Weekly WABL Wrap – Round 7 – 8 June 2025

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

Here’s the Round 7 wrap-up of how all our teams went, including comments from coaches:

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

Lost to Suns 38-57

Coach comments

• Our turnovers gave the opposite team an advantage over us, and by the time we adapted our play, it was hard to close the score.
• The improvements can be noticed over the weeks, and they are a promising group of girls. They can all be proud of their achievement up to now.

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

Lost against Suns 24-41

Coach comments

• Suns put pressure on us right from the start. It took us a little to get our rhythm back. When we got it, we played hard and intense, slowing Suns scoring down by a lot.
• We have a lot to work on before playing them again… but know we will be ready for them and we will win next time !
• Zoe and Anya worked as our defensive unit duo the entire game, slowing down the d and blocking their shots like volleyball players!
• Meanwhile, Jem and Erin were the duo that slowed the Suns pace getting down the court by a country mile!
• Millie ( my silent assassin) and Caitlyn ( my ninja) worked hard together turning over the ball, moving to create space and scoring without the suns realising they are there!
• Emily and Indi applied pressure to the ball, turned over the ball and scored on their opponents in gameplay situations I didn’t think were possible !
• Lastly, Claire and Kit-Kat were getting rebounds left, right, and centre, no matter if we were in offence or defence!

12-3 Girls – Paul Philpott

Won against East Perth Eagles Red 25-23

Coach comments

• Wow, what an intense game !!! Another game that came down to the final seconds. Our awesome Redback girls led at every break, but East Perth initiated a final charge in the last quarter taking us to a tied score with minutes to go . . . until “boom” young Daisy Robertson provided us with the only score for the quarter placing us 2 points in credit and sealing the win. We all left happy, knowing that our success is so much sweeter when shared with those who supported us loudly and passionately from the parent and spectator benches. Thank you, cheer squad.
• Today, Hazel McElvenny was a force to be feared with many intercepts, rebounds and a big 11 points on our board.
• Similarly, Katie Cross was lightning in a bottle with her speed, court coverage and fast breaks to the ring, clocking up 8 points of her own.
• All of this was supported and made possible by the assists and triggers from Elsa Callister and Mabel Parkin.
• The passion from our players on the bench, their drive and pleading to get on the court added to our overall desire to be a successful collective today. Well done girls, Tarquin and I are proud of your BIG efforts today.

12-4 Girls – Dave Power

Lost against Hills 24-25

Coach comments

• We started really well and got an early lead. They came back strong in the second quarter, and we went down 2 at the break. Back and forth we went, ending up up 3 after the end of the third quarter. A tightly contested 4th quarter saw Hills getting up in the final seconds. A great match up with both teams now getting a win each in the last plays of the game.
• Ella Jones and Emily Sundstrom carried the offensive load with drives, strong leads and second-chance points. We got good looks from the whole team with their shot attempts, we will have a big breakout when we start to get conversions! Very exciting development!

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

Lost against Warwick Senators 47-65

Coach comments

• We started our match strongly and built a good lead in the first quarter which Warwick clawed back to make it even at the end of the first. Our second quarter let us down, as we lost the ball and buckled under the pressure and physicality they applied when we had possession. Our defence was a shadow of itself from last week, and we conceded lots of points in defensive transition.
• The second half was a similar pattern. We just weren’t ourselves this week. We’ll reload for next week.
• Rintaro Haginiwa dominated around the ring and defended in the keyway well.

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

Lost against Suns white 57-43

Coach comments

• The boys started the game a bit frantically but did well to calm down and fight for rebounds, moving the ball to find good shots. They also did well attacking the basket strongly and playing through contact. The defensive pressure throughout the game was great, forcing many turnovers and hard shots. This allowed the boys to make it a 5-point game going into fourth. Unfortunately, the Suns went on a run and the boys weren’t able to score back at the same rate. But the boys should be very happy with their efforts and look to carry them on into this week’s game.
• Max Williams showed aggression on the rebounds and when attacking the basket. He used his size and strength to make room in the key way and made a strong impact and also allowed him to disrupt shots and play solid help defence. Great job Max.
• Ryan Karaki made a strong impact on both ends of the court, crashing the offensive glass and allowing him to get second-chance points. He also did well to find other players for open looks. Defensively, Ryan did well to slow ball carriers to stop easy transition buckets and force turnovers using his strength and hustle. Well done Ryan.

