WABL Wrap Week 12 – 16/07/23
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:
Kade Atterton (U14 Boys) – Kade Atterton: Kade has shown continuous improvement for many weeks at practice and he is a player who is carrying this over to game-day each week. He’s got a big appetite to learn and he provides a consistent effort in all possessions, whether they are offensive possessions or defensive ones. Well done Kade (Rambo), thoroughly deserved this week in what was our hardest game for the season so far.
Vattalanie D’Sylva (U14 Girls) – Vattalanie D’Sylva: was outstanding attacking the basket with her shifty crossovers and quality interior finishes. She really stepped up to provide a half-court scoring punch when we needed it, dropping a handy 15 points.
U12 Girls Black (Lawrence West)
Won against Cockburn Cougars (52 – 43)
Coaches notes
This game was a must win for us if we wanted to achieve our season goal of making finals, and in the opening minutes we felt that pressure, making shaky passes and fumbling the ball (or maybe it was the sub-zero temperature in the Wally Hagan shed?). We traded runs with the Cougars and at the end of the first quarter it was tied at 12 each.
At the start of the 2nd quarter we lit up and played some of the toughest, most physical basketball we have managed as a group, resulting in a shell-shocked Cougars team going scoreless for the entire period, giving us a 17 point advantage.
Moments into the 3rd quarter we were yet again reminded what happens when we don’t stay 100% connected and let our intensity drop as the Cougars punished us over and over, including back-to-back 3 pointers to evaporate the lead we had worked so hard to build.
Earlier in the season this game could have easily gotten away from us, however the growth was evident in our response to what felt like a punch in the face. We re-grouped and got straight back to playing our style of basketball, which allowed us to slow the Cougars momentum and grind out the win.
I could not be prouder of this amazing group of girls for the effort and determination shown this weekend, they knew what needed to be done and made it happen. The periods of being connected as a team are getting longer and we can sustain our intensity much better. While we were far from perfect this game felt like a real turning point for us and I hope to continue building on it as we head into the back end of the season.
Player of the game
Emily Sunderland – Emily had an absolute monster game this week! She racked up 17 points (shooting 64%), 22 rebounds, 4 steals and 7 blocks!! Emily was thrown into the deep end this year, playing her first ever WABL season in Champs division and I could not be happier with her progress. She is figuring out how to be successful and its fantastic to see her start to assert herself in game – Keep it up superstar!
U12 Girls Orange (Lizzie Falconbridge)
Won against Warwick Senators (38 – 16)
Coaches notes
We played Warwick Blue this week The girls played strong and pushed up hard with some of the best teamwork we’ve seen of late. Despite some illness and injury, it was a confident and solid game. Warwicks umpire coach was good and fair and helped the umpires ref a good game.
The way our girls handled themselves, with a less than supportive home team was commendable. We didn’t lower our standard of play and played our brand of strong, aggressive, clean basketball. We handle aggressive defence really well!
Zoe & Lani worked really well and confidently in defence, Eloise made some strong offensive drives all the way. Rejoice was much more centred and focused. Mary our DP was going up against the big girls under the hoop – she wanted that ball! Amina came out strong in defence and handled sideline comments with grace, and Oceana, Lily & May were also strong with defence and rebounds.
A huge credit to all of our girls.
Player of the game
Harper Dostal: Harper is just so consistent in every match, no matter what happens she gives 100% in her games and training in both offence and defence, and this week was no different. She didn’t let the other team get to her and just played her game.
U12 Girls White (Bruno Kongawoin)
Won against East Perth Eagles (62 – 16)
Coaches notes
Another convincing win for our girls. The East Perth Girls have improvement significantly since our first meeting. As the season progresses, the girls start to recognise that when the game of basketball is played with moving the ball forward with the least amount of dribble, it promotes team play. As the score table testifies, each player contributed to the bottom line because of our continued ball handling improvement and pushing the ball up the court. We stopped the ball coming up the court but our half court defense remains our achilles tendon. Something we need to work on if we are to contend for the top of the leader board.
