton was also very good inside. He did well to box out and contest shots. He also made good passes and strong attacks to the ring. Good job, Denim.
• Tyler Carter did well getting the ball up under pressure and facilitating the team. He was also strong defensively. Well done, Ty.

12-3 Boys – Craig Dropulich (sponsored by Profusion Planning)

Lost to Lakeside 37-42

Coach comments

• Another game against a competitive team this week to test us in different ways. Its good to see different players for us get better in games. I was very pleased with our defensive efforts against Lakeside. I was very proud of the boys for coming back from 16 points down in the third quarter to get to 5 points down with 2 minutes to go in the match. We never gave up, and we stopped a very good team by forcing mistake after mistake. It is so pleasing to see a never-say-die attitude from my boys. We had chances all day and at the end to win this game. Our offense was a bit off all game, and that is all this game came down to. Lakeside hit many of their shots ours went around the rim and popped out, just our luck this week.
• Jack McKibbin played a tough and physical game against a top-age opponent who was dominating on offense in the first half. He completely shut him down after halftime and worked harder than anyone else on the court to contribute on offense as well. Fantastic effort, Jack. You showed the effort required to drag your team out of its rut and power to the final whistle.
• Lance Dela Vega and Rintaro Haginiwa were great at defending the keyway for us today. Their rebounding, positioning, and contact with opposition players were very good. They contributed 10 points in total and had some great finishes from passes to them under the basket. Keep up the good work, boys.

12-4 Boys – Wayne Dropulich (sponsored by Playa Coffee)

Lost to Warwick 43-50

Coach comments

• On Sunday, we played at Warwick to play the 2nd-seeded Senators.
• The game began on an even note, with both teams displaying excellent skill and strategy, leading to a tie at 6 all. Late in the second and early in the second, the Senators began to pull ahead with an impressive 10-0 run, extending their lead to 16-6. 
• In response, we staged a comeback with our own 10-0 run, demonstrating our resilience and determination. Thanks to our efforts, we reduced the deficit to just 2 points, trailing 24-22 at halftime.
• As the third quarter progressed, the Warwick Senators gradually extended their lead to 10 points, ending the third quarter with a score of 42-32.
• However, we were not ready to admit defeat. Displaying a strong fighting spirit, we fought back to within 5 points late in the game, showcasing our tenacity and refusal to give up without a fight.
• Despite our best efforts, and much to our disappointment, we ended up losing with a final score of 50-43. Nevertheless, our performance throughout the match was a testament to our team’s resilience and determination.
• Ioane Ivala-Kotua, an indispensable player in our team, demonstrated an impressive performance. He managed to score a total of 6 points, contributing significantly to the team’s overall score. Not only did he excel in scoring, but he also dominated the boards, pulling down a team-high 7 rebounds. What’s more remarkable is that, of these rebounds, 4 were on the offensive end, showing his aggressive playing style and his ability to keep the play alive. Additionally, Ioane displayed great defensive skills, securing 3 steals, further proving his all-around capabilities on the court.
• Alex Litas made an impressive return to the team after a lengthy hiatus due to a hand injury. His performance was as high-calibre as ever, showing no signs of rustiness from his time off the court. He played at an outstanding level, demonstrating his skill and determination as if he had never been absent from a single game. This was evident in his scoring, where he managed to net 6 points at an impressive success rate of 60%. His ball handling was exceptional throughout the day, maintaining a strong possession and protecting the ball diligently and preventing turnovers. Moreover, his usual tenacious defence was on full display. He was relentless on the court, making it difficult for the opposing team to score and contributing significantly to the team’s overall defence.

