WABL Wrap Week 1 – 23/4/23
Round 1 – What a great start to the season with more than half our teams winning their season opener!
All of our “Player of the Game” superstars will receive a FREE PIZZA from our friends at Domino’s Kalamunda – Thanks Guys!
Players of the round:
Isobel Wood (U12 Girls) – In a game where nothing came easy and nothing was going our way, Bel’s intensity and effort were never in doubt. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this young superstar – nice work Bel!
Sam Ryan (U18 Boys) – After coming back from ankle issues over the summer fought hard and hit the scoreboard with 15 points and also took a couple of defensive charges at big times of the game.
U12 Girls Black (Lawrence West)
Loss against Willeton Tigers (16 – 52)
Coaches notes
Round 1 saw us play a very strong and disciplined Willeton team who made it to the grand final in State Titles, so we knew it was going to be a tough start.
We kept pace with them throughout the first half and managed to get some good shots off, but unfortunately we just couldn’t seem to make a basket, putting us down by 10 points at the end of the second quarter.
The Tigers came out of the half time break strong and getting into foul trouble early meant we just couldn’t catch up. It’s a big step up from division 2, and any loss of concentration is swiftly taken advantage of.
This group of young ladies is fiercely competitive and determined to rise to the challenge they have set themselves. I’m excited to see what the rest of the season holds for our team.
Bring on round 2!
Player of the game
Isobel Wood – In a game where nothing came easy and nothing was going our way, Bel’s intensity and effort were never in doubt. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this young superstar – nice work Bel!
Other highlights
There were stretches in this game where we played with an intensity that was amazing. As we learn to sustain this level we are going to see more success on the court.
U12 Girls Orange (Lizzie Falconbridge)
Won against Perth Redbacks (40 – 6)
Coaches notes
This was our first game as a team and all of the girls got on court and played brilliantly.
The girls teamwork was great, with great dribble control and shot selection and our defence was in your face. The girls did well with rebounds and were constantly able to put up 2nd & 3rd shots.
I’m super pleased with everyone on the team.
Player of the game
Rejoice Tap – Rejoice put her body on the line in the game and was monumental in getting baskets up. Despite tiring quickly, she set the tone of our game early, for the team. With a concerted focus on game & training fitness, Rejoice will be a strong offensive force in our team.
Other highlights
Our parents & supporters were 100% with great encouragement from them and from our bench.
U12 Girls White (Bruno Kongawoin)
Won against Warwick Senators (33 – 20)
U12 Boys Black (Lizzie Falconbridge)
Loss against Lakeside Lightning (34 – 59)
Coaches notes
Positive attitude from the team
Played great defence and pushed hard right until the end despite score.
Consistent teamwork
Listened to and applied feedback from coaches.
The boys should be really proud of what they achieved
Player of the game
Zac Cranswick- Zac worked really hard leading up to round 1 and moved up into starting 5. His positive attitude was a standout. He won a significant number of rebounds and positioned himself well.
U12 Boys Orange (Tim Hart)
Loss against Perry Lakes Hawks (60 – 69)
Coaches notes
We were 1 point up with 3m 50s on the clock, it was an exciting game, the boys worked hard and we know what to work on for our next match-up against the Hawks. Our offensive transition was working well, we were able to complete kick-ahead passes to team mates and keep the Hawks working hard to recover back to basket. When we were met with defenders blocking the keyway, the boys generally showed patience and attempted to move the ball to create and find space to attack for a close finish. While we had more shot opportunities (82 vs 72), our shooting percentage was down (35% vs 45%). Our shooting effectiveness can be improved by making better shot selections, and at times that means pulling the ball out and resetting when there isn’t a clear path to score. We can improve on creating space, particularly in the keyway for our team mates, something we will develop through the season. On the D side, we will work on quicker close-outs, and taking more space away from the ball carrier and their close pass options. There were only a few cases where we turned the ball over on an inbound after a score, we were generally able to find an open player and move the ball safely up the court with our passing. We will also work on our foul shooting, something that has taken a back seat to O/D trans (only made 2/17).