Player of the game
Cassidy Buckingham keeps demonstrating her understanding of the game more and more and finding it fun resulting in her performance on defense. Her offensive rebounding was outstanding.
U12 Boys Black (Lizzie Falconbridge)
Won against Mandurah Magic (52 – 36)
U12 Boys Orange (Tim Hart)
Loss against Joondalup Wolves (27 – 51)
Coaches notes
The boys were able to match it with Joondalup for the first half of the game, we were 1 point down in the 1st qtr, and 3 points down at the start of the second half. Unfortunately we couldn’t keep up with the scoring rate, we allowed a large number of fast breaks and uncontested lay-ups through in the second half. We saw improvement in our spacing in offence, more transition offence/kick-aheads in the first half, and added pressure in the back-court helped us get more steals in early game than we would otherwise achieve.
Player of the game
Cohen – for showing increased awareness of spacing this game, finding our weakside scoring option after drawing help defence, and persistent defensive effort
U12 Boys White (Patrick Massam)
Loss against Mandurah Magic (50 – 58)
Coaches notes
The boys were glad to be back on the court, it’s always better to hear your coach yelling in a game then at training!
We started a little slow as we tried to shake off the holidays and it was the second half before we worked that from head to toe. Finding ourselves down 29 – 18 at the half.
We unleashed the pitbull’s with Ollie, Jack and Spence, who in total, weighed less than Magic’s top scorer. But they all had eye of the tiger and put their bodies on the line for the team.
They were well supported by Chase, Tom and Ayman to push the ball up the floor and allow Spencer & Austin to start firing some shots to push as a long
We outscored the Magic 32 – 29 in the second half as our little legs had more bounce to the ounce then the Magic.
We struggled to contain the Magics leading scorer, who dropped 30 points on us with some great shooting, even when we applied defensive pressure, he disregarded the pressure like a child being told to clean his room. Silky drop shot!
Zac had a rough run with the foul’s column, playing tough for us in the key, supported by Lucas and Austin on the boards. Zac rounded out his game and his 5th with a classic drop of the hammer and I could see in his eyes he was thinking “you can earn your two at the line” !
It was great to see the team clock up 50 points. We have often channeled the energy of the West Coast Eagles with a lot of running and not a lot of scoring, so was good to see us hit those numbers today.
Highlight for the team was Nick Squire picking up his first two points in WABL, shaking out the nerves and using his minutes well.
Player of the game was Thomas Morrice, as the coaches were super pleased to see him play a good confident game at both ends of the court. Well done Tom!! We are all coming around for the pizza.
Player of the game
Thomas Morrice great engagement both ends of the court and best performance this season.
U12 Boys Blue (Dave Yan)
Won against Joondalup Wolves (46 – 28)
U14 Girls Black (Andrew Herbert)
Won against Cockburn Cougars (41 – 25)
Coaches notes
It was nice to have a home game with 8 ladies in attendance.
We played well through an early start where the ball just didn’t want to drop fortunately our team defence was able to keep us in the game.
The teams effort at both ends was great to see, showing the “We want it more than them mindset”
It was fantastic to see players diving on loose balls, playing solid pressure defence and giving team mates high fives which keeps building momentum plus team chemistry.
With the focus on rebounding some notable numbers from this game were:
*Carmen Woods – 4Reb – 1As – 1Blk – 8Pts
*Izabelle Biggs – 5Reb – 4St
*Holly Marsh – 6Reb – 5St – 2As – 11Pts
*Charli Hill – 10Reb
*Charlotte Herbert – 19Reb-3St-7Blk-12Pts
Player of the game
Player of the round this week goes to Charli Hill. As we head into the final 3rd of the regular season, I want to make notice to different aspects on the floor. This week I wanted to pay particular notice to those players who were rebounding at both ends of the floor. Charli contributed solidly on the boards, pulling in 10 from both ends and for making great decisions around the basket. Continue to work hard Charli!
U14 Girls Orange (Adam Brickwood)
Won against Lakeside Lightning (60 – 49)
Coaches notes
Down to lakeside for a late afternoon game, the opposition came out strong getting out in transition and playing a very physical style of basketball. Halfway through the first quarter we were able to lift our intensity and from there find a great rhythm.