14-1 Girls – Simon Daff (sponsored by Australian Financial Planners)

Won against Hills Raiders 73-34

Coach comments

• We stormed out of the blocks in the first quarter to take a commanding 22-point lead and never looked back. We were dominating in all statistical categories, and as a coach, that’s pleasing to see. 
• We only had 8 suiting up this week as we continue to work through some injuries. But it was pleasing to see that even though we got fatigued and had a big lead, the girls maintained their motivation to push the margin out further.
• Jacinta Wladyka continued her consistency with another strong outing. Her ability to apply pressure defensively and turn that into offence was a highlight. She’s starting to read the game well with her playmaking and getting her teammates involved.
• Siena Mouttet was elevated to our team to cover a season-ending injury, and she looked right at home in this division with her strong work rate. Even though it was her first game, she absorbed the pressure and never looked rattled. We are so pleased to have her.

14-2 Girls – Reid Ballantine (sponsored by Fish Boss)

Lost to Mandurah Gold 35-42

Coach comments

• We started the game with great energy and intensity and showed signs that we could control the game, but things fell off the rails in the second quarter. We rushed bad passes in transition and rushed shots as well, resulting in a scoreless 8 turnovers in the quarter and allowing Mandurah to take the lead. We steadied the ship in Q3 and dominated possession in Q4, but not enough to catch up. It was another game where unfortunate early foul trouble impacted some of our defensive intensity. It was frustrating that Mandurah got away with some extra physicality that somewhat disrupted us. Ultimately, it was a different experience for us to learn from.
• Gracie Dillon stepped it up today and was very active and alert in defence, getting into the right spots for the double team pressure, snatching steals and rebounds, finding open players in transition and, best of all, setting screen after screen after screen to generate some of our offence. Great game Gracie! 
• Teah James played another great tempo game, consistently initiating our offence with composure and communication! She also attacked any defensive gaps to sneak her own 13 points, including some tidy free throws.

14-3 Girls – Helen Pardini (sponsored by Access Hire)

Won against Joondalup 45-39

Coach comments

• This week’s game showcased an excellent four-quarter effort from our team. 
• The first half was a close contest, with us maintaining a slight lead for most of it. We entered halftime with a narrow 1-point advantage.
• In the third, we managed to hold and build slightly on our lead until late in the quarter when the Wolves found their rhythm and, with some impressive shooting, took the lead, putting us down by 1 point at the end of the third.
• The fourth quarter saw the Wolves extend their lead early, going up by 5 points. However, our team responded with an outstanding defensive effort, effectively shutting down the Wolves’ shooters and their transition. This strong defensive stand created numerous opportunities for us, enabling a remarkable 13-2 run.
• The girls displayed great composure, made smart decisions, and maintained their intensity right until the final buzzer. This was truly a great team effort, and a well-deserved win.
• It was great to see Paige Granato play her first game this season. Although she was on limited minutes she still had an impact with 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 points.
• Molly Nicholas was impressive at both ends of the court, recording a near triple-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 8 steals, and 3 assists.
• Alyssa Rullo also had a big game for us. Anchoring our defence, she did not let anything get by her. She also contributed 13 points and 6 rebounds.
• Mia Exeter stepped up to play her second game of the day and had a huge impact at both ends with 8 points, 10 rebounds, and a massive 3-point play with a minute left to secure the win.
• A special mention to Mila Petta and Freya Whitehouse, whose defensive efforts, especially in the fourth quarter, were invaluable. Both showed great composure under pressure.

14-4 Girls – Rori Roberts (sponsored by Habitat Finance)

Won against Perry Lakes 48-43

Coach comments

• After weeks of falling behind in the first quarter and having to play catch-up, the girls were ready, and we were able to keep up with Perry Lakes from the start.
• We stayed with them for the whole first half, but at the start of the third quarter, we did fall behind by 13. An amazing last 2 minutes in that quarter allowed us to go on a 12-2 run and get within 3 points heading into the fourth. That quarter went basket for basket until we finally broke that, scoring 2 in a row and taking the lead. Perry Lakes scored a layup with 50 seconds to go to tie the game up. We ran down in offence, and Isla Cowman hit her first ever three-pointer to put us on top with 30 seconds to go. The girls were then able to play solid defence and get the win
• Isla Cowman led the way in scoring, being aggressive and making her free throws, finishing with 11 points.
• Saige Deeks’s presence inside was massive on defence, affecting most layup attempts and finishing with 8 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks.
• Darcy Brian came in with lots of energy both on the court and on the bench.
• Stevie Brehaut had a massive defensive game, getting up and in and creating opportunities for team steals.
• Ava Kemp played the best game I’ve seen her play. She was aggressive on rebounds, finished well, and was in the lanes to get steals.