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

Won against Slammers 52-35

Coach comments

• With Cody Ashworth sidelined after being involved in a car accident during the week, the boys were determined to put in a strong performance for their missing teammate, which they did.
• Our boys delivered a complete team performance to claim a strong 52–35 win over the Slammers. Behind a stifling defence and relentless pace, we took control early and never looked back, leading at every quarter break.
• We opened the game with strong energy, building an early 12–6 lead off the back of Hudson McClintock, who scored 6 quick points and set the tone on both ends. Louis Griffiths added a free throw, while Cayden Wedge drilled a three late in the quarter.
• Though the Slammers cut the lead to just 2 points during the second quarter, we steadied with key buckets from Cayden Wedge, Baxter Miles, and Jesse Freeman. In the final minutes of the quarter, Quinn Connell sparked a mini-run with a pair of free throws followed by a strong drive to the basket, extending the lead to 22–14 at halftime.
• We came out firing again in the third, with Hudson McClintock continuing his standout game, scoring consistently in transition and the half-court. Louis Griffiths and Cayden Wedge added key baskets, while our defence forced turnovers. A late three from Jesse Freeman pushed the lead to 38–20 heading into the final quarter.
• Despite a brief surge from the Slammers, we kept our composure. Cole Jones and Miles Southwell added late baskets, and McClintock capped off his dominant night with two more buckets in the closing moments, finishing with 20 points. The team’s rebounding and defensive intensity sealed the game, finishing with a comfortable 52–35 victory.
• Jesse Freeman stepped up in a big way with his cousin Cody unavailable, playing with passion and purpose. He brought intensity on both ends of the floor and set the tone early with aggressive defence and fearless drives to the basket. Jesse scored 7 points, including a confident three-pointer, and consistently attacked the rim with strength and determination. On defence, he was a menace in the passing lanes, racking up three steals and disrupting the Slammers’ rhythm. A strong all-around game and a great example of stepping up when the team needed it most.

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

Lost against Rockingham Flames 44-36

Coach comments

• A significantly improved effort this week saw us take many positive steps. Our ball pressure and our execution of transition offense in the second half were really impressive. Rockingham managed to pull away in the final two minutes, but overall, there were a lot of positive takeaways for them.
• Otis Tierney gave us a great second half that included good decisions, hustle plays on defence, and great ball pressure.
• Rion Carter showed control under pressure all throughout the second half.
• Alex Kirou’s effort in both offensive and defensive transition helped us play our game; he was the first up and first back all day.

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

Lost against Willetton 59-31

Coach comments

• It was a challenging game this week against the ladder leaders, Willetton. Early foul trouble in the first quarter disrupted our rhythm, and we struggled to adapt. Despite creating some good looks early on, we couldn’t convert, and Willetton capitalised, pushing the lead out to 22 by halftime.
• To the girls’ credit, we regrouped, kept our heads up and delivered a much more competitive second half. We matched our first-half scoring output in the third quarter alone and went point for point with Willetton in the fourth, with both teams adding 15 to their totals.
• The second half demonstrated our ability to compete when we play with confidence and discipline. With greater self-belief and continued development, we’re confident we can challenge them more strongly next time.
• Saige Deeks anchored our defence with strength and composure, consistently walling up and forcing tough shots in the paint. We leaned on her heavily, and she delivered.
• Paige Granato played with great control, staying composed under pressure, making smart decisions, and keeping the offence flowing.
• Mia Exeter adjusted well despite being in foul trouble. She showed maturity, staying aggressive while under control, and made solid contributions at both ends of the court.

