Weekly WABL Wrap – Round 1 – 27 April 2025

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

Here’s the Round 1 wrap-up of how all our teams went, including comments from coaches:

12-1 Girls – Kelly Webb (sponsored by CPR Electrical)

Lost to Hawks 35-38

Coach comments

• The team started strong and the girls did an amazing job defensively as well as offensively. However, the Hawks’ consistent scoring made the difference.
• For a first game, the whole group as a team did a phenomenal work on both ends.

12-2 Girls – Charlize Nicolaou (sponsored by Mount Hawthorn Clinical Psychology)

Lost to Rockingham 13-26

Coach comments

• The girls played with a lot of heart and dedication throughout the entire game. Unfortunately, the score did not accurately reflect the game. Even though our first game was a loss, I’m beyond proud of the girls and their efforts that went into the game!
• 3 players who were impactful in this game were:
  • Anya Bulner for her ability to get the team together on the court and be the “on-court coach”.
  • Erin Halley had an amazing game, getting rebounds off girls who were double her height and not giving up when she lost the ball.
  • Zoe Savich was the definition of a bouncy ball that entire game, stealing the ball off girls double her height, dribbling through people and defending players much larger than her successfully. I’m beyond proud of these girls’ effort during this game and the rest of the team!

12-3 Girls – Paul Philpott

Lost to East Perth 8-48

Coach comments

• The starting game of the season, and despite the score, our girls performed well for their very first WABL game. Today was very much all about the journey and not the outcome.
• Whilst we all were finding our feet for the season, we remained scoreless for the first half. However, in the third and fourth we changed the narrative slightly by adding to the board along with lessening the impact of this by the Eagles.
• River Sikora showed strong determination for the ball
• Mabel Parkin used her height and quick hands
• Elsa Callister, with her speed, truly stepped up the defence, creating many turnovers and allowing us to score.
• Well done to all our wonderful girls. Both Tarquin and I were so very pleased with all of your great effort today.

12-4 Girls – Dave Power

Lost to East Perth 25-30

Coach comments

• Exciting game! We went head-to-head in the first quarter and took a 4-point lead into halftime. They had a big third quarter and early start to the fourth. 10 points down, we clawed back to 23-24 before a couple of unlucky turnovers gave them a buffer. We scored more points in one game than all grading combined and competed the whole game. Great start by our little ladies!
• Maneeha Saad top scored attacking downhill and made 3/4 free throws.
• Ella Jones played a great all-around game, developing as a 2 way player, solid on offence and defence.
• Niyala Sakala’s strong passing, rebounding efforts, and fourth-quarter defence gave our guards and wings more opportunities to compete and helped keep us close!

12-1 Boys – Craig Dropulich (sponsored by Profusion Planning)

Won against Hills Raiders 61-37

Coach comments

• Great to be back playing full games and getting more development into all 10 of our boys. Nine of the ten boys are playing in their second season of WABL, and this makes a massive difference in how we play as a team. There is more leadership, ownership, friendship and talk from the boys at basketball.
• Really solid first game against Hills also showed a couple of things we need to work on at training to perfect. A really open style of game with transition up and back for most of the game. We played transition better and came out well on top on the scoreboard. So many new skills on display from the boys but most notably the 1v1 defence and absorbing contact with chest blows. Lots of good finishing and driving to the ring. Lots of good passing decisions and giving the ball up to a teammate in a better position. We pressured the ball very well without leaving ourselves exposed up the court, and they all ran hard to impact on defence. An easy game to coach and rotate the subs through and see how different combinations work together on court.
• Lance Dela Vega moved fantastically through traffic with the ball on 4 or 5 occasions, taking the ball coast to coast and scoring on 3 of them. He has benefited from Lenny joining us this season, freeing him to play a different role this year.
• Leonard Hatch had a great first game coming in off the bench and showing his physicality to everyone on the court. Lenny scored 11 from some great passes by teammates. His most impressive stat is he went 3 of 4 for free throws. He has worked hard to catch up to these boys and has already made an impact.
• Aiden Morgan is starting to be a real team leader on the court, using his voice to help his teammates and encourage them. His movement, defence and ability to steal the ball are amazing. Keep up the good work in bringing your teammates into the game.

