All of our “Player of the Game” stars will be rewarded through the Grill’d Awesome Effort Award Program with a voucher for a FREE burger, thanks to our friends at Grill’d Midland!
Players of the Round:
Letarlya De Jager (U12 Girls Team 3) – She was absolutely on fire from start to finish. Her defence was epic, and her aggression on court was next level. She was shutting them down, ripping the ball away and putting the pressure on every opportunity she got.
She was relentless, chasing everything, making those crucial defensive plays and giving the team so much energy and confidence. Her determination and intensity really stood out and helped lift the whole team.
What a performance, Letarlya! You definitely earned Player of the Round!
David Kongawoin (U12 Boys Team 4) – Player of the Week went to David Kongawoin for his outstanding performance under the basket. David was fantastic all game, securing a huge number of offensive and defensive rebounds. He consistently fought hard for the ball, even against larger opponents, jumping higher and never giving up. David also made smart passes to help move the ball down the court. Offensively, he created second chances and passed out to teammates, allowing them to reset and make their next play. David had a huge impact on today’s game!
U12 Girls Team 1
Sponsored by: Diesel’s Mobile Mechanics
Coach: Bonnie Batista
Won against Lakeside Lightning (38 – 34)
Coaches notes
This was a well deserved win for the girls. The last time we versed Lakeside, we had sickness & injuries and we weren’t able to find our rhythm until the end of the game. The girls were determined to change that for this round and it definitely showed up on court. Lakeside are definitely improving but we just wanted the ball more than them this week and I couldn’t be prouder. We were hungry, determined, selfless and most of all disciplined. The passion was definitely brought back this week, even the bench was rowdy. On the defensive side, we set up our trap and our guards were relentless forcing Lakeside to slow the ball down. We were quick enough to pick the ball off and transition into the fast break that we were able to get a few handy and 1’s from. Our bigs under the ring didn’t allow much movement in the keyway. They had to throw some pretty crazy shots up to get some points on the board. We have more to work on at training but I couldn’t be prouder of their game this week. Great win!
Player of the Game
My player of the round was Ayla! You better watch out for her, she’s shifty. After coming off an injury, it was obvious she has been nervous to get out there but this week you wouldn’t have been able to tell she’s been missing! She took on contact, fought for rebounds and was making the right decisions on offence on when to pass and when to drive/shoot. I was most impressed with her ability to find the gaps when driving to the ring. Something that makes every coach happy. She finished the game with a solid 10 points. Great work Ayla, keep that hustle.
Special mention to Frankie and Chloe M for strong, confident games.
U12 Girls Team 2
Sponsored by: Scardifields Smash Repairs
Coach: Stuart Perazzo
Loss against Perth Redbacks (30 – 32)
Coaches notes
An absolute nail biter of a game. Only positives from this one. Defense was tight, shooting continues to improve, and our teamwork was exceptional. Last time we met the Rebacks, the final score was a 14-57 loss. This time around, after saw toothing lead changes, we went down by only two points (30-32). A huge improvement. It’s important to remind ourselves of how far we have come. The development of this group is amazing. After almost every game, the opposition coach will mention how talented and fierce this group is, and by top age (another two years off!), we will be the team to beat. Sunday’s game will go down as one of their best efforts this season. Well done girls!
Player of the Game
Our player of the round this week goes to Henley Roberts. Henley has been one of our key inbounders all season, improving her decision making game after game. The responsibility this week against a pressing Redbacks team was a tough task, but the ball was in safe hands. She set us up well, consistently making the right call, then following up quickly to help move the ball forward. Travelling for Henley has also been a personal focus point, but this week she demonstrated her growth in poise and control, registering no travels. Well done Henley, keep on this path! A special mention to the bench as well, for their positive attitude and energy during a tight game.
U12 Girls Team 3
Sponsored by: RoverTech
Coach: Lizzie Falconbridge
Loss against East Perth Eagles (14 – 58)
Coaches Notes
We always love playing a great team with such a lovely bunch of girls!