14-1 Boys – Ben Hamilton (sponsored by Geist Consulting)

Won against Hills Raiders 105-46

Coach comments

• It was pleasing to see the execution of our offence during certain stages of this week’s game and a more concerted effort to box out rather than relying on size and athleticism. Our transition defence continued to stifle the opposition offence which, despite the convincing score, was high-intensity for the entire game. I was also impressed with the team’s unselfish offence, which led to 30 assists for the game (2 below our season record).
• William Hemingway disrupted their flow on offense with another great defensive performance while accelerating our transition offense. His full-court vision and passing resulted in some incredible plays that rewarded our rim runners and trailers. He also scored 17 points at 70% to round out an exceptional performance. 
• Nate Cass continues his double-double season with another dominant performance. Most exciting is Nate’s growing confidence in guarding smaller and quicker players, which is important given he’s also handling the ball more in a big rotation that’s getting more court time. 
• Christian Cvitan continued his apprenticeship in the guard position and did an admirable job with 6 assists, 6 steals, and 15 points. His quick hands and judgement make him a real obstacle for opposition guards, and his ability to finish at the hoop and in transition makes him particularly damaging.

14-2 Boys – Fletcher Clemmence (sponsored by Ponosh Vascular)

Lost to Joondalup 43-48

Coach comments

• We started the game hot on an 8-0 run and showed the intensity we needed to hold. Unfortunately, their bench outscored ours, and we finished the quarter down 5. The last time we played, we lost to this team by 20, and it looked like this game would go the same way, as we were down 19 at the start of the fourth. But a 19-5 run brought us back in it. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to push over the line, but we showed real improvement from previous weeks.
• Will Holzheimer had a huge game, scoring 15 points, and really showed us how to rebound and defend at a high level. 
• Lucas Vojkovic, as always, when we need a score or some energy, Lucas provides it, getting some strong and1s!

14-3 Boys – Brad Holyoak (sponsored by Westbeck Capital)

Lost to Suns Orange 60-76

Coach comments

• Right from the tip, the Suns came to play. They blasted us and taught us a valuable lesson about turning up mentally by punishing us all over the court early. We weren’t mentally prepared for the physical nature of the game, and we made uncharacteristic mistakes. However, I was proud of the way we regrouped. A lesser team would have been blown out, but we hung fat and went back at them to match their physicality in a brutal encounter. We will be a better team for it. I had noticed a degree of complacency slipping into training in the last few weeks, and the drubbing we got will again remind us and reset us to again become underdogs. Underdogs are hungry dogs, and hungry dogs run faster!
• Big Ted Jarrett stood proud and got on the end of a few good passes to keep the scoreboard ticking over. 
• Vincent Ryder was a lone hand early and stood tall when his team needed him most and shot well to keep us in the hunt. 
• Beau Morgan was the barbarian at the gate. He gave as good as he got and never showed a backward step. He played FIERCE all game long.

14-4 Boys – Ethan Saliacus (sponsored by Skyward Roof Plumbing)

Lost to Warwick 45-54

Coach comments (Rhys Fode)

• Coming into the game with only 8 players against the top side was always going to be a hard challenge, but the boys all played their absolute hearts out. The effort and energy were amazing to see, and it shows how much we are improving. The last time we faced them, we were never really in the contest, but this time, each aspect improved: fewer turnovers, rebounding, help defence, and the bench’s energy was great.
• In this game, I want to shout out the whole team rather than any individuals as they all played so well and played together as a team to really push the top side

16-1 Girls – Sam Fox (sponsored by Sushi Wawa)

Won by forfeit against Slammers 20-0

16-2 Girls – Vance Karimi (sponsored by Packaging Perth)