Player of the game
Henry – for putting pressure on Hawks in O Trans, shooting 7 of 9 (77%), stats: 14 pts, 6 rebounds 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 deflections.
Other highlights
Unfortunately Hunter injured his knee the night before, so was out for this game. He came to cheer on his team, as did Josiah and Zac, and we appreciated the encouragement from the bench. All the boys showed their increasing ability to dribble with their head up and pass ahead to team mates. Cohen and Alex (12 points, 4 reb, 2 assists, 4 steals) also had a big impact on the game, with similar stats to Henry. Cohen had top rebounds (9) and top steals (5) and finished with equal top 14 points. Dante had top assists (4) top deflections (5), applied good defensive pressure. We want to encourage the boys to increase their defensive intensity, deflections, steals and defensive-jump-balls will be a focus for us going forward. Fletcher stepped up and helped us with his defensive pressure, fighting for boards close to the basket and made some key shots for us (6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals). Declan (4 pts, 2 assists) completed some good kick-ahead passes, and found his way in to score at some key moments in the game. Darragh (3 points, 2 rebounds) helped highlight the strategy Hawks were using with their inbound play, and how we could make it harder for them to execute. Kade (4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals) helped apply pressure on ball, and made some good passing decisions. Zane (2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal) overcome his initial pre-game nerves and showed composure, good passing decisions through the game, he also hustled for lose balls and pulled down some helpful boards. I hope the boys enjoyed the game, and look forward to improving our performance through the season.
U12 Boys White (Patrick Massam)
Loss against Rockingham Flames (31 – 71)
Coaches notes
It was really good to see the teams improvement in transition to offence. They effectively moved the ball down the court with confidence, which was a huge change since the grading comp. They found some good passes to open players throughout the game, and made good use of spreading out defence for an open lane to drive. Overall showing what we have focused on during preseason which is great!
Player of the game
Austin Berkhout – He played a great defensive game with some great blocks against a team with a fair size advantage. It was great to have him play like this for all four periods. Great work Austin!
Other highlights
We had good even scoring throughout the team with multiple attempts from nearly every player to step on the court. With an improved shooting percentage to work towards we can hopefully see more scoreboard pressure in games to come! Shout out to Lucas for quietly hitting the top score for 10 pts.
U14 Boys Blue (Dave Yan)
Won against Willeton Tigers (51 – 50)
Coaches notes
We had a game of 3 chapters. Great team work, with amazing self-composure from the players having a huge number of tough foul calls. The highlight of the game was having 3 players fouled out and able to keep our composure down the stretch to win the game. The fact that our boys did not react or get too emotional down on tough calls is a huge positive take away to how we will progress as the season continues. Individually Rylan and Brodie did what was expected of them and when fouled out they stayed positive. Kobe lead the way down the stretch with calm composure and ball handling, Chandler was amazing with more offensive rebounds then anyone on the court.. he would have nearly hit double digit OREB. but the real player of the Game was Preston. Gave us so many rebounds and finish which really was the difference to winning this game.
Player of the game
Preston Massam – After a disappointing training showing, he really really took on board the criticism and redeemed himself by grabbing all the crucial rebounds in the final 4-5minutes and finishing alot of drives. Thoroughly deserved the player of the round considering his bounce back and response to being pushed.
U14 Girls Black (Andrew Herbert)
Won against Rockingham Flames (50 – 43)
Coaches notes
It’s alway great to get game 1 out of the way, these ladies are coming together really well showing great discipline at both ends of the floor. These ladies will only continue to get stronger “TOGETHER” as the season goes on.
Player of the game
Charli Hill. Charli played with a high tempo every time she was on the floor, which assisted in our team’s success.
Other highlights
Congratulations to Carmen Wood & Charli Hill playing their 1st WABL games!
U14 Girls Orange (Adam Brickwood)
Won against Lakeside Lightning (38 – 22)
Coaches notes
Going into the game we were short-handed so a big thankyou to Yas and Teneika who came up from U12’s and helped us win our first game of the season. Our backcourt pressure was a highlight in this game as we were able to force a lot of turnovers which resulted strong drives at the rim and creating fouls. Our team conversion at the free throw line of 85% was great to see as well.