Led by Benwech and Maddison’s tough full court pressure on the ball we were able to create a lot of fast breaks opportunities which we able to capitalise on.
Our ability to maintain that intensity throughout the rest of the game eventually became too much for Lakeside helping us to a really solid win.
Player of the game
Maddison Soklich – Maddy was back to her best being disruptive on help defence, locking down on one on one D and finding her way to the basket.
U14 Girls White(Daniel Heyman)
Won against Southwest Slammers (50 – 31)
Coaches notes
After making the long trip down south, our girls took a while to warm into the game, allowing the Slammers to jump out to a 12-0 lead. A couple of timeouts and direct conversations had us back on track, and by the end of the 1st quarter, we were up 20-18.
From that point on, the girls barely let up their swarming defence, holding the opponents scoreless in the second quarter and winning the last 2.
Notable performances include a dominant rebounding and scoring outing by Malia Williams (17pts), Lillian Tarai who initiated the defensive attack and Ashlyn Shields who executed at both ends with her hustle and smart play.
Player of the game
Vattalanie D’Sylva. Vattalanie was outstanding attacking the basket with her shifty crossovers and quality interior finishes. She really stepped up to provide a half-court scoring punch when we needed it, dropping a handy 15 points.
U14 Girls Blue (Tamara Reeves)
Loss against Perth Redbacks (63 – 66)
U14 Boys Black (Shannon Trew)
Won against Lakeside Lightning (71 – 56)
Coaches notes
We knew this game was going to be tough against a very good Lakeside team who like to share the ball around. We matched them basket for basket for the first 3 qtrs where scoring was free flowing at both ends. The 4th qtr the boys said the big focus was Defence and defence they did, keeping lakeside to 3 points. The energy on and off the court was breathtaking to watch and made coaching alot easier.
We will be looking for 4 quarters of defence through Energy, Effort and a positive Attitude next week!
Player of the game
Toby Winter was back to his best in offence and defence, making many defensive stops and being rewarded at the other end with 11 points. His energy on the court was amazing to watch and he pumped up his team mates.
U14 Boys Orange (Adrian Mok)
Loss against Rockingham Flames (65 – 75)
Coaches notes
We faced a bigger and stronger opposition but I’m so proud of how well the boys played for 38 minutes of the game, we just had a brain fade at crucial time which unfortunately cost us the win.
Our defence, boxing out and sharing the ball offensively was amazing and its what kept us in the with a chance.
It has been a tough season so far but all the boys are sticking together, its hard for them to see it now but all the experencies we are having this season will only help for future seasons to come!!
A big THANK YOU to all the families who come down and cheer so loudly every week and support the team no matter the result, really encouraging from a coaches perspective.
Player of the game
AJ Mok – All the extra work and personal training with Joe Cook Green is starting to flow onto the games. Week in, week out the defensive intensity is always there but it was really pleasing to see him take more responsibility on the other end by setting up his teammates, helping with rebounds and taking the shots when he’s open instead of deferring to teammates. Even though it was a very intense game he showed great sportsmanship – helping the opposition up after fighting for loose balls or accidently knocking on of them over, hopefully this week has shown him he can play at this level but maintaining it will be key!!