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

Lost against Perry Lakes (Blue) 32-74

Coach comments

• I liked our energy and effort at the start of the game. There was serious tension, and we were in sight, wrestling quite well right up till 9-17 midway through the second quarter before the Hawks started to show their edge.
• Put simply, we were outsized by two talented Hawks players who defended the keyway well, making it hard for us. They then dominated the keyway to score nonstop and dominated rebounds and popped in easy second-chance buckets.
• They scored a stream of buckets from their sideline play, which took us until the 4th quarter to defend properly, so we have lessons to learn from that video on how to stop ball watching and physically man up on the inbounder.
• Late in the 3rd, we held part of the game to 7-7 over a 5-minute stint. However early in the 4th they damaged us with 6 consecutive buckets.
• We have several players carrying long-term soreness, and getting through Q4 is proving very painful for several. Regardless, once again, we were very brave and fought the game out.
• Sky Brodie has shown awesome fitness and durability playing maximum minutes over the last few games and helping to lighten the load off sore players.
• Isla Cowman was so impressive today, focused and fast and on target with 9 points.
• Winnie Devitt also chimed in for 8 points and a handful of steals.
• Allegra Care, played awesome help defence working hard to cause trouble, and hit the nicest bucket of the game.
• Brave efforts from Allegra, Jana, Elsey playing through soreness.

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

Lost against Lakeside 41-44

Coach comments

• This was a game of runs; Lakeside just happened to finish with the last run to give them a 3-point win. Going into this game, we knew it was going to be tough with Lakeside being undefeated, but the girls put up a good fight and really gave it to them to make them earn the win.
• Josie Smith had a big defensive job. I challenged her to be more physical in the post, and she did just that.
• Isabella Nevill was aggressive all game offensively, finishing with 12 points.
• Massive shout out to Matilda Miles who is our train on, she has been at every game cheering the girls on!

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

Lost against East Perth Eagles 34-75

Coach comments

• We brought energy in the first quarter and controlled the game well. We pushed the ball in offensive transition and made good ‘pass or shoot’ decisions.
• We struggled in the second half as the Eagles continued to match our speed.
• The girls are getting better at staying positive even when things don’t go our way.
• Zara Flynn continues to keep anyone and everyone out of the keyway with her boxing out.
• Matilda Thompson had another strong defensive game. Offensively, she is starting to shine with effective drives to the basket and a lot of off-ball movement.

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

Lost against East Perth Eagles 64-101

Coach comments

• Tough outing today against East Perth. We struggled to handle their backcourt pressure, which led to too many turnovers and allowed them to capitalise with easy transition scores. This created constant scoreboard pressure that we found difficult to recover from.
• While the effort and intent were there throughout, we were left chasing the game in the second half. Although we were able to match their energy at times, the early second-half damage proved challenging to overcome.

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

Won against Perry Lakes Hawks 68 – 59

Coach comments

• Slowly but surely, we are improving as a tea,m and it was very nice to earn our second win of the season against a solid Perry Lakes team.
• It was a season low on turnover, combined with all-around team contributions that allowed us to build on our really positive start. Our bigs rebounded really well, and it was great that Griff Sharp had his first game of the season for us.
• A fire alarm and evacuation midway through the 3rd quarter added a bit of excitement and thank you to our wonderful manager Jo who had to set up and pack away twice.
• Kruz Viesca was a massive reason we had a season team low in turnovers. A silky smooth ball carrier, who covered the court effortlessly and he just cut up the opposition press. No surprise he led our team in assists, steals and deflections.
• It was terrific to see Griff Sharp get his first hit out this season. He came out like a seasoned veteran had a steal within seconds of hitting the court, and often found himself guarding the Hawks’ best player.
• Scott Samuel is asked to be a bit of everything in this team, and this game was no exception. Scottie really clamped down on the opponent’s leading scorer, moving his feet and not losing focus.