The girls played hard this week and never stopped fighting. They kept pushing right through to the final whistle. Our defence was fantastic — we were right up on them, working hard to shut them down and make things difficult.
Rebounding was definitely a challenge against a team with players almost twice our height, but the girls never gave up. We did a fantastic job getting the ball up the court and creating opportunities.
One of the highlights was hearing from the opposition coaches after the game, telling us how much they have noticed the girls’ improvement. That makes us incredibly proud!
Now we head into this weekend for our final WABL game of the season. What a season it has been!
Girls, we are so incredibly proud of you. Keep working hard, keep believing, and most importantly, keep enjoying your basketball!
Go girls! One more game!
Player of the game
Player of the Round — Letarlya!
We couldn’t go past Letarlya! She was absolutely on fire from start to finish. Her defence was epic, and her aggression on court was next level. She was shutting them down, ripping the ball away and putting the pressure on every opportunity she got.
She was relentless, chasing everything, making those crucial defensive plays and giving the team so much energy and confidence. Her determination and intensity really stood out and helped lift the whole team.
What a performance, Letarlya! You definitely earned Player of the Round!
U12 Boys Team 1
Sponsored by: West Coast Civil
Coach: Aiden Clothier
Loss against Cockburn Cougars (61 – 84)
U12 Boys Team 2
Sponsored by: ME Freight Management
Coach: Alia Gard
Loss against Mandurah Magic (27 – 45)
Coaches notes
This weeks game against Mandurah was a tough game for us, I feel like the boys played a good game, but we struggled to score goals,
Our defensive pressure was good and we were getting a lot of intercepts.
Towards the back half of the game, the boys were getting tired and it was getting harder to hustle back, I think the boys put up a really good fight.
Jonathan’s defence was really great this week and he was a really strong presence under the ring, Jax put good pressure on the ball, was getting a lot of steals and intercepts.
Player of the game
Player of the game was Cruz. It was his first time in the starting 5 and he came out with so much energy and such a level head.
He played really great basketball, hustled on defence and ran down to offence for his team.
He has come such a long way this season and I’m really proud of the progress he is making!
U12 Boys Team 3
Sponsored by: Maintain
Coach: Bianca Powell
Won against Perth Redbacks (82 – 43)
Coaches Notes
This week’s game focus: SWITCHED ON from the start & game consistency! 🏀🔥
As we head towards finals, the focus is on bringing the same energy, effort and concentration from the opening whistle right through to the final siren. With a solid lead this week, it was a great opportunity for all the boys to get plenty of minutes, build confidence and keep working on their game.
There were some great moments, and just as importantly, some mistakes made on court that became learning opportunities. Working through what happened, how to correct it and what we can do better next time — that’s all part of becoming better players and a stronger team.
We’re on the home stretch now, boys! 💪 Keep listening, keep learning, stay switched on and keep backing each other. We’ve put in the work — now it’s time to finish strong.
We’ve got this! 🔥🏀
Player of the game
🏀 Player of the Week – Ryan 🏀
Ryan’s game has been strong from the start of the season, and it’s been really pleasing to see it go from strength to strength. Each week he brings effort and energy for the team, knows how to lift those around him and leads by example — consistently.
What really stood out this week was Ryan’s ability to be selfless and make the right pass, even when he could have easily taken it in himself. Being a great team player is about making those decisions for the benefit of the team, and it was fantastic to see his game take another step forward.
Keep up the great work, Ryan! 👏🏀
U12 Boys Team 4
Sponsored by: RoverTech
Coach: Lizzie Falconbridge
Won against Joondalup Wolves (43 – 33)
Coaches Notes
The team played a fantastic game and delivered a well-deserved win. Their offensive control was outstanding, with the boys slowing the game down, setting up plays, and using cutters and movement around the key effectively to create scoring opportunities. When the opposition applied two-on-one pressure, the boys remained composed, dribbled out of trouble, and made mostly accurate passes to keep possession and maintain control.
However, it was the team’s defence that truly won the game. They worked incredibly hard on the ball, applying pressure, getting back in transition, blocking shots, slowing the opposition, and continually disrupting their flow.