12-2 Boys – Dom Pitchen (sponsored by Candy Verse)

Lost to Lakeside 38-90

Coach comments

• The game started frazzled and slow for us, allowing a barrage of points from Lakeside. In the second and third quarters, the boys were matching it with them and started to get into the game. In the fourth quarter, the boys got tired and struggled to keep in the fight, but they made strong efforts to find each other in transitions and to make the extra pass.
• Ioane Ivala-Kotua was very strong in the paint, using his size to get rebounds and score low. He did well to kick out the ball to a better option when his shot wasn’t available.
• Gus Rafferty had strong spurts that gave the boys energy. he did well to bring the ball up under pressure and remain calm, looking for passes that created good shots. His defensive efforts were excellent, fighting to get back in front of the opposition when blown by and putting pressure on the ball.
• Fionn Healy was very strong defensively. He put lots of pressure on ball carriers and made efforts to get back and stop easy baskets with his pressure. Offensively, he did well to try to find his teammates for open shots and attack the basket.

12-3 Boys – Wayne Dropulich (sponsored by Axis Mineral Service)

Won against Joondalup 51-45

Coach comments

• Our first game of WABL started with impressive energy and intensity. We showcased a strong pressure defence, which led to multiple steals and fast-break opportunities. Miles and Cayden were particularly effective early, combining for our first 10 points. Our strong start forced Joondalup to call a timeout when we led 12-3 around five minutes into the game. We maintained our momentum and finished the first quarter ahead 16-6.
• To start the second quarter, we continued our strong play, extending our lead to 22-8. Although Joondalup responded with a 9-2 run after their timeout, we managed to maintain control and entered halftime with a solid 30-19 lead.
• The third quarter presented some challenges as our defensive pressure decreased, and we experienced some difficulties on offence. Joondalup capitalised on this with a 10-0 run that brought the game within one point. The rest of the quarter saw both teams trading baskets, and we found ourselves trailing by one point heading into the final quarter.
• To start the fourth quarter, Louis stepped up, scoring 6 quick points, while Barnaby contributed a crucial three-pointer to help us build a 47-38 lead. While our defensive pressure remained strong down the stretch, we could have shown more patience on offense. Nevertheless, we secured our first win 51-45.
• Miles Southwell had a great opening game of the season, showcasing his rebounding abilities. He was easily the most dominant rebounder on the court throughout the game, demonstrating his strong presence on the court. He also followed the team’s offensive structure regularly, allowing him to be open in the paint to receive the ball and finish strong, which helped him to a game-high 16 points. This not only illustrates his development in rebounding but also his growing contribution to the team’s success.
• Louis Griffiths also had a good game by not only scoring 10 points but also making valuable contributions to the team. Louis excelled in facilitating the offence with several good assists, played strong defence, and brought a lot of energy to the court. His efforts were crucial in helping his team maintain a high level of play throughout the game.

12-4 Boys – Mason Wigmore (sponsored by Sushi Wawa)

Lost to Hills Raiders Green 30-57

Coach comments

• After being down 18 at a point in the second quarter, the boys battled back hard, bringing it to a single-digit game. Unfortunately, we ran out of gas, and foul trouble kept us from finishing the way we wanted to, despite some very encouraging signs with our willingness to move the ball.
• Bradley Vinac’s effort to keep his eyes up while dribbling and find teammates down the floor showed major improvement from the preseason, which helped us advance the ball much easier.
• Marko Delic’s composure and ability to play honest defence after picking up three early fouls showed a great ability to listen and take on advice as well as to adapt to the conditions of the game.
• Zach Harris’ effort in defensive transition helped us to stop many opposition fast breaks- often sprinting to the basket as soon as we got on defence, keeping his eyes up and getting into good position early.