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

Won against Eastern Suns 3 56-60

Coach comments

• We travelled up the hill early Sunday and had our first away win of the season.
• The boys had a really strong first half with a season best 40 points and got as far as 24 points up in the 2nd quarter, where the boys’ ball retention and finding quality spots to score within our motion offense were first class.
• The Suns responded, and we got sloppy with the ball in the second half, but then we settled and closed out the game for a solid win in what is always a tough matchup away on a cold, early morning.
• Victor Muyna had a game-high 21 points, including a couple of 3s, and was robbed of another on the buzzer.
• In what was an all-around game, he also had a couple of O boards, 2 assists and provided strong on-ball defensive efforts. Low turnovers is a metric our team values and Victor had just one.
• James Price has a great all-around game and provides his team with excellent energy through his positive attitude toward the game.
• He led the team with a game-high 4 assists, was our equal leading rebounder, and had an impressive 4 offensive rebounds and 5 steals, which illustrates his work rate.
• Eddie Cliff got the start on the weekend after some solid training efforts and adds an interesting skill set to our group with his passing range in both half-court and full-court. Had a solid 3 assists on the day and got his team boards and had an impact on the scoreboard himself.
• We talk about offensive rebounds and turnovers as key stats for our team to have success, and we won both stats vs the Suns.
• The boys impressively had 15 team assist to 6, and overal,l it was a good day out for us and a much-needed win.

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

Lost against East Perth 53-54

Coach comments

• This was a fantastic game for us, it really showed how far we’ve come in such a short time. To give the game context East Perth is one of the top teams in the division. We played them in the pre-season and got smashed, but the improvement showed as we lost by 1 point and really, we should’ve won. We ran our structures very well, had a plan and executed. It was great to see!
• I’d like to highlight the whole team for this game, as I was very impressed with everyone. Everyone played a role and contributed brilliantly to the game.

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

Lost against South West Slammers u16 girls 1 44-46

Coach comments

• The girls battled hard today, and I was super proud of their effort. Facing numerous adversities, including an injury to Jamima, the girls still fought to keep the game close. I’m confident we’ll win this match up when we meet Slammers at home next time.
• Our bigs were tremendous today. Lottie Ballantine had a great game and was a strong influence in our positive plays.
• Summer Chalder played well and scored in spurts to help us keep the game close.
• Abi Leslie had a solid outing too and led us well with great defence.

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

Lost against Warwick Senators 47-78

Coach comments

• This was a disappointing game, to be honest. It was a very scrappy game from both sides, with a lot of turnovers and poor decision-making. No matter how badly we play, however, I can never fault our energy and fight, and that was the case today.
• We were in the game at half time but fell away badly in the second half, but as a coach you learn way more from a loss than a win. A lot to work on this week.
• Ella Djurasovic was a shining light. She has started to build confidence over the last few weeks. Her rebounding and physical play have given her more confidence to make good decisions on the offensive end of the floor.
• Ellie Pike continues to lead from the front. She plays hard, puts her body on the line, and dives for loose balls. Her effort and hustle can never be questioned.

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

Lost against Perry Lakes Hawks 63 – 53

Coach comments

• This weekend’s game was a rollercoaster. From being down by 15 points, to then pushing to get ahead. The girls did not give up and kept fighting the entire game. Unfortunately, Hawks wanted it just a little more and went on a run in the last quarter. While this is disappointing, the girls are improving every game, and it’s beautiful to watch.
• Madison McKibbin stepped out on court this weekend with a drive we have definitely missed. Scoring 18 points along with many steals. Madison was focused and definitely gave it her all.
• Trinity Doulis also played an incredible game. Her overall shooting has improved so much. Her attitude is always uplifting, no matter the situation. Trinity never fails to hype everyone up and is a great leader on and off the court.

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

Lost against Hawks White 47-69

Coach comments

• Good game by the girls, never having played against a zone before, we were able to draw it up and them execute it, the opposing coach saying how well they did in it. Saachi T’ien and Emily Flynn killed it in the zone.
• Saachi played the big role really well.
• Emily Flynn showed great leadership out on the court.