For such a young team, playing against middle- and upper-age players was a significant challenge, but the boys never stopped working or believing. Their effort, discipline, teamwork, and determination were outstanding from start to finish. A fantastic performance and a well-deserved victory!
Player of the game
Player of the Week went to David Kongawoin for his outstanding performance under the basket. David was fantastic all game, securing a huge number of offensive and defensive rebounds. He consistently fought hard for the ball, even against larger opponents, jumping higher and never giving up. David also made smart passes to help move the ball down the court. Offensively, he created second chances and passed out to teammates, allowing them to reset and make their next play. David had a huge impact on today’s game!
U14 Girls Team 1
Sponsored by: Black Hawk Industrial Supplies
Coach: Rick Batista
Loss against Rockingham Flames (34 – 59)
Coaches Notes
A much-improved performance from our girls against a strong Rockingham side. The last time we met we went down 91–35, so to hold them to 59 points this time showed just how far we’ve come defensively. We were far more physical, competed hard on the boards and forced 25 turnovers.
When we executed our press break and stayed out of the middle trap, we were actually really effective, getting into transition and creating some easy baskets. Our biggest issue was consistency – too often we went away from what was working, turned back into the double team and gave the ball away.
We also did a great job getting to the rim and creating second chances, finishing with 27 offensive rebounds. The next step is having a little more patience once we get there. We rushed some finishes and put-backs when an extra pass or reset would have given us a much better opportunity.
The scoreboard still wasn’t where we wanted it, but this was a much better performance than our last meeting and last week against the same aggressive trap, another really positive step forward for this group.
Player of the game
May was outstanding at both ends of the floor. One of the biggest areas we’ve challenged May on this season has been embracing the physical side of the game, and today she did exactly that. She attacked the basket through contact, got herself to the free-throw line and, defensively, used her body and competed on every possession. It was fantastic to see, this was backed up by the stats where May appears in 9 of our top 10 most efficient line ups
Honourable mentions: Eunice was huge on the glass with 17 Rebs (13 off), Mariska gave us a really efficient 9 points along with great defensive pressure. It was also great to see Neve back to crashing boards and challenging every possession too
U14 Girls Team 2
Sponsored by: Belliss Custom Creations
Coach: Adam Chambers
Won against Lakeside Lightning (68 – 39)
Coaches notes
Not our greatest game of the season despite the scoreline, as it took us a little while to settle and find our rhythm. Our spacing needed some work early, but once we found our flow, we started to play some great basketball.
Lahlita had an incredible 30 points off some great shooting, but what doesn’t show on the stats sheet is the countless assists and opportunities created by her teammates. It was a real team effort.
Our defence continues to be our biggest asset, with our on ball pressure, intercepts and ability to read the play creating so many opportunities. Heading into finals, we need to keep working on boxing out and finishing defensive possessions with strong rebounds.
Plenty to take away from this game, but we found our rhythm, got the job done and have plenty to build on!
Player of the game
Player of the Game – Chloe Taylor
Chloe Taylor has been on fire lately, and something has really clicked for her! Chloe finished with a season high 12 points, showing just how much confidence she is playing with.
She has been fantastic on offence, slowing her game down, making smart decisions, shooting the ball beautifully and finding her teammates with spot on passes. But it doesn’t stop there, Chloe is an intercept machine, reading the play so well and constantly putting herself in the right position defensively.
We are so pleased with the way Chloe is playing at the moment and can’t wait to see what she brings to our final game and into finals!
U14 Girls Team 3
Sponsored by: Eddie Bosuen
Coach: Blake Marten
Won against East Perth Eagles (39 – 38)
Coaches notes
Girls held their nerve well in another close game, having to come from behind in the last quarter for the second time in 3 weeks to get the win. Going down to only 2 on the bench from injuries, the girls did well to run out the game still playing with a very high intensity. I thought our rebounding was the highlight, being undersized the girls chased up a lot of rebounds on both ends of the floor which is something we’ve been focusing on. The hustle from the girls was also outstanding, jumping on any loose ball they could which created a lot of jump ball possessions. Also thought we protected the rim well, getting numerous blocks which started off good fast break chances. Really proud of the way they played, never giving up and doing all the 1%ers.