14-1 Girls – Helen Pardini (sponsored by Ferguson Corporation)

Lost to Joondalup 24-45

Coach comments

• We made a nervous start but stayed with the Wolves until late in the first quarter. They managed to extend their lead early in the second quarter, but once we settled in, we matched their intensity and stayed competitive through to the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, we were unable to bridge the gap, and the Wolves extended their lead late in the game.
• It was a tough, physical contest, and the girls responded with a strong defensive effort. I felt we matched them really well, and the final score wasn’t a true reflection of the game. We created good scoring opportunities but couldn’t quite convert on the scoreboard. The girls adjusted well to the physicality and never backed down. If we can tidy up our turnovers and continue to generate quality scoring chances, I’m confident we’ll cause plenty of headaches for our opponents moving forward.
• Special mention to Siena Mouttet and Saige Deeks, who were strong defensively. Saige pulled down an impressive 15 rebounds, while Siena added 12 rebounds against very physical opponents. Their efforts set the tone for the team.

14-2 Girls – Reid Ballantine (sponsored by Access Hire)

Lost to Rockingham 26-57

Coach comments

• The Flames came out strong and got away 12-0 before we finally broke the early drought. Even though the Flames showed up as a sharper team, it was good to know that when we locked in on defence, we could exert a fair deal of pressure and be disruptive. We rallied well in the second quarter, created a lot of advantage in transition, turning it around to win the second (8-4). Unfortunately, during the middle half of the game when our defence yielded a lot more possession, we missed our chance to hit the scoreboard harder and get into the game, our conversion was just too rusty with a dozen shots misfiring.
• The Flames found a second wind in the fourth, and we were gassed, so unfortunately, they gave us heck at the tail end.
• We played this game with just 8 available players, and I think with the full squad of 10, we will have a better chance against Flames next time.
• Eva Blyth played a stellar game, frantic in defence and really strong with the ball in offence.
• Elsey Lohman White showed some class with a few more jazzy moves and neat buckets.
• Alyssa Rullo ran the middle of the game out hard and contained the Flames to the sidelines with great defence.

14-3 Girls – Rori Roberts (sponsored by National Geotech)

Lost to Joondalup 49-50

Coach comments

• A game of momentum, up and downs and lot of learn. I’m proud of the girls for staying together and playing all the way till the final second. We may not have come away with the win, but it was a good start to the season, and I’m excited to watch this group get better each week.
• Rose Bacci was the glue of the game, from driving hard to the basket and going to the free throw line 6 times, to playing hard and tough full-court defence. I couldn’t have asked her to do any more.
• Josie Smith came down with some big offensive rebounds and put-backs in the 4th quarter to keep us in the game.

14-4 Girls – Lucy Dowling (sponsored by Gobsmacked Mouthguards)

Lost to Willetton 36-51

Coach comments

• The girls gave it their all today and fought hard against a taller opposition. Our boxing out improved dramatically throughout the game, giving us some great opportunities to push the ball down the court quickly in transition.
• In the second half, we did well to recognise when to attack and when to reset, and it was great to see retreat-dribbles utilised over picking the ball up unnecessarily.
• The energy on the bench was fantastic!
• Ally Taylor, a natural leader, brought composure and control to our offence by getting the ball safely up the court, delivering pinpoint passes, and making great decisions all game!
• Matilda ‘Tilly’ Thompson produced a standout effort all game, chasing after rebounds and never dropping her head. Tilly pushed herself offensively today and attacked the basket, taking on the contact.
• Zoe Bartucciotto, Sabrina King and Alex Trilling-Kirkwood all brought great energy both on the court and the bench, supporting their teammates and staying positive throughout the game.

14-1 Boys – Adam Gunnis (sponsored by Paragon Corporate Training)

Lost to Warwick 50-75

Coach comments

• We faced a strong Warwick team who have qualified for the U14 National Championships. Having lost to them twice over the past couple of months and being down to just eight athletes, we knew we were up against it. To the boys’ credit, they fought hard from start to finish. Ultimately, the size and physicality of Warwick proved to be the clear difference between the two teams.
• Beau Morgan was at his defensive best, repeatedly causing chaos for the Senators’ guards. His relentless pressure disrupted their rhythm and forced them to play at a faster pace than they were comfortable with. His two made threes added to his strong impact on the game.