U14 Boys White (Joel Warner)
Loss against East Perth Eagles (53 – 62)
Coaches notes
This was a great test for our Suns White group against an undefeated East Perth Team. Our start was really slow and didn’t quite go as planned… early on, we felt a pretty high level of pressure, so we called time out to regroup. Overall, we had a few challenges with continuity of practice flowing over into the game this week, I suspect because we were low on numbers at practice (school holidays/ family commitments), all very understandable with junior sport. During the week we practiced some specific elements to counter our opposition but we couldn’t implement all of them on Sunday. However, given the start to the game, I was really happy with the fight back, particularly how the Team understood the counters to East Perth’s traps and the counters to their offenses. That shows the boys are learning and can apply their learning in games. Both Coach James and I enjoyed the positivity shown across all aspects of the challenge we faced this week, including how we regrouped after the shock start. Unfortunately, the third quarter stared the same as the first, so after we had begun to claw our way back, we allowed for a 9 – 0 start to the third quarter, and our deficit quickly grew. After banking a number of good third quarters this season we were not at our best in the third this week, which was probably the biggest take-away for the game. You can’t nap on any Teams really, particularly the best Team in our Division, who were very well coached. The breakdown of quarters and the stats are pretty clear. We lost quarter one by 10 points, won the second by a point, lost the third by 12 and then won the fourth by 12. Some great positives to be found in there though, and we showed that we have developed a lot from the start of the season. On Sunday we showed we can win half a game against the best opposition and we can meet in game targets, which are being (almost) fully understood by the whole group. We held the top Team to their lowest score of the year, which was only a few points above our opposition score-target for the game. A nine point loss against that East Perth Team suggests we are no push-overs! Although we didn’t get the result we were looking for, I was pleased with a number of elements and we will work to improve as quickly as we can on those at practice.
Player of the game
After knocking on the door twice already, player of the game this week goes to Kade. Kade has shown continuous improvement for many weeks at practice and he is a player who is carrying this over to game-day each week. He’s got a big appetite to learn and he provides a consistent effort in all possessions, whether they are offensive possessions or defensive ones. On Sunday Kade scored well, defended well, rebounded well, ran hard and was able to hold his own in some uncomfortable match-ups, where he was undersized. There are a couple of boys who the coaches can rely on to win loose balls, take charges and play a role, even if it’s not flashy. Kade is one of those players. His basketball IQ is growing and as coaches, James and I are working with him to give him more responsibilty, which is paying off. A few weeks back, he broke into the starting unit and he hasn’t given up his spot there yet. Just as importantly, he is asking for ways to improve outside of practice. When a player askes for that sort of feedback, it’s pretty uncommon for coaches not to match the effort and do their part(s) to help that player get better. Well done Kade (Rambo), thoroughly deserved this week in what was our hardest game for the season so far.
U14 Boys Blue (Hayden Bird)
Loss against Southwest Slammers (65 – 76)
Coaches notes
The positive takeaways for the game is it being our first loss starting the soon off 11 wins is incredible.
With a few of our more relied on players being out with injury or early fouls it was ask for the other boys in the squad to step up and take on the rolls, through tough defensive stops and movement with the ball on offence the boys really did step up well.
Even through the tough game the boys managed to keep their heads high and fight through as much as they could!
Player of the game
Brodie Anderson: he has come such a long way as a player with major improvement with his defence and finishing, and High confidence in himself. With out Brodie’s presence to help the boys during the game it would have been more of a rough game! Great job Brodie can’t wait to see how far you will continue to go!
U16 Girls Black (Charlie Smart)
Win against Perry Lakes Hawks (68 – 63)
Coaches notes
From an overall team perspective it was great to see everyone impact the game in a really positive way. The whole team worked together and showed determination throughout to seal a much needed win against a strong Perry Lakes. They worked hard in defence especially under the basket contesting shots and limiting the Hawks keyway penetration. Nearly everyone secured points on the scoreboard this week which showed what they can do when they trust each other on the court.
Although this was a full team effort I need to acknowledge both Jess and Macee for their invaluable contributions throughout the game. Jess returned from a nasty ankle injury which has seen her sidelined since week 6. Jess took to the court with a point to prove and displayed tremendous strength in defence and great accuracy with her shots seeing her secure 10 points. Her run of the court in the last few seconds and final 2 points sealed the win.
Macee played her most confident game yet, brilliant defence including a beautiful block and getting into position during offensive sets assisting her team-mates and contributing 4 points. Locked in a point for point battle with Hawks with neither team baking down, Macee took the game head on and secured the timely points allowing for us to breakaway from the deadlock.
Player of the game
Isla – Isla stepped up this week listening to direction and executing what was asked of her both on and off the court. She worked extremely hard throughout and her natural read for the play saw her intercept some crucial balls resulting in great scoring opportunities. Isla impacted the game as soon as she stepped on the court and lead by example in a positive way, finishing the game with no fouls this week and a strong 14 points. Congratulations Isla.