Player of the game
Felicity-Jay Logue
This one was a tough call to make. A lot of girls played really well but Felicity in the last quarter made a lot of plays that eventually got us over the line. Felicity did all the little things well, making the selfless passes, cut out the dunker spot passes and got a lot of rebounds starting our fast breaks. In the last quarter particularly, she was really aggressive with her drives, drawing a lot of fouls and creating opportunities for her teammates through it. She also hit a big 3 to give us the lead late ultimately resulting in us winning the game
U14 Boys Team 1
Sponsored by: SWISH
Coach: Adrian Mok
Won against Cockburn Cougars (81 – 60)
Coaches notes
Tale of Two Halves
We got off to an awesome start, pushing the scoreboard to 21–10 early in the 1st quarter, but couldn’t finish defensively, giving up 10 points to finish 29–20.
We couldn’t sustain our hot start, with multiple defensive lapses and a lack of teamwork and communication on both ends allowing Cockburn to build momentum. We went into half-time down 40–42 (on track for our worst defensive performance of the season).
At the break, the message was simple: giving up 42 points in 16 minutes wasn’t aligned with our season goals. Individual effort and energy were at 100%, but collectively, our teamwork and communication were lacking.
The assignment for the 2nd half?
TEAM DEFENCE.
The boys delivered, giving up just 5 points in the 3rd quarter and showing what we can do when we work together as one unit. The defensive energy created multiple stops and fast-break opportunities, helping us finish the game with a 41–18 second-half turnaround.
A true tale of two halves.
Proud of the boys for owning it at the break, resetting and coming out firing. 💪🏀
TEAM DEFENCE. TEAM FIRST.
Player of the Game
This week’s POTG goes to Sven Neuhaus, one of our development players in the 12-man squad.
Since meeting Sven after State Champs, his improvement on and off the court has really impressed me. He’s been at every training and game, apart from when sick or on family holidays, and always brings a great competitive attitude, pushing everyone around him.
This week, Sven took his opportunity, having a great game in limited minutes and swishing a late 3 to finish the game. Most pleasing was seeing the whole team get around him and celebrate his moment.
Well deserved, Sven! Keep putting in the work! 👏🏀🔥☀️
U14 Boys Team 2
Coach: Ben Marks
Loss against Joondalup Wolves (39 – 90)
Coaches notes
This week’s game was one of the more unusual WABL games I have been involved with. The first half was an even tussle that started out slow with lots of whistles and stoppages with the opposition timekeeper being removed from the bench for not starting the clock on many occasions. We matched our opponent’s physicality on defence and on the boards, as well as pushing the ball efficiently in transition. We were able to get through some actions for scores and contest every attempt from our opponents.
The final play of the half saw us turn the ball over for a made half court heave by Joondalup, which is where the game turned. We began the third, missing some easy shots at the basket which our opponents capitalized on. Then following this, multiple injuries, foul trouble, fatigue and the Wolves’ hot shooting saw the game absolutely turn on its head. Playing under some interesting officiating, we could simply not keep up the onslaught and conceded 60 second half points. To the boys’ credit, they always play hard until the final buzzer. Onwards to our final regular season game.
Player of the Game
Player of the round this week was another tough decision. The poor second half left us little to cheer about but had some bright sparks. I have chosen to go with a player who has had a couple of down weeks but picked it back up this week. Kirath played a solid all-around game having to contain one of the quickest and most skillful guards in the age group and did a mighty job, limiting his effectiveness on the game. Kirath also had some great assists after beating his defender and managed to have some tough finishes in the paint against some serious size! Well done Kirath!
U14 Boys Team 3
Sponsored by: Alliance Engineering Consultants Pty Ltd
Coach: Sebastian Irving
Loss against Cockburn Cougars (54 – 67)
Coaches notes
The team really showed up today. They played with great intensity and effort from beginning to end which is something we have really been pushing for all season. Unfortunately, today just wasn’t our day. Shots didn’t drop and we made too many mistakes, credit to the boys however who kept us in the game till the final little period. They continued to fight all the way till the end.