14-2 Boys – Mitch Jesson (sponsored by E&M Electrical)

Lost to Rockingham 58-72

Coach comments

• It was a typical first game of the season, with both teams making errors and going on runs. While Rockingham ended with a 14-point win, the margin was within a few points either way for most of the game. We’ll be better for the run was the consensus after the game. Big thanks to Nate Jesson, who, in covering for Mitchell, coached his first game of WABL.
• Tom Smith was a standout with a game-high 22 points, including 2 x 3-pointers and 4 free throws. Tom never gives up, and he competed for the entire game.
• Benji Halley is evidence that you don’t need to score to influence games. Benji’s defence, especially on the ball, was outstanding, and he really caused some havoc amongst the Rockingham ball carriers.
• Scott Samuel is an off the court nice all-around nice guy. On court, he used his strength and balance to cut to the basket, rebound hard, as well as some nice ball handling to consistently break the Flames’ trap.

14-3 Boys – Dave Ogden (sponsored by Balance My Books)

Lost to Lakeside 41-65

Coach comments

• The boys, after a long pre-season, finally got to play a game, and we met a strong Lakeside team away from home. In what turned out to be a tough game for us, there were plenty of positives in how we tried to move the ball and stayed committed to defend and rebound late in the 4th, and we will be better for the experience. Our lads work hard, and I have no doubt we will improve and make the adjustments required to compete at the best level in our grade.
• Laurence Yape was our top scorer with 13 and also played his first game of WABL ever.
• Maz Tepania also played his game of WABL, and they both have the attributes to be really influential players for us this season.
• Congratulations to you both on playing your first game of WABL for the Perth Redbacks!

14-4 Boys – Ethan Saliacus (sponsored by Meritus Legal)

Lost to Mandurah 40-73

Coach comments

• We started off really well on both ends of the court – the ball movement was amazing. Due to a few silly mistakes, Mandurah ended up taking a lead at halftime, and a rough third quarter from us made it hard to keep it a game.
• Matt Price’s first WABL game was huge – he gave us pressure and intensity on defence and got a few buckets just from that.
• Harrison Kingsbury, after being on holiday for the last couple of weeks, came in the second half as a beast with his intensity and just wanting the ball.

16-1 Girls – Nigel Esau (sponsored by F45 Vic Park)

Won against Rockingham 111-55

Coach comments

• We played well in our season opener. The girls played positive basketball with a relaxed confidence, moving the ball well on offence, creating open shots and driving lanes for each other. Defensively, they were up to the task and at times a little overzealous, which is to be expected in a season opener. Overall, this was a good first outing with lots of learning and areas for improvement.
• Annabelle Farrant set the tone for us defensively with 6 steals. She also had a +/- of +44.
• Abigail Leslie stepped into her 3pt shot well and scored 20 points.
• It was good to see Ella Welsh smile her way to 30 points.
• I’d also like to highlight the effort of Paige Ogden, who played exceptional defence for two quarters whilst on 4 fouls.

16-2 Girls – Simon Daff (sponsored by West Coast Reinforcing)

Won against Rockingham 66-47

Coach comments

• The new season brought first-game nerves. We struggled early with passes that caused turnovers, which led to us second-guessing ourselves. Despite the many turnovers, we still went into halftime with a small lead. In the first five minutes of the third quarter, we finally settled and hit our straps. We generated a lot of pressure and trapping to pull away to a 20-point lead, which we maintained for the rest of the game.
• Alice Lawrance continued her strong and consistent form from grading to be a standout performer. Her ability to stay aggressive, especially off the dribble, allowed us to create opportunities regularly. Her energy and aggression are infectious.
• Cherie Zak had a fantastic game off the bench to be our second-highest scorer. Her ability to turn defence into offence was a highlight.
• When we struggled at times with rebounds, Ella Djurasovic stood out as our most consistent rebounder. She battled hard all day, which generated some fast-break opportunities for the team.