U16 Girls Orange (Shannon Trew)
Won against Perth Redbacks (87 – 44)
Coaches notes
Coming off a tough game 2 weeks ago the girls were looking to refocus on playing our game and boosting our chances of playing finals. The 1st qtr was close where both teams were finding their feet after the holiday break and getting back to the speed of the game.
The girls gave themselves a Rev up and decided they needed to take the game on and they needed to lift their defence and put lots of pressure on the redbacks. The next 3 quarters we scored 70 points to their 27 points. What a difference it makes when they bring the ENERGY in defence which produces lots of points at the other end.
We had 20 plus steals/interceptions and 20 plus rebounds at both ends in the last 3 quarters which opened up the game. Bring on next week where we will try to continue to bring the energy in our Team basketball, Team defence and Team First mentality!
Player of the game
Shelby Lewis was outstanding in defence causing many mistakes and turnovers for the Redbacks and her energy in defence transitioned into her offence were she was finding windows in the Redbacks defence and punishing them. She will be a force to reckon with if she continues this desire to motivate her team to play their best team basketball.
U16 Boys Black (Brad Dowd)
Won against Cockburn Cougars (89 – 83)
Coaches notes
Our 2nd win in a row and 3rd for the season, the team is finally gelling. Players are more composed and playing the style of basketball we have been working so hard for. A massive first quarter (24 vs 11) gave us the breathing space for the rest of the game. Cockburn continually fought back, closing the gap multiple times, but we managed to remain in charge of the game.
In the dying minutes though, they came even harder at us and we will need to work on handling that pressure better moving forward to avoid losing in the final minutes.
Leslie Woods finished with a ridiculous 35 points and was the most composed he has ever been.
Player of the game
Jarron Atterton wins player of the round with 26 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals
U16 Boys Orange (Rob Rees)
Won against Joondalup Wolves (78 – 55)
Coaches notes
It was good to see the boys bounce back after a very disappointing loss the last game we played
Player of the game
Joshua Mahama Josh played a great game as did all the boys in this game, the number of steals Josh made probably gave him the very slight edge over the others giving him the Player of the Game Award
U16 Boys White (Jordon Macpherson)
Won against Mandurah Magic (100 – 71)
Coaches notes
First game back after a couple of weeks off and we were a little rusty in the first quarter. We turned it around in the second quarter and built from there. This was a very physical game and our big guys did well in the paint handling the physicality.
The boys defensive intensity was overwhelming in the backcourt and we contained the attack in our half court D.
A well rounded team effort was shown this week.
Shout out to Daniel, Riley and Milan for their rebounding efforts on both ends. It was great to see some of our less confident players being more aggressive and trusting in their abilities.
Player of the game
This weeks player of the week award could have gone to a few players and was a tough decision. Lionel Chitiyo takes out the award this week as he was relentless in his defence aggressiveness and his hustle down the floor in transition defence getting a number of steals and slowing down the oppositions transition. Lionel also managed to drop 18pts having an impact on both ends. Way to lead by example Lionel! Well done.
U16 Boys Blue (Luke Poyner)
Loss against Southwest Slammers (65 – 95)
Coaches notes
The boys continued to demonstrate that they are applying the things we are working on during training in the game. Unfortunately we were unable to maintain consistency during the game and late stage fatigue saw the final score blow out.
Player of the game
Jackson Nicolou played with hustle all game on both ends of the court and never gives up. He lead the team stats in rebounds, steals and points to earn himself player of the match.
U18 Girls Black (Travis Linaker)
Loss against Rockingham Flames (79 – 80)
Coaches notes
All I have to say is WOW what a difference this game was and whilst it would have been great to not get beaten by a hope shot that left Rockingham’s hands a moment before the final siren this is with out a doubt the proudest I have been of the girls.