Player of the Game
Our player of the round this week went to Liam James-Majeks. Liam had the best game we have seen out of him this season. Not only did he put 12 points on the board with his aggressive attacking mentality, but he was able to successfully get his teammates involved and make excellent discussions. He played some solid defence and was able to grab multiple rebounds on both ends of the floor. Really great showing from Liam, keep up the fantastic efforts mate!
U14 Boys Team 4
Sponsored by: Retravision
Coach: Nathan La Cava
Won against South West Slammers (96 – 50)
U16 Girls Team 1
Sponsored by: Perth Hills Pilates
Coach: Lawrence West
Loss against Perry Lakes Hawks (61 – 64)
Coaches notes
This was a frustrating result, but not a poor performance. Our defensive pressure was strong, we forced turnovers, created extra chances and gave ourselves enough opportunities to win the game.
When we played fast, we were hard to contain, and when we executed our plan against Hawks zone we found gaps, were able to break them down to create good looks.
The difference was in the controllables. Finishing around the rim wasn’t at the level we needed, and free throws proved costly in a tight game.
Our end of game effort was the game highlight, culminating in a 3pt buzzer beater that almost sent us into overtime!
Player of the Game
Cara Woodgate: Cara played a calm and efficient game this week, taking and making good quality shots.
She finished with 15 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds, shooting 2/3 from 2pt, 2/4 from 3pt and 5/7 from the free throw line!
In a game where points were hard to come by, Cara made the most of her chances, converted at the line and gave us an important scoring lift when we needed it.
Honourable mentions to Vicky with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks, Abi with 10 points and 8 rebounds, and Dani for her all-round defensive impact with 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks and 4 deflections.
U16 Girls Team 2
Sponsored by: SG Enviro
Coach: Daniel Heyman
Won against Perth Redbacks (58 – 37)
Coaches notes
In a dominant defensive display, our Suns handled a feisty Redbacks team in impressive fashion. In their last match, the Redbacks broke us with a tough zone defence. This time around we were ready. The girls’ relentless attack of the paint led to sharp perimeter shooting. Though the part of our game that had the greatest impact was our team defence, which held Perth to their lowest score of the year. At both ends of the floor, we played a connected team game that has become the trademark of our late season run.
Player of the Game
Bonnie Clark. Bonnie has been a consistent contributor all season but really stood out in this poised and near faultless game. Her locked in defensive performance stymied the Redback’s dribble penetration, whilst her controlled offensive attack set up great scoring opportunities for both herself and teammates. Bonnie was leader in her stoic manner and with her positive energy. Bombing a couple of threes and playing off two feet in the key, Bonnie led the team in scoring with a handy 16 points. Well done on another outstanding effort, Bonnie!
U16 Girls Team 3
Sponsored by: Lamp Accounting
Coach: Scott Parker
Loss against Rockingham Flames (45 – 57)
Coaches notes
Another great team performance this week, with every player contributing in their own way and playing their role for the group.
We knew we were coming up against a quality team that has only lost three games this season, so to be just seven points behind at three-quarter time was an impressive effort. The girls continued to compete hard, trust our system and keep themselves in the contest.
Making shots against a physical team is always difficult, and we created plenty of opportunities throughout the game. If just a few more of those shots had dropped, we could very easily have handed them another loss.
While we didn’t get the result, it was another performance that showed just how competitive this group has become. The girls continue to demonstrate that when we play our team basketball, we can challenge anyone.
Player of the Game
Lucia Matthews-Ferraro. Lucia plays bigger than her size every week and is never afraid of the contest. Against a very physical opponent, she once again showed her determination and willingness to compete for every ball.
Her rebounding was outstanding, putting herself in great positions and fighting hard to secure possession for the team. Just as impressive was her ability to listen, adjust her game when asked and immediately put those changes into practice. Lucia’s toughness, adaptability and commitment to the team made her a very deserving Player of the Game.
