Weekly WABL Wrap – Round 10 2021

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

Congrats to all our WABL players, coaches, managers and parents for bringing great energy to Round 10 of the 2021 WABL season. Here’s the wrap up of how all our teams went including comments from coaches:

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

Won against Willetton Tigers White 53-24

Coach comments:

Defensively we were able to apply strong full-court pressure and cause lots of high turnovers, which lead to good scoring opportunities.
There were some really pleasing signs regarding our 5-out pass and cut spacing.
Jemilla Barr’s work rate was phenomenal. Her hard work was best demonstrated when she put in 5 consecutive defensive efforts to force the Tigers into an 8-second backcourt violation
Grace Butcher once again showed her ability to win 50/50 balls and excel at one-percenters. She was constantly diving on loose balls and providing great energy and effort on the court.

U12 Division 3 Girls – Emma Ormond (sponsored by DLA Piper)

Lost to Rockingham 58-21

Coach comments:

Flames are a physical team which really shook the girls in the first couple of minutes, but we bounced back from this very well. We continued to play our style of game and fought to the last second. I’ve been so impressed with the girls’ ability to not give up and I think this game was just another example of this.
Leisha Charlie worked incredibly hard this game. She chased down fast breaks, stripped ball carries and played very selfless basketball.
Harper Grace is a player that is happy to do all the dirty work (diving on loose balls etc.) and this game really showed that. Harper’s effort was through the roof on Sunday, and I think she really set the tone of the game for our team.

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

Won against Mandurah Magic 47-35

Coach comments:

This was a tight game right throughout the first three quarters, and we were often trailing during that period. The girls had worked hard to pick up their help defence from the second quarter, but it was really in the fourth quarter that the girls settled and played “our” way. This was demonstrated by an increase in game vocals on and off the court, and great use of “pass is fast” mentality to eventually secure the lead and grab the win.
I’m continually impressed at every girl’s development at this stage of the season. Today, every girl dug deep and made individual choices that were to the benefit of the team.

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

Lost to Willetton Tigers White 56-47

Coach comments:

Our boxing out and getting after rebounds are really improving.
We got through our offence well and got really good looks at open shots – we now just need to finish.
Miki Deshon pushed hard for the full game to play really consistently and make good decisions.
Matilda Pyne’s control and consistency when bringing the ball up the court was excellent.

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

Won against Willetton 44-38

Coach comments:

I was so please with the girls’ efforts. They worked really hard as a team with some great talk and helping out on defence. They were hungry for the ball and it showed. Seeing their faces after this win was priceless, they are really starting to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Jess Kerp and Talia Bentley were fantastic in both offence and defence. A special mention also to the girls on the bench. The cheering, support and camaraderie were exceptional. The team spirit was highly evident.

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

Won against Cockburn Cougars 54-32

Coach comments:

I loved seeing our fantastic team defence and offense in this game. The girls moved the ball well and did a great job applying pressure and exploiting weaknesses.
Mila Reyes had an extremely aggressive game – she caused a number of steals and stops which resulted in us scoring.
Emily Livingstone was extremely aggressive – she used her length well to pick off Cockburn’s long passes. This was easily Emily’s best game this season.
Grace Almond had a stellar performance shooting the ball and getting to the free-throw line.

U14 Division 4 Girls Grey – Lucy Dowling

BYE

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

Lost to Willetton 52-47

Coach comments:

I was pleased with the way we kept fighting. We got down double digits and fought our way back into the game to take the lead in the last quarter. Unfortunately, we couldn’t keep the momentum going to close out the win.
Megan Taylor was good on both ends of the floor throughout the game.
Issy Woods brought intensity on the defensive end of the floor.