16-3 Girls – Dahney Chamberlain (sponsored by Total Digital)

Won against Mandurah 58-44

Coach comments

• The girls came into the first game of the season with high energy and excitement! They played an extremely good game that was very enjoyable to watch. Amazing teamwork and offensive effort! Mandurah began to make a comeback, but the girls quickly shut it down and hit some great 3-pointers to put us way ahead! It was a great start to the season.
• Hayley Hill played an extremely good game both offensively and defensively! When given a task, she absolutely nailed it.
• Sally Dowling shot the lights out in this game, hitting some great shots and getting good rebounds.
• Nadia Slee had an insane defensive effort, constantly staying in front with multiple steals and intercepts. Her energy was incredible to watch!

16-4 Girls – Caitlin Rawes (sponsored by NewSmile Dental Centre)

Lost to Kalamunda 52-69

Coach comments

• We had players who don’t usually step up at training, play a big part in the game, which was awesome to see. It was definitely a game we should have won, but we can get them next time.
• Soni Karimi, Eloise O’Shea and Gabby Williams performed well in this game.

16-1 Boys – Francis Crawshaw (sponsored by Pivot Project Consulting)

Lost to Perry Lakes 121-81

Coach comments

• This wasn’t the start of the season that we were looking forward to, after having a successful grading. We started the game well in the first quarter, but near the end, Perry Lakes went on a big run, and we couldn’t find our rhythm after that.
• We moved the ball a lot better in the fourth, getting 2 feet in the paint, and creating a domino effect, but it was all too late by then. Perry Lakes played very physical defense both in the paint and perimeter. We are look forward to training this week, to prepare against Cockburn Cougars.
• Shout out to Riley Barmentloo for his 12 points and James Galvin with 13.
• T.K Chambers-Lewis had a nice impact off the bench, playing physical.
• Will Hemingway had some impact on the bench as well, scoring 7 points in limited minutes.

16-2 Boys – Dave Power (sponsored by F45 Vic Park)

Lost to East Perth 58-67

Coach comments

• We had a slow start and leaked 31 points in the first quarter. Defensively, we adjusted and held them to 5 in the second quarter and only 36 for the rest of the game.
• We were consistent on offence, getting good looks in the paint and from 3, we know we are capable of another 3-5 points per quarter, executing the good looks.
• We competed hard and got within 5 with 2 minutes to play.
• It is a really good sign, handling the early adversity and turning the game around 45-36 for quarters 2 to 4 after being down as much as 20.
• Issac Fode was a stability provider for us, making timely buckets to steady the ship.
• Xavier Allison proved to be a menace for the defence with some solid moves playing off 2 feet in the paint and hitting a couple of outside shots keeping the defence honest.
• Every player had their moments in the game and competed, we are excited for what we can become.

16-3 Boys – Ash Brian (sponsored by Cogito Psychology)

Won against Willetton Blue 72-64

Coach comments

• After a slow first half, we turned the game around in the third quarter with outstanding defence and elite shooting. Everyone lifted their intensity, creating turnovers and converting them into points through fast-paced transition, while also moving the ball well in offence to find solid open looks from three.
• Christian Cvitan had a dominating performance, leading almost every statistical category and finishing with a game-high 24 points. His presence at both ends of the court set the tone for the team.
• Lucas Vojkovic showed exactly why we have identified him as one of our designated shooters, hitting five threes for the game, including a clutch buzzer-beater right on the stroke of three-quarter time to give us the lead.