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

Won against Slammers 89-76

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

Won against Warwick 88-66

Coach comments

• Composure was the theme for this game. Warwick has some talented players, so we knew we would need to play our roles, concentrate on match-ups, stay poised on offence and aggressive on defence.
• Defensively, we were able to hold their runs to 2-3 baskets and make runs ourselves. Team defence worked very well, and we were able to win all 4 quarter,s holding them below 20 each quarter while we executed offensively, scoring more each quarter of the game.
• Toby Shultz has been threatening for a breakout game and he stepped up defensively with talk and aggressive on-ball pressure. Offensively, Toby attacked the paint playing off 2 feet and had some great finishes around the rim.
• Isaac Fode, our captain, stayed composed and found his shooting range and had a couple of tough transition finishes.
• Sebastian Doyle is developing into a two-way wing, matching up on players 1 through 4 and on offence using good shot selection to be efficient from long range to finishing through contact.

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

Won against Eastern Suns 71-66

Coach comments

• An 8 am game in the Hills meant a cold start. Shots wouldn’t drop in the first quarter, and we found ourselves trailing by 18 points late in the first half. But we knew our shooting would come around; we just had to stay the course.
• At training this week, we agreed this game would be a line in the sand defensively. Some sloppy habits had crept in, and we were determined to reset by focusing on technique and discipline. That shift in mindset changed everything. We dominated the second half with a clinical display of defence and smart shot selection.
• The biggest impact came from our two bigs, Harrison Moyle and Jordan Ong, who embraced the defensive challenge and were rewarded with double-digit rebounds each.
• Zeke Brian took on a shutdown role against one of the league’s top scorers, holding him to just 7 points—and added 17 of his own at the other end in a composed, two-way performance.
• Christian Cvitan continued his blistering season, delivering across the board: 17 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 deflections, 3 steals, and a block. Outstanding once again.

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

Won against Hills Raiders 77-54

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

Lost against Perry Lakes Hawks 75 / 85

Coach comments

• We started this game reasonably well before having a bad slump in the second, reverting to passive defence and letting the Hawks get up 20 on us. However, in the middle of the third, we finally flipped the switch and played with intense D and aggressive, heads-up offence. We ended up coming back from 29 points to get within 8 in the last 2 minutes. We scored more in the second half than we have in any game this season. It was definitive proof of who we are and how we need to play to get results.
• Matilda Pyne was aggressive in D all game, leading us with a team high seven steals and six deflections.
• Grace Almond continued to lead with toughness and fight, taking an awesome charge early and getting two clean blocks to fire up our run.
• Theory Snooks-Holding started out of sorts but totally turned it around in the second half, racking up a team high in rebounds.
• Leeshar Tuialli led us on the offensive end, using spin moves and creativity to get to her spots.

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

Lost against Wolves Redbacks 43 – 93 Wolves

Coach comments

• We started well against the top team in our league, finishing the first quarter only marginally behind, but we gave Wolves far too many opportunities from both turnovers and offensive boards in the second quarter, and they made us pay on the scoreboard. The second half was better with some good periods of play. We managed to win the rebound count, going particularly well on the offensive end. Unfortunately, a lack of composure with the ball resulted in too many turnovers and low percentage shot selections, which made the game tough against a high % shooting team. To the players’ credit, they fought all the way to the end, and we look forward to getting everyone back together at training this week after a couple of interrupted weeks that have clearly affected our cohesion.
• Indi Ballantine put in a lot of effort, fighting hard for boards, spacing the floor well and keeping strong with the ball. Her off-ball defence has become very handy, coming up with some nice intercepts and she regularly closed out the Wolves’ shooters and helped on their drives.
• Alex Temby continues to apply defensive pressure, fight for boards and is committed to getting into the right places and following the plan all game. She was one player who kept her head through the physicality of our opponents.