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

Coach comments:

It was close all game and went right down to the wire. We had our chances to win with good shots, but the ball didn’t drop. This was a great team effort with sustained focus and intensity for the full four quarters. Our defence was disciplined, we ran well in transition and we played some lovely controlled half-court offence with much-improved spacing and ball movement to create a lot of open shots. Unfortunately, we left the Cougars’ outside threats alone too often and they hurt us with 5 x 3 pointers.
It’s hard to highlight individual efforts in such a good game but Hannah Saliacus got a confidence boost today, cleaning up the offensive boards for 12 points to be equal top scorer.
Ava Lindegger handled the ball with greater composure and much better vision and decision making.
Abbey Macham is a dynamo who brought the ball up under a lot of pressure, attacked the paint fearlessly and set the standard for chasing back in D.
Isabella Wolfenden continued her recent strong form offensively and was solid from the free-throw line.
Dinelka Fernando had her best game – she was a constant threat with great spacing and good shot selection.

U16 Division 4 Girls – Geoff Alger

Lost to Mandurah 57-55

Coach comments:

Our team passing was a highlight this week with many scores created from honouring players in good positions.
The belief and commitment to stick with our game and nearly pinch a win from 18 points down was great to see.
Aaliyah Nunes had a great game making some excellent decisions with the ball to efficiently put it in the hoop herself and to facilitate others.
Tiah Nelson had a great ball-handling game really applying pressure to the Mandurah defenders.
We loved the energy that Harriet Woods and Matilda Pyne (from the U14-1s) brought with Harriet’s attack in particular a big part of the comeback.

U18 Division 2 Girls White – Brayden Cook

Won against Hills Raider 76-21

Coach comments:

It was great to have everyone contribute on the scoreboard and play their role to get the win.
I was pleased to see Tyra-Lee Moody gain some confidence on both ends of the floor, pushing the ball in transition and getting easy layups but also being disruptive on defence causing steals for our team.

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

Lost to Willetton 49-45

Coach comments:

This was probably our best game so far this season and unfortunately, not many parents got to watch it due to the snap COVID restrictions. Our defence was impressive the entire game and thanks to a long pass off the baseline from Meg Capewell to Kirsty Slinger for a 3-point buzzer-beater, it was drawn 34 all at three-quarter time. The 4th quarter went point for point and we were down by 2 with 20 secs remaining. Unfortunately for us, Willetton’s vast experience in pressure situations got them the win by 4.
Everyone played their role well in this game. It would have been a real team win if we managed to get across the line. Everyone learned something from this loss and that lesson will help each player with their basketball future. A great game ladies, very proud of you all.

U12 Champs Boys – Dylan Vilardi

Lost to Willetton Tigers 78-40

Coach comments:

We played our way in patches throughout this game. But unfortunately, we couldn’t maintain the consistency required throughout the whole game.
Caeden Olowoyo was all over the floor in this game, giving his 110% effort to get back on defence, being physical on the boards, and pushing the ball in transition. He was very energetic on the bench which led to him being active on the court.

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

Lost to Willetton 47-41

Coach comments:

Against quality opposition, we had our lowest number of turnovers for the season. Despite the loss I felt we were in control for the majority of the game, which was a result of the boys doing another great job of executing our systems.
We consistently win the rebound count with this week being no exception. Oskar Wang, Louis Daniel and Aiden Little anchored the paint with 27 boards between them.
Our team relies heavily on defensive pressure and Jett Murphy and Cooper Roskell were standouts with their ruthless discipline in our press, which created steals for others further down the court.

U12 Division 4 Boys White – Tyler Cusworth

Won against Rockingham Flames 39-29

From a team effort point of view, what pleased you most about this game?

We only had 7 players available for this game but they really came to play!
Their intensity and effort on both ends of the floor were outstanding.
In a very physical contest, we remained committed and hungry and I could not fault their effort at all.

Are there any individual efforts you’d like to highlight?

All the players contributed strongly to this win.
Jake Chew loved putting 16 on the board.
Myles Byrne and Liam Shelhot really stepped up and made some crucial plays for us.
Zach Snell and Mitch Thompson continue to deliver weekly.
Nick Knight looked comfortable dribbling through their rough defence
Luka Delic flipped a switch in the last quarter and really drove us to the win.