16-4 Boys – John Revelle (sponsored by Wille Creek Pearls)

Lost to Slammers 76-84

Coach comments

• The boys came out flat after the car ride to Bunbury, only scoring 4 total points in Q1 while giving up 24 to the Slammers. After a bleak start, the energy and effort picked up in Q2 and Q3, as we played them fairly even at that stage. Going into Q4 down 24, the boys fought back hard to narrow the margin to 8 at the final buzzer, even as the Slammers kept up their full-court defensive pressure. Ending on a positive note, we outscored our opponent 32-16 in the final period and left Bunbury feeling good about the turnaround.
• Elliot Birch (19 pts) and Jackson Bailey (16 pts) led the run back in Q4 along with Jacob Tan (13 pts).
• Christian Roberts’ defensive effort and tenacity really switched the team on in Q2, turning the energy around for us with his hustle plays, diving on loose balls, and having a “whatever it takes” mentality.

18-1 Girls – Sam Fox (sponsored by Woods Insurance Brokers)

Won against Joondalup 60-49

Coach comments

• We had some tough foul calls and looked a bit jittery to start this game, but once we adjusted to how the refs were calling contact, we did an excellent job of shutting the Wolves down. We also executed our offensive goals in good stretches, getting quickly out in trans to push the pace and executing our half-court actions. In the second half, we took control and kept the intensity up till the end.
• This was an excellent team effort, but four players deserve special mention.
• Harriet Woods was locked in and led us with 20 points, including two dagger threes off set actions.
• Amina Handule had her first start at the 5 and provided excellent rebounding and blocks, anchoring our D and getting us out in trans.
• Theory Snooks-Holding scored off the dribble, from three and off O-boards, as well as contributing strong D all game.
• We had asked Steph Hunt to push the pace in trans O and she delivered, scoring herself and finding others on advance passes.

18-2 Girls – Geoff Alger (sponsored by The Loan Company)

Lost to Perry Lakes 45-80

Coach comments

• Pre-game, we had our singlet presentation where each player was presented their Black singlet, and we acknowledged our sponsor, The Loan Co. (home loans made easy). Going into the game, while we were in good spirits, we struggled for offensive cohesion early. Inconsistent effort on rebounds and defensive application allowed the Hawks to build a solid halftime margin.
• The players’ desire to refocus, run our offence and improve our application in defence was pleasing and led to a much more competitive second half that included a run of 7 straight defensive stops, a close third quarter and an even final quarter. The improved effort provided a small sample of what the team can do, and all are determined to improve next week.
• Tilly Wyatt backed up impressive grading and training performances with a solid game. Consistent in effort at both ends of the floor and capable of any role, we couldn’t ask for more from her.
• Lola Bingwa had a good game, proving creative in offence and finishing well to lead the team in scoring while also applying good defensive pressure on the ball to create good steals and fast break opportunities.
• Alex Temby and Indi Ballantine both provided important positivity, never losing focus or dropping their heads when the game wasn’t going our way, with their attitude a big part of generating the positive response, second-half response from the team.

18-3 Girls – Marcia Dowling (sponsored by Packaging Perth)

Lost to Cockburn 32-83

Coach comments

• After starting well, we quickly fell into the trap of being forced to play “their” game, not “ours”. However, the girls showed true resilience and flexibility, turning the game around and winning the third quarter. It was a good learning tool for the whole team.
• Sam Morgan never stops. Her persistence and intent were excellent through four quarters.
• Both Sienna Care’ and Ella Baxter showed patience and skill, taking threes that were great decisions.
• Chelsea Ferris stepped up into the 5 position in zone and wowed us all.

18-1 Boys – Stephen Charlton (sponsored by Cannington Mazda)

Won against Perry Lakes 73-64

Coach comments

• Good to get a win first up, given our very disrupted pre-season. We won 3 of the 4 quarters and showed flashes of how good this team can be. All in all, it was a solid team effort to get the win.