We managed to outscore the Flames in Q2 & Q3 but still trailed for much of the game but it did not deter the girls and they kept the pressure on and we got to an 11 point break in the last, unfortunately a couple of late 3 pointers from the flames and some missed opportunities from us left us 1 point up with 1.3 seconds on the clock and the ball in the Flames hands.
Mahalia Rukuata got a great deflection on the Flames first attempt to inbound but no time came off the clock and we reset for another chance, the ball managed to get to the paint and even with several sets of hands in the way a shot got away and a lucky roll sealed our fate.
Whilst it is always disappointing to lose this was by far the closest the girls have come to their potential and it was so great to watch, I again want to reiterate just how proud of them I am.
If we can bring this level of effort and teamwork to the rest of trainings and games we will definitely shake some games up in this last part of the season.
Player of the game
Again it is extremely tough to pick just one player of the game as every single player was there doing the best they could but I do have to pick one and for this week that was Imogen Sell.
U18 Girls Orange (Ric Batista)
Loss against Joondalup Wolves (29 – 57)
Coaches notes
We gave away a huge head start by 20 points and fought our way back into the game after that. It was 37-29 from there on in against second top of the table. As a group we never hung our heads and as per every week fought right to the end. Sienna lead well again, Kira’s defence was phenomenal even though she was sick, and the team was very even across the board with good contributions from them all.
Player of the game
Hannah Willemse is the player of the round this week, it’s so pleasing to see her find some form and confidence. I have total belief in her and her abilities and it’s great to see the bubbly girl back driving to the ring and confidently throwing up threes. Awesome job Hannah
U18 Boys Black (Lachie Riley / Angus Hywood)
Loss against Rockingham Flames (77 – 85)
U18 Boys Orange (Brad Coutts)
Won against Warwick Senators (67 – 62)
Coaches notes
This group just keeps battling away and never leaves the fight. We started round 2 with a commitment to improve our second round win/loss record of 1/8. we are now 2/1 from the first 3 games.
U18 Boys White (Rae D’Sylva)
Won against Lakeside Lightning (119 – 79)
Coaches notes
Defence and teamwork has been getting better each week.
Player of the game
Rajzhan dsylva. Rajzhan had one of his best offensive and defencive game .
U18 Boys Blue (Tyron Neill)
Won against Mandurah Magic (68 -64)
Coaches notes
From the outset the team were focused on going out there and taking it to the top ladder Mandurah Magic Black for all 4 quarters. The pressure they applied was relentless which created turnovers, our rebounding was the best I’ve seen all season and our quick mindset to adapt our offensive plays to counteract their defense and create scoring opportunities was on point. All in all when these boys work as a team they are very hard to match and can take it to any team!
Player of the game
Kai Miles – this kids work ethic is the best I’ve seen as a coach and it shows out on the court. His offensive & defensive pressure is amazing and because it’s constant throughout the game his turnover rate is huge and gives the team an edge over the rest of the division. Blake Allan – To have the luxury of a big man who can play like a guard but knows his role as a tall has a huge influence on the team and especially under the ring where he’ll pull down 15 to 20 offensive/defensive boards is huge for any team as it creates team possession and scoring opportunities. This plus scoring 10+ points a game makes him a very handy addition to have around the team.
U20 Boys Black (Lochy Brown)
Won against Willetton Tigers (89 – 81)
Coaches notes
We were in control of the game from the tip and even when the scores were close we never looked in doubt.
We didn’t play up to our potential but all games are learning and we got a lot out of this one.
Player of the game
Hudson Lowe – For a guard he controlled the game beautifully. Great poise and precision with the ball on offense and a great team defender using his voice.
U20 Boys Orange (Cooper Lowe)
Loss against Warwick Senators (62 – 93)
Coaches notes
Another disappointing loss for our group, not coming out with the desire to compete like I know they can, left us in a near on 30 point deficit before half time, which is always a tough ask to come back from. They matched them in the second half and had a much better intent and desire to play hard for their team mates. Hopefully we can bounce back this week and take it to the top of the ladder Hawks.
Player of the game
Nathan Darr is this weeks player of the round, stepping up better on the defensive end and also connecting from deep, giving us chances to go on runs which is always nice.