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

Won against Willetton Tigers 36-18

Coach comments:

We struggled to find the bottom of the net for much of this game but we hung in and kept giving effort. It was our first away win in our last 3 trips. A few of our boys were challenged about their intensity early and they responded with great effort. I’m very proud of the effort of all the boys today.
Ethan Kingsbury played a cracking game. He did everything he was asked and had a day out with his shooting. He didn’t miss a shot when most of the boys were struggling to score.
Max Wood kept his head up and delivered a solid second half
Tate Mucjanko was a real workhorse all game
Toby Summers demonstrated excellent D
Joaquin Imperial pulled in some big rebounds and putbacks
Travis Hunt showed his ability to impact the game across all aspects
Ethan Cooper and Will Hemingway listened well and adjusted their game accordingly
Kimzy Matondo attacked the ring and constantly put pressure on the opposition
Rhys Tan came back strong after coming off injured.

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

Lost to Willetton Blue 69-44

Coach comments:

Playing the top team in our division, we were jumped early to be down 0-10 at the start but responded well to finish the quarter just 3 down due to executing our containment rules, winning the rebound count and remaining focused.
As a team we won the effort areas: we OUT-REBOUNDED a bigger team, we out hustled with BOX-OUT’s and DEFLECTIONS, switched on-balls and took CHARGES. Our team was vocal both on the court and on the bench.
It has been awesome watching Jack Saliacus’s game elevate. In addition to his defensive help ability, footwork, screening, he is also displaying exciting 5-man post moves that get him in either a great finishing position or draws the double team for an assist to teammates.
Jaxon Kowal was our most efficient player, delivering great ball position without fouling. He relished the pressure of the PG role, breaking presses and executing the offence.
Mason Clarke and Ben Galvin were rocks at both ends of the floor, with a never quit determination to put their bodies on the line, play help “D”, attack the ring and play big under massive pressure.

U14 Division 2 Boys – Mitchell Jesson

Lost to Cockburn 82-50

Coach comments:

Our effort early in the game was good and we established a small lead at quarter time. Despite Cockburn unleashing some three-point shooting from there that needed to be seen to be believed (13 from 27 for the game), we were still in the hunt at three-quarter-time.
Unfortunately, our fourth-quarter effort did not match the earlier efforts. But it was pleasing that the majority of the squad fought hard to the last whistle. Cockburn ran out the last few minutes strongly and it’s now our job as a team to return to the training courts.
Jay Hazell had a big game, top-scoring with 18 points (at 56%) and pulling in 15 boards. The pick and roll was particularly well-executed between Jay and his teammates to deliver this outcome.
James Bowen with 5 assists was a key provider for Jay’s output and I’m pleased with his willingness to give up a good shot for himself for a better shot via Jay.

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

Lost to Willetton Tigers 77-46

Coach comments:

This was a tough game but the boys never gave up and continued to fight throughout the game.
Lionel Chitiyo played well with great energy throughout the game.
Cooper Poustie also battled hard throughout the game.
Noah Hugo, Michael Ryan and Jack Dowd all battled hard on the boards all game long.

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

Lost to East Perth 63-48

Coach comments:

We demonstrated good ball movement on offence and great full court pressure in this game.
Tom Jakimowiez’s rebounding effort was again great, as was his finishing under the basket for second-chance points
Kobe Kalebic’s read of the court allowed him to get steals when we did our full court press

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

Lost to Willetton 83-60

From a team effort point of view, what pleased you most about this game?

Given we came into this game off the back of arguably our best game of the season, it was frustrating to find ourselves in a situation where we struggled to score and defend at the standard we normally would. Despite this, we continued to fight. And we will continue to focus on our consistency to avoid surprise losses like this game.
Well done to each of the members of the team for staying together, despite the difficult situation in which we found ourselves. It was pleasing to see the players continue to support each other both on the bench and on the court.

U16 Division 3 Boys White – Luke Simonette

Lost to Cockburn Cougars 75-56

Coach comments:

Despite being undermanned for the third week in a row, in foul trouble and shooting 22-68 from the field, we still managed to stay positive and focused throughout the game.
Our defensive principles were solid and we limited turnovers in transition
Huge thanks to Riley Panizza for stepping up in the final hour when our injury bug hit once again.
Bas Allegre and Sam Burnett defended well through foul trouble

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

Won against Rockingham 90-79

From a team effort point of view, what pleased you most about this game?