Player of the game
Madison Socklich – Maddy’s hard running efforts closed down many of the oppositions transition opportunities and her attack on the basket helped her to get to the stripe and convert over 80% on her free throws.
Other highlights
U14 Girls White(Daniel Heyman)
Loss against Southwest Slammers (36 – 42)
Coaches notes
We had 5 players make their WABL debut and gain valuable experience and confidence in their basketball abilities. Our full court defence was stifling.
Player of the game
Heidi Collet for her relentless pressure and energy on both ends of the floor.
Other highlights
Our newest recruit, Ella Michalczuk, showed outstanding development as a result of continual willingness to put in the extra effort to work on her game.
U14 Girls Blue (Tamara Reeves)
Won against Hills Raiders (72 – 35)
Coaches notes
As the game went on the team really gelled and started to play together well which resulted in a lot of assists and easy fast break layups. The defence, work rate and hustle was admirable. On-ball defence was a huge key in the win for the girls. It was a hard decision to pick a player of the game as everyone contributed to the win and did their part, really proud of them all in their first game together and looking forward to see them all improve during the season.
Player of the game
Daphne Mullings- Daphne worked really hard on both the defensive and offensive end. She scored a team high 17 points. Daphne positions herself well on the court to get open and to also defend and stay in front of her player.
U14 Boys Black (Shannon Trew)
Loss against Southwest Slammers (32 – 66)
Coaches notes
The boys came up against a very strong, fast, skilled team and tried their best for the whole game. Unfortunately they couldn’t match them in a few areas.
Player of the game
Bailey Ryan lead from the front and helped his team mates to stay level headed and tried his hardest to bridge the gap. He stood tall and was our foundation in offence and defense.
U14 Boys Orange (Adrian Mok)
Loss against Southwest Slammers (44 – 50)
U14 Boys White (Joel Warner)
Loss against East Perth Eagles (46 – 68)
Coaches notes
The season opener was a tough challenge for the boys but they were really good in long patches, only falling away late in the game. In summary: we drew Quarter 1 and won the second Quarter by a point. We headed into the third three points down and we had a number of opportunities that we missed. So our game-style was effective. Unfortunately we had two key players unable to finish the fourth quarter (one injured and one fouled out) and that was the difference. We found ourselves a little lacking with height late in the game, and without our centre in the fourth, we had trouble with a well-coached East Perth unit who were full of tall boys. Despite that, we played in patches just how we have been training. Our game-style is new to the whole team and some of the boys will take a little longer to adjust, however our effort made up for any shortfalls in height. Our effort and spirit will be our trademark.
Player of the game
Peter, in his first WABL game had to battle two opponents his size and larger. I could not have been happier with his effort. Peter won his match-up and that allowed us to play our game-style, getting into transition quickly. We didn’t utilise Peter to his full potential in the areas I would have liked, but that was just the first game nerves and the pressures associated with week one. Just wait until we get him reaching his potential and the boys feeding him the ball in the right spots. I asked a lot of Peter for his first game and he met all expectations. I look forward to his development as the season continues.
Other highlights
I was very pleased with some of the basics that often go missing when the pressure is on. For the majority of the game, the boys executed effective transition, quick ball movement, and showed a strong desire to compete.
U14 Boys Blue (Hayden Bird)
Won against Hills Raiders (86 – 31)
Coaches notes
A very well round game and awesome start to the season! The boys as a team played very unselfish basketball, always looking for the best shot possible while finding their teammates. It was great to see all aspects coming together!
As much the score shows high played offense, it was created by better defence starting from the beginning holding the opponents to zero points in the first quarter! The boys never stopped giving 100% during the whole game showing no signs of slowing down, very excited to see what the season brings!
Player of the game
Kurt De Jesus: Overall played terrific! Stayed defensively sound, Knew the right time when to go for the ball or when to stay in front and force a turnover on the opponent. Kurt’s defense lead to him offensively leading the team with 21pts, knocking down a step back three to seal his performance. Even with his points Kurt used his ball handling to create pick & Roll options with bigs to better find his teammates, truly deserved player of the round. Well done Kurt!