Won against Warwick 49-48

Coach comments

• Our girls played their hearts out this week against a fast and determined Warwick Senators team. We made some adjustments to our style of play this week, and I’m so grateful the girls adopted the changes and executed them so well. 
• The changes were all focused on playing with poise on the ball when we lose the advantage in transition. They moved the ball so well in their set offence this week, having the patience to make good decisions with passing, swinging the ball to shift defence and finding the gaps with their cuts. 
• We played such a strong defensive game. We were not afraid to square up to bump cutters, contained our players on the ball extremely well, and chased so many loose balls. Every loose ball dive urged the team to lift more. 
• The girls were on fire from the perimeter with really good patient looks rather than contested finishes. Everyone scored this week. But it was their unselfish opportunistic extra passes to the open player in the paint which was beautiful to watch and inspired them to never give up.
• Izzy Swann was diving at full stretch on every loose ball remotely near her and chasing back in transition defence to interrupt finishes. She attacked the paint, drew several defenders, kicked out for open shots, and was on fire with her 3s. In the last few seconds, we also saw her compassionate side towards the injured Senators player.
• Charlotte Dillon had a great game this week with strong defence, contesting and timing the pressure on the ball to double and cause turnovers. Her quick thinking to play to the ref whistle, rip the ball and attack the paint and score gave us the lead in last few seconds.
• Chelsea Ferris really hustled on the floor. Every time she was on, she chased loose balls and made some great, smart passes.
• Bella Kahl and Paige Wigmore were strong on defensive and offensive rebounds and moved the ball so well. It was beautiful to watch the high-low natural action with these two as they start to understand what a force they can be when they work together.

16-3 Girls – Dave Ogden (sponsored by Kai Rho Consulting)

Won against Warwick 72-46

Coach comments

• We played Warwick at home, who were second on the ladder and who beat us earlier in the season.
• The girls outworked and outplayed the opposition, including an impressive 47 to 25 second half in which we had foul problems to manage, and the whole team contributed to the win.
• All aspects of our game are improving, and the girls’ confidence in executing new skills and patterns of movement and appetite for work are growing at the right time of the season.
• Cara Hayes battled hard all game and had a strong second half offensively and top scored with 19. 
• Scarlett Hill hit a triple of 3s in the last quarter. Fair to say they both liked our zone offense. 
• The front three of our press, consisting of Halle Griffiths, Talia Tzotzis and Ani Farrant, fought hard and created a couple of quick turnover scores coming out of a time-out in a pivotal part of the third quarter to increase our lead going into the last. It stopped some momentum that Warwick was building and gave us some real energy at 3/4 time.
• Paige Ogden is still finding her feet after injury. She provided defensive presence all game and gave us some poise under pressure with the ball in hand. The scoring touch will come with continuity later in the season.

16-4 Girls – Marcia Dowling (sponsored by Professional Web Solutions)

Won against Hills Raiders 63-33

Coach comments

• We committed to finishing well and defending for four quarters and were quick to switch when needed in the zone defence. Our transition D was also a big annoyance to the Hills’ team
• Trinity Doulis (12 points), along with Ella Djurasovic, Cherie Zak and Macaela Tugwell, all worked hard under the basket. 
• Daisy Dalla-Costa was fantastic with her defensive rebounds 
• Maddie McKibbin contributed to our fast effective transition to the front court. 
• Meg White made her best shot decisions today and both she and Nadia Slee have really taken on board the “breathe” concept upon receiving a pass and making a decision. 
• At both ends, Alessia Wladyka’s consistently high IQ meant her teammates received invaluable assists while also benefiting from her being a menace in the opposition’s backcourt. 
• Emily Flynn made a strong impact in defensive rebounds. 
• This was a truly great TEAM effort again

16-1 Boys – Mitch Jesson (sponsored by DLA Piper)