Every player scored in this game. We had 5 players in double figures and one with 9pts – it was a great team effort and work rate.
We had a really strong first half with probably the best ball movement we have seen but the parents obviously didn’t think so as they all walked out at half time … oh wait, that was because of COVID. Just kidding, parents.
Kalisto Ubu is growing in confidence and assertiveness each week. He dominated with 18 points and some huge rebounds.
Ethan Harders stepped up his level of aggression and confidence to have a great game.
Benji Berardis continued his strong aggression at the basket.
Andrew Cook continues to improve each week with his great shooting and work rate.

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

Lost to Lakeside 79-66

From a team effort point of view, what pleased you most about this game?

In Round 3 we lost to this team 104-45 and halfway through the season, they are the ladder-leaders. With Naoki Walker (one of our fastest players) out for the season, it was a great effort to go down by only 13 points. Every player stepped and contributing and if it wasn’t for some poor passes and turnovers resulting in easy points we could have been right in this game!
Congratulations boys – huge improvement and really well done!
The standout effort of the game was Romain Suraweera who not only had 12 points but a huge number of rebounds against taller opposition.
Josh Welsh continues to improve and grow in confidence with 15 points.
Declan Kenny had a great second half working hard with 10 pts and good rebounds.
Nik Burza had his best game of the season with good effort and 8 pts.

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

Lost to Cockburn Cougars 102-71

Coach comments:

The boys never stopped fighting. As much as we are struggling to get wins on the board I can never fault their effort. They never once put their heads down.
Victor Komaiya was once again a warrior inside. Very few players in the modern game like to play back to the basket and play with a physicality and intensity required to play inside offensively and defensively. He gets hit a lot and never backs down.

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

Won against Cockburn 91-70

Coach comments:

We got off to a slow start but were able to just chip away and get ourselves back into the game at halftime. The team did an awesome job and put the hammer down in the third to keep the opposition to only 10 points in that quarter. Again we did a fantastic job at keeping the full-court pressure on defensively all game long. Everyone was on the scoreboard again which was great to see.
Lachlan Taylor had a great game, putting in fantastic solid minutes off the bench. He was a beast on the boards and getting some great putbacks under the basket.
Oliver Pedley had another solid game, just gets on with it, gives 100% effort at both ends of the court and works hard.

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

Won against Willetton Tigers 103-72

Coach comments:

Given we had two starters out injured, it was pleasing to see we still got through our stuff, and the players who had to step up and play a larger role did so really well.

Harper Mitchell-Oehlers had his best game of the season and is really starting to understand his role within the team.

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

Won against South West Slammers 102-84

Coach comments:

We came into this game knowing that we had to out-rebound a much taller team, apply consistent pressure on D and attack the paint to unlock our offence. We did all three and got a great win.
This was our best rebounding game by far with 8 players pulling in 4 or more boards. The opposition never figured out how to deal with our pressure – I especially liked how we improved our full-court pressing.
And we had every player score 4 or more points (including 7 players in double figures). There were numerous examples of unselfish play and excellent basketball.
Oakley Fung had his first start of the season and brought excellent rebounding, great D and attacked the paint relentlessly.
Mackenzie Tanner had a big game all-round but his 12 rebounds are the stat we needed the most. He was constant effort on the boards.
Jake Vilardi had a very strong game with 3 steals, a block, and 12 points — he got to the middle of the paint, unleashed his floater game and read the D like a book.

U20 Men White – Michael Clarke

Won against Perth Redbacks Grey 110-70

Coach comments:

It was great to be able to suit up 10 players again and have all of them register in the ‘points scored’ column.

U20 Men Grey – Rob Gordon

Lost to Redbacks White 110-70

Coach comments:

It was pleasing that our intensity and focus saw us win the first quarter against the higher-ranked Redbacks team in our competition.
Congrats to Ashwin Creswell who top-scored for us with 18 points