U16 Girls Team 4
Sponsored by: NewTrend IT
Coach: Kym Buckingham
Won against Perth Redbacks (60 – 56)
Coaches Notes
The girls thoroughly deserved this win and I could not be more proud of them. The Redback’s pressure at the start of the game was immense and they managed to force a number of turnovers. Our guards worked with the mids to break the press and their structure started to break down. On the other end, we started working together to press and intercept. We ran hard, took good shots and played great team basketball. It took us three quarters to actually take the lead but we felt in control long before that. In a very emotionally charged game the team remained focused on our game and played with confidence and positivity. The challenge was set in the final quarter- after missing out on wins by narrow margins all season, we were not going to let this one get away. The girls stayed calm in an intense quarter to walk away victors at the final siren!
We have been working on improving our shot accuracy, layup form and setting offensive screens over the last few weeks and all of these things came into play in this game. I’d like to give a shout out to the awesome coaches who have been working with our team recently- Scott, Rae and Raph. The girls would have made you very proud too!
Player of the game
Gisele was absolutely dominant in this game. She broke the Redbacks press with incredible strength and took on their defenders to get to the basket. She even hit two 3 pointers to finish with 24 points. Defensively she again kept some of the stronger opposition players close, limiting their impact. Gisele is going from strength to strength and brings such joy and energy to our team.
U16 Boys Team 1
Sponsored by: VC Rigging
Coach: Brock Lowe
Loss against East Perth Eagles (77 – 83)
U16 Boys Team 2
Sponsored: GJ Demo Pty Ltd
Coach: Tyler Cameron
Won against Perth Redbacks (67 – 65)
U16 Boys Team 3
Sponsored by: #RISETOGETHER
Coach: Derek Quayle
Loss against Cockburn Cougars (68 – 71)
Coaches Notes
Another tough loss for the team. We got off to a slow start, allowing Cockburn to take a seven-point lead into the quarter-time break. We gradually worked our way back into the game, but ultimately fell short. We had 2 really good looks late in the game from a set play, but we were not able to convert.
A common theme in our losses has been our shooting percentage. We are creating plenty of opportunities to score, but unfortunately we are not converting enough of them. That has hurt us, particularly in the couple of close losses we have had recently.
Alijah, Austin and Chad all finished with 15 points, while Damon also contributed 10 points.
Player of the game
Austin gets the player of the round this week. He was very efficient with his scoring at 72%, while also grabbing 8 rebounds.
U16 Boys Team 4
Sponsored by: S W Hart & Co
Coach: Hayden & Nathan Bird
Loss against Lakeside Lightning (74 – 89)
U18 Girls Team 1
Sponsored by: Handmade by Amelia
Coach: Zac Belton
Loss against Cockburn Cougras (50 – 72)
U18 Girls Team 2
Coach: Rae D’Sylva
Won against Warwick Senators (53 – 49)
U18 Boys Team 1
Coaches: Ron Flores
Won against Warwick Senators (112 – 94)
Coaches Notes
The team took the feedback on board from last weeks loss to Cockburn and addressed a lot of standards that we did not meet as a team that we have set for ourselves.
This game was a true reflection of the identity we are as a TEAM
The result of this game wasn’t influenced by the individual brilliance of any one team member, but a collective effort on both ends of the floor that was evident by 35 assists for the game. Their belief in each other and the structures we have in place didn’t allow the game to feel out of their control at any time across the day.
Player of the Game
There are two honorable mentions this week:
Lucas Aird (16 points on 88 FG%, 5 Rebounds and an endless supply of defensive stops and effort plays) has really shown the growth and maturity he has taken so far this season, continue to trust your teammates and believe in yourself.
Kobe Seubert (20 points on 88 FG%, 3 Rebounds, 7 Assists and 6 Steals) a solid all round game from a player we know is capable of these types of games.
But the player of the game is THE TEAM, as noted above the collective effort of all bodies across the day are what made this result achievable and rewarding.
U18 Boys Team 2
Sponsored: IPI Packers
Coach: Michael Fido
Loss against Perry Lakes Hawks (