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

Lost against Hills Raiders 42-48

Coach comments

• We started with a couple of great threes but settled a bit too soon. However, the second and third quarters brought us to the front due to sheer team effort, consistency in intensity and improved rebounding.
• Each girl was a highlight at some point in this game.
• Sienna Care took shots with confidence and ran back more instinctively.
• Ella Baxter was a rocket today, firing at both ends.
• Charli Foster gave her consistent intensity in defence, and many shots were off her assists or own shots.
• Paige Wigmore continues to battle so effectively under the basket and Sam Morgan’s boxing out was persistent and thorough.
• Meiling Wang’s chase downs in transition were epic today and she got more than 4 individual stops then steals as did Liv Weddikara and Mya Slee under the Hills’ basket.
• Chelsea Ferris gave her all in the 5 and is becoming stronger each game.
• Charlotte Dillon continues to badger the ball carrier effectively

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

Lost against Slammers 96-98

Coach comments

• A very good game, as you would expect from the only two undefeated teams in our division. The game went to overtime, and either team could have won in the end.
• Jaden Exeter had a strong double-double: 19 points and 19 rebounds
• Koby Kalebic contributed 13 points and just had an excellent all-around game
• It was great to have Hamish Gibson back for his first game of the season. He chipped in with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

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

Lost against Wolves 64-80

Coach comments

• We had a rough start this week, falling behind by nearly 20 points by the end of the first quarter. It felt like we weren’t engaged, like we hadn’t come ready to play—turnovers piled up, shot selection was questionable, and our defence lacked intensity. We looked average at best.
• Fortunately, after some fiery words from the coach, we found a spark and fought our way back. Hunter Mettam led the charge with a sharp offensive performance, knocking down threes and attacking the rim. Once the team woke up, we started executing our offensive sets and even managed to take the lead.
• Sadly, the momentum didn’t last. Despite creating quality shots, we couldn’t seem to convert in the fourth quarter, and our opponents pulled away again. While the loss stung, the game was a true test of resilience—we may have given up an early lead, but we battled back and made it a contest. A tough, character-building experience.

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

Won against Kalamunda 2s 94-85

Coach comments

• The game was very intense throughout. Our boys stuck to the game plan defensively, and as a result, it translated to our offence, making it hard for Kalamunda to keep up.
• Noah Baker had the best game of the season, dropping 33 point,s leading us to the win.
• BIG Tommy Jakimowiez came through big time for us, rebounding, playing with intensity and being dominant in the paint.
• Jenson Harders had a great defensive game. His defensive assignment in our game plan was crucial to our team’s success.

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

BYE

21-1 Girls – John Care’

BYE

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

Won against Mandurah Magic 108-83

Coach comments

• Our goal for this game was to play at a level we can be proud of and know we are capable of. We fell short of that by a fair margin. On to next week.
• Max Wishart gives his all every time he steps onto the court. Played hard as we’ve come to expect from him
• David Moore continues to put the team first with his basketball. He is always looking to make the right play.
• Aiden Foley continues to lead the team with his intensity and the fight he brings to win every contest he’s involved in.

20-2 Boys – John Foley

Won against The Eastern Suns 66 to 59

Coach comments

• The first quarter opened with both teams playing tough, hard-nosed defense. Offensively, it was a slow start, with both sides struggling to get the ball through the hoop. I was really impressed with our team’s effort and how well they applied our structure on both ends of the floor. We finished the quarter with a 13–8 lead.
• The second quarter picked up where the first left off. We went on a small run, driven by great defensive pressure and excellent ball movement on offense. However, the Suns responded with intensity in the back half of the quarter, putting together a run of their own. They managed to take the quarter 21–18, narrowing our lead heading into halftime.
• The third and fourth quarters were a tough battle, with both teams trading baskets. Defensively, both sides executed well, limiting scoring opportunities and forcing tough shots. We edged them out in both quarters—17–15 in the third and 18–15 in the fourth—securing a hard-fought 66–59 victory.
• James Reid was once again a standout performer, making life difficult for the Suns’ guards with his relentless on-ball pressure. Offensively, he made smart shot choices and contributed consistently.
• Josh Welsh was excellent around the rim, impacting the game on both ends with his presence and finishing.
• Max Millard and Luke Dropulich both brought high energy and intensity, playing with real purpose throughout the match.