Won against East Perth 77-52

Coach comments

• We are finding opposition teams are really coming up with inventive ways to play us the second time around. With no shot clock in operation, East Perth took long periods of time to get into and execute their offense. This resulted in a very low-scoring first quarter on our way to holding East Perth to 52 points for the game. After one quarter, we knew we had to extend the pressure. From there, our running game yielded 68 points in the next three quarters for a 25-point win.
• There is a lot to be pleased with. We had all 10 boys back in the line-up for the first game in a while and played the game in good spirit. In a game when we were challenged in rebounding, we were able to lift in other areas such as reducing turnovers and more assists.
• Antz Flores gets the rare ‘two weeks in a row’ mention in the Weekly Wrap. Antz had a really even game and provided us with some clever heads-up defensive plays and some really good shot-making decisions and execution. 17 points (@55%), 3 from 4 triples, 2/2 free throw line, 2 boards, 5 assists and 3 steals is a really solid day
• Julien Richardson got out on the break in the second half due to determined running, and his finishing under pressure is an ongoing highlight reel. His 12 points (@ 56%), 4 boards, 2 assists, and 4 steals highlight Julien’s importance at both ends of the floor.
• Rodney Lovasi is finally back after missing a number of games with an ankle injury. Under very controlled minutes, Rodney started out slowly, but it wasn’t long before he was crashing the boards and delivering a game-high 5 assists (almost an assist every 3 minutes on the court). The highlight was Rodney stepping out with a beautiful high rainbow 3, which was nothing but net.

16-2 Boys – Dan Cartwright (sponsored by Triple Seven)

Won against Cockburn 104-89

Coach comments:

• This win against Cockburn made it 6 in a row for us, but it wasn’t as easy as the final margin suggests. After a fast start where we jumped out to an early 18-10 lead, Cockburn hung in there, never allowing the margin to blow out. Then, in the last few minutes of the second term, they began to pressure our guards and picked off a series of passes which they converted into lay-ups and reduced the margin from 11 to just 2 points. To complicate matters, the rebound count was in Cockburn’s favour. 
• To our credit, we came out with more defensive intent in the third quarter, winning the rebounds and getting the game back on our terms, establishing a 71-60 lead at three-quarter time. The last quarter turned into a fast-paced, free-flowing affair with both sides giving up more points than they would have liked. We showed that we can play a fast up-and-back game as our season highs in assists and steals would confirm, however, the season-high turnover count would indicate that there is still some work to be done. The 15-point margin made it look like a comfortable win, however, sometimes the score doesn’t tell the full story.
• Harvey Wishart backed up last week’s solid performance with another 8 points and 10 boards. 
• Riley Thill had 10 points and an impressive 6 steals. 
• Hunter Mettam came in as the 6th man and dropped 24 points. 
• Jalen Dunstan had 24 points on 9-16 shooting which included 4-7 from downtown, as well as 10 rebounds and 
• Koby Kalebic had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists in an all-round display.

16-3 Boys – Francis Crawshaw (sponsored by Teqar IT Consulting)

No coach report submitted

16-4 Boys – Cheyne Kerp (sponsored by Perth Safety Deposit Boxes)

Lost to Slammers Red 63-90

Coach comments

• We started off well, worked hard offensively and defensively and made good decisions – refraining from taking bad shots.
• We got Slammers into early foul trouble and had a lead of 2 by the quarter-time break
• Within 2 minutes of the second quarter, we had a 7-point lead. Unfortunately, after that, we lost our composure and let the opposition get into our heads. 
• We became indecisive on the offensive end and lacked the self-control required to get back into the game. However, it’s a very good learning curve for the boys, one they can only grow from.
• Shout out to Toby Schultz, Aiden Little and Jake Chew for getting 15, 11 & 10 points, respectively.

18-1 Girls – Kelly Webb (sponsored by Aussie Fencing)

Lost to Rockingham 72-77

Coach comments

• The girls outdid themselves throughout the game scoring 30 points in the 1st quarter and leading on the court with composure. They did a great job keeping up with the intensity of the opposing team. In the end, Rockingham’s steady shots took the win.
• Blaise Stancil’s scoring consistency was outstanding (29 pts)
• Matilda Thomson’s intensity was remarkable in defence 
• Chloe Atkinson surpassed herself with the right approach towards defence and offense

18-2 Girls – Steve Herring (sponsored by MD Building Maintenance)

Won against Mandurah 82-61

Coach comments

• It was an early game and a slow start; however, once we got the engine running in the second, we found our groove. The team is getting more comfortable with different combinations and making more independent decisions on and off the court. Well done!
• The scoring was well shared with Theory Snooks-Holding, Harriet Woods, Matilda Pyne and Grace Almond all in double digits showing the great unselfish team play we are achieving.

18-3 Girls – Andy Zell (sponsored by High Octane Automotive Services)

Won against East Perth 69-51

Coach comments (Ella Buxey)

• This game was our first win of the season! The girls played with a high defensive intensity and pressure and were a lot more structured in offence. 
• East Perth had a great start on us, scoring the first 8 points of the game, but the girls quickly brought it back and kept going up from there. We did a great job maintaining our composure when we were in the lead therefore keeping the lead.
• Isabelle Cobb had an amazing game. Her confidence has been improving every week, and she consistently puts in effort on both ends of the court.
• Emily Strika had an amazing defensive game, applying a lot of pressure up on East Perth and making them have to slow down.
• Alex Temby played with great intensity for the whole game, and was a great leader on the court.
• Due to injury and players away, we need 3 fill-ins for this game. Huge thanks to Ella Welsh, Madi Makavilitogia and Isabelle Swann. They all played amazing, and we wouldn’t have had a game without them.

18-1 Boys – Andrew Logan

Won against Warwick 89-88

Coach comments

• Tough game all the way through. Down 14 in the second quarter at one stage, we went on a 10-0 run to close the gap to 2 at the half. With Warwick taking cheap off-the-ball shots at us all game, we kept our composure and executed our structures at a high level. We went up 6 early in the 4th and held that advantage until late when Warwick made one last push. We stifled Warwick’s offence with some adjustments on D and executed our offence the best we have all season. We didn’t waste our dribble and picked our spots when to attack. The boys have come a long way in 8 weeks. We lost to this Warwick side by 47 the last time we played them. Great reward for great effort. Looking forward to the back half of the season.
• Alex Pardini has been a massive part of this team’s building a team-first mentality. His quick decision-making and ball movement put his teammates in great positions to score. He also played some great containment defence on some tough opposition players. It’s great to see Alex’s confidence grow with each game he plays. 
• While Jude Garbenis and David Moore combined for 50 of our points, what impressed me most was how they read the D and picked their spots regarding when to attack, making it an efficient 50 compared to earlier in the season. Well done boys. Great to see that growth.
• Congrats also to Jude for playing his 50th WABL game for Perth Redbacks. It was great to get the close win for him.

18-2 Boys – Marshall Robinson (sponsored by Integrity Fencing and Gates)

No coach comments submitted

18-3 Boys – Louis Timms (sponsored by Icon Plumbing Solutions)

Lost to Perry Lakes 75-85

Coach comments

• We got off to a quick start offensively, which prompted a defensive adjustment by Perry Lakes to go zone. The 1-3-1 proved difficult for us to navigate; however, the boys handled it reasonably well, considering the Hawks’ intensity and defensive communication. In the end, we were out-rebounded and out-run in transition.
• Hamish Gibson showed off his great 3-point shooting ability late in the game to keep us within arm’s length of pulling off a win
• Mitch Kensett-Smith was excellent, showing his poise with the ball.