Other highlights
Tadiwa: 14pts, great hustle and intensity lifted his team!
Seth lonsdale: 12pts, lead the team for rebounds as well keeping consistent and confident!
Roentgen Pastor: 10pts, really filled his role as the point guard and leader on the floor!
U16 Girls Black (Charlie Smart)
Won against Warwick Senators (57 – 35)
Coaches notes
So exciting to finally see these girls in action on Sunday, where we met Warwick Senators for our first WABL game of 2023. A strong start to our campaign, saw a dominant first half, with the team executing what they had been learning in training over the last few weeks. Lots of things to work on and heaps of positives. Overall very proud of our amazing group.
Player of the game
Kaia – Very difficult decision this week as there were a couple of girls who easily deserved “Player of the Round” for varying reasons. As a whole, Kaia consistently worked extremely hard both ends of the court throughout the entire game. Her overall positive attitude and determination to make an impact from the moment she stepped on the court is to be commended. She secured important rebounds, listened to what was asked of her and that coupled with some strong drives and well timed shots sees Kaia come out on top this week. Well done Kaia!
U16 Girls Orange (Shannon Trew)
Won against Perth Redbacks (81 – 56)
Coaches notes
The girls showed Energy, Effort and a positive Attitude from the start til the end of the game. Everything that was worked on at training was displayed during the game. It was amazing to have 10 smiling assassins enjoying their basketball.
Player of the game
Chelsea Seccull was smashed and bashed the whole game by her opponents and she used all that frustrations to lead her team in rebounds and scoring. Because of her strong Rebounding we were able to have quick transition down the court which helped to open up the game for her team mates.
Other highlights
Amazing defence in their press and half court defence, Redbacks hit brick walls everywhere they went. Girls took pride in getting in front and not getting blown by.
U16 Boys Black (Brad Dowd)
Loss against Rockingham Flames (61 – 104)
Coaches notes
Our first half was great, we were only down by 7 points at half time. We had some great teamwork in the first half and everyone contributed. The 2nd half however was a different story and the game quickly got away from us and we were unable to bring it back. We probably played one of the strongest teams in the division, so the boys now know what is expected at this level.
Player of the game
Justin Morgan rattled the other team with his sneaky defense and unpredictable offence
U16 Boys Orange (Rob Rees)
Won against Rockingham Flames (75 – 58)
Coaches notes
Great Defense
Player of the game
Julien Richardson for Leadership Defensively and Offensively
Other highlights
Great all round Defensive game by all players
U16 Boys White (Jordon Macpherson)
Won against Southwest Slammers (70 – 57)
Coaches notes
I am thrilled to report that our basketball team had a great season opener! I’m proud of what the boys accomplished today. They showed outstanding energy and effort on the court, which is a great sign for the rest of the season. We are definitely heading in the right direction as a team, and I’m excited to see a few leaders starting to emerge. Daniel, Milan, and Riley dominated the boards on both ends of the court, which is a crucial part of the game. Lionel also stood out by leading the team in assists as a true point guard does.
Of course, there is always room for improvement, and we’ll be working on reducing turnovers and reaction time over the coming weeks. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with how the team performed. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds!
Player of the game
I’d like to give a special shoutout to our player of the game this week, Riley Bolton. His energy and enthusiasm, coming off the bench, lifted our team’s intensity and endeavour. Riley is certainly deserving of this award, and we’re lucky to have him as a part of our team.
U16 Boys Blue (Luke Poyner)
Loss against Perry Lakes Hawks (62 – 103)
Coaches notes
Despite a bumpy start, we had some great moments on the court exhibiting some well executed offensive set plays and some good defensive momentum. A decimated roster left us short in usable subs but players on the court gave it their all.
Player of the game
Oliver James – Strong defensively and showed he was a threat at all distances with some strong drives and a couple of big 3s. Top suns scorer with17.
Other highlights
Jensen Poyner showed great team sportsmanship by selflessly sacrificing his court time to allow others to play where they would otherwise have been unable. Jackson Nicolaou stepped up with 16 points including dropping four 3s and never giving up the whole game.