18-2 Boys – Nick D’Elia (sponsored by EJL Mechanical)

Won against Hawks 85-78

Coach comments

• First game of the season, we got off to a slow start. The first quarter took some time to score; however, once we settled in, we got into a rhythm and started to build a lead. Most of our buckets came out of transition or one-on-one moves, as our offensive sets were a bit mechanical and ineffective, and we lacked rebounding, which also gave them too many chances to score.
• Our turnovers on offense kept them in the game in the fourth quarter, luckily we held on for a win, but it was a lot closer than we would have liked.
• Deegan Castle had a few highlight dunks along with some good interior rebounding and scoring
• Great personal defence from Zadyn Thomas and passing inspired the team and kept us ahead most of the game, but only by a small margin, as they shot very well from the perimeter.
• Hamza Elmi’s rim defence and scoring were great.

18-3 Boys – Dan Cartwright (sponsored by Meyer Shircore Architects)

Lost to Jooondalup 102-94

Coach comments

• This was a high-tempo, fast-paced, and challenging game that our boys fought hard in. We started by missing our first nine shot attempts, but when nerves were settled and we played our game, we were hard to stop. Even though we lost, we found a lot out about our team in all parts of the game. I’m very proud of the way the boys competed.
• Julien Richardson (26pts) and Jalen Dunstan (16pts) were standouts, scoring at will.
• Harvey Wishart dominated the stat sheet in rebounds, blocks, assists, deflections, and steals this game.

18-4 Boys – Jess Tiwade (sponsored by Dental Gallery Mt Lawley)

Won against Mandurah 115-81

Coach comments

• Our first game of the season started with a triple-digit win against Mandurah! It was great seeing the fantastic teamwork, encouragement given to teammates and intensity that showed how much they wanted to win. We started the game with man-to-man defence with a clear strategy, which saw a strong lead from the 1st quarter through to the 3rd with a 50% lead per quarter. Foul trouble caught us in the fourth and led to Mandurah scoring quickly. I was extremely impressed with the team and couldn’t be prouder of the them
• Lockie Abbot scored an impressive 30pts and led our scoring efforts.
• Quincy Harahwa did exactly what was asked, to play defensively matchup to deny the ball. His quickness, length and agility were a strong asset.
• The bigs went to work – Novak Tomasevic-Ljubin defensive and 18pt offensive in the paint efforts in the game were amazing – stealing the ball on defence multiple times. Max Murray’s 23 points, blocks and rebounding were fantastic to see.

21-1 Girls – John Care’

Lost to Joondalup 70-90

Coach comments

• Game 1 nerves were there, but the girls started well and maintained good rhythm and momentum. Unfortunately, it didn’t result in points. In the third quarter, the girls came back from 16 points behind to get within 3 and make it difficult for Joondalup, which was very exciting to watch. The result on the scoreboard wasn’t what we wanted, but I was really happy with game 1 and the games ahead.
• Blaise Stancil, with 20 points, found her groove and played a great game in both offence and defence.
• Olivia Bennison, with 19 points, crashed the boards and dominated inside, playing hard on both ends of the court.

20-1 Boys – Andrew Logan (sponsored by IPI Packers)

Won against Joondalup 116-91

Coach comments

• The boys executed well from the start. We consistently found the open player and got good looks offensively. Our defence was aggressive and led to numerous transition opportunities. The boys remained calm and focused whilst dealing with some very poor behaviour from the opposition. Solid hit out to start the season.
• Max Wishart, coming off an injury-interrupted pre-season, was aggressive on both offence and defence. Made his free throws in a game where other players struggled to do the same.
• Aiden Foley set the tone defensively, making his opponent earn every touch. He capitalised offensively, finishing with 23.
• Cooper Deshon found his range, worked hard defensively and steered the team in a winning direction.

20-2 Boys – John Foley

Lost to Eagles 77-90

Coach comments

• The game didn’t start the way we’d have liked, but after a timeout and a good team talk, the team steadied themselves and started to apply our team principles. We got ourselves back in the game and got ourselves in a position to take control of the game but fell just short. We had some great team moments in the game that we can be very proud of.
• James Reid put in a very solid effort all game controlling the pace and ensure our team principles were been followed.
• Josh Welsh and Max Millard were solid around the ring grabbing rebounds and attacking the basket.