18-4 Boys – Nick D’Elia (sponsored by Mortgage Choice – Emma Tyler)

Won against East Perth 91-84

Coach comments

• This week, we came up against a strong Eagles side that we have played a few times now, including grading, and have always been close. This time we got the jump on them. Deegan Castle had the first 7 points unanswered, and we were rolling from there
• It was a bit of a back-and-forth game. We had a 10-point buffer most of the game, and heading into the 4th, we had a 29-point lead that looked very comfortable. However, they found our kryptonite – zone! We couldn’t score for most of the quarter, and some sharp shooting from them brought them back, leading to a nail-biter again in the last minutes of the game as they got within 5.
• Luckily Deegan hit some big outside shots, we held the ball and they had to start fouling. We knocked down our free throws, looked after the ball and luckily came out again with a close well-deserved win
• Deegan’s clutch shooting and interior defence were great.
• Gabe Fode demonstrated some excellent finishing.

21-1 Girls – John Care’ (sponsored by Fine Food WA)

Lost to Kalamunda 99-52

Coach comments

• This was a game of two halves. After a slow start in the first half, the girls pulled together to regroup and focus on the essentials to be competitive.
• Hannah Saliacus had a great game in both offence and defence, applying pressure on the ball and fighting for rebounds. 
• Kirsty Slinger is gaining more confidence to out-rebound the opposition and attack the basket.

20-1 Boys – Graham Jones (sponsored by Bendigo Bank Community Bank North Perth)

Won against Slammers 100-89

Coach comments

• After a couple of underwhelming performances, we managed to turn the corner and produce a solid team result. Despite being depleted by illness and injuries, the team remained undeterred and showed great spirit and determination.
• The game began on a promising note, but we ended the first quarter down by 6 points. However, the team remained resolute and focused. In the second quarter, their determination paid off as we edged the quarter by 3 points, narrowing the deficit but still trailing at the half.
• The second half saw a remarkable transformation. With consistent play on both ends of the floor, we took control of the game. The team’s cohesion and relentless effort allowed us to win the third quarter by 10 points. Continuing this momentum into the fourth quarter, we secured it by another 4 points, leading to a well-deserved victory.
• This result not only brings a good feeling but also highlights the resilience and teamwork of our players. Their ability to step up and deliver under challenging circumstances is commendable and a great sign moving forward.
• Aiden Cannington had a season-high 32 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. His performance was a demonstration of his value to the team, as he not only led us in points but also inspired his teammates with his relentless effort and determination. Aiden’s ability to take control of the game and make critical plays was a key factor in our victory.
• Ethan Saliacus also achieved a season-high with 24 points, displaying his command at both ends of the floor. His defensive tenacity and offensive skill set were on full display, making significant contributions that helped us secure the win. Ethan’s presence on the court was commanding, as he consistently made impactful plays and provided the team with a much-needed boost.
• Wade Bonhomme was all over the court, epitomising the hustle and effort we seek from our team. His energy and determination were infectious, as he fought for every loose ball, defended aggressively, and contributed to the offense. Wade’s all-around performance and tireless work ethic set a high standard for the rest of the team and embodied the spirit of teamwork and perseverance.
• These individual performances highlight the depth of talent and dedication within our squad. The exemplary efforts of Aiden, Ethan, and Wade not only contributed to our win but also set a benchmark for what we can achieve when we play together with intensity and focus. Their contributions were crucial, and their leadership on the court will continue to be invaluable as we move forward in the season.

20-2 Boys – Dario Povia (sponsored by Bendigo Bank Community Bank North Perth)

Lost to Joondalup 69-90

Coach comments

• Our boys struggled to match the intensity of the opposition for 80% of this game. But despite the game being out of reach by that point, the last 20% of the match was played with high pressure, plenty of positive communication and a relentless attitude. It was great to see our guys come together at the last timeout and keep pushing to the final second of the game – the result of the game may have been quite different if we had brought that level of effort and execution a bit earlier.
• The work Ollie Hill has been putting in is showing in his week-to-week improvement, particularly with his defensive application.
• Max Millard always approaches each game with the right attitude and provides the team plenty of flexibility with the roles he can play.
• Riley Ford regularly puts his body on the line and was a bit unlucky not to draw numerous charges this game.
• Hamish Elder managed to stay out of foul trouble this week and used his length to make life difficult for anyone trying to dive middle. He was rewarded offensively with numerous steals and deflections.