U18 Girls Black (Travis Linaker)
Loss against Warwick Senators (74 – 101)
Coaches notes
After a very poor first quarter where the Senators were allowed to get 28 points ahead, the girls rallied and to their credit we finished the game only 27 points down overall winning the last three quarters. Positive signs in many places with work to be done.
Player of the game
Kiahna Pomponio
U18 Girls Orange (Ric Batista)
Loss against Perry Lakes Hawks (18 – 87)
Coaches notes
It was pleasing that all my girls never gave up despite the score; we improved throughout the game against really tough opponents. We got a lot of good looks at the basket, and shots didn’t drop, in the coming weeks, these things will take care of themselves, and we will be a lot better
Player of the game
Caitlin Retel and Louise Romero joint nominations, Lousie debuted and lead the team scoring but also played dogged defence, Cailtin’s energy was amazing on the defensive end, these two were hugely influential in getting us back on track.
Other highlights
Congratulations to the 3 girls that debuted this week with their first-ever WABL games. thank you also, so much to my great parent group, Mel, John, Blair and Evan this week as per normal were a tremendous support.
U18 Boys Black (Lachie Riley / Angus Hywood)
Won against Warwick Senators (105 – 94)
Coaches notes
Team work dealing with constant pressure. We were able to break a press and avoid getting trapped consistently, because we had each other’s back.
Player of the game
Michael Luce. During the 4th quarter we were down and desperate, with a simple instruction “we need to get more 3’s on the board” Michael stepped up to the table and made multiple clutch 3’s, finishing with a total of 7 made 3’s.
Other highlights
Michael Luce, Riley Pabst and Max Bucknell combined for 73 points.
U18 Boys Orange (Brad Coutts)
Loss against Mandurah Magic (75 – 93)
Coaches notes
Winning the second half
Player of the game
Sam Ryan – After coming back from ankle issues over the summer fought hard and hit the scoreboard with 15 points and also took a couple of defensive charges at big times of the game.
Other highlights
Great effort by all the boys playing the one seed in the Division first up and showing we can compete against all sides in the comp.
U18 Boys White (Rae D’Sylva)
Won against Southwest Slammers (65 – 58)
Coaches notes
We have been working on reducing our turnovers and shooting a better freethrow percentage at training which was great to see at our game this week.
Player of the game
Heath rose. Heath played with a lot of confidence and played well on both ends of the court
Other highlights
It was the best the boys have moved the ball as a team and every player did a better job of limiting our turnovers.
U18 Boys Blue (Tyron Neill)
Won against Willeton Tigers (71 – 65)
Coaches notes
Played some good transition basketball and functioned well as a team.
Player of the game
Kai Miles – Every time Kai entered the game as a sixth man of the bench, he had a huge impact on the game which a lot of the time the opposition never had an answer for. From scoring 15pts, defensive pressure resulting in steals, deflections leading to turnovers and some great assists kicking out after driving deep.
Other highlights
Every one contributed, played their role well within the team and we were able to come away with a good team win knowing we only played at 50% of our true potential due to first round nerves.
U20 Boys Black (Lochy Brown)
Won against Hills Raiders (93 – 69)
Coaches notes
As a group we wanted to establish our style of play early in the season and we did that. All players bought in to playing up tempo and that also reflected on the score sheet. Lots of areas to improve on but a promising start to the season.
Player of the game
Denzel Humphries. Coming off the bench is always a hard ask for players but Denzel owned it and changed the game when he was on. Impacting with steals, rebounds, pushing the ball and assists he was everywhere.
U20 Boys Orange (Cooper Lowe)
Won against Perth Redbacks (87 – 47)
Coaches notes
A really good team performance to start the season. A couple of things we need to tidy up on, but to come away with a 40 point win was really pleasing to see.
Player of the game
I could have selected a couple of players this week, but this week goes to Leon Chitiyo. He made an instant impact on the defensive end of the floor, and was very unselfish in transition getting a lot of his team mates some easy points and also creating for himself. Well done Leon!
Other highlights
All 10 guys that suited up being able to hit the floor and make an impact at some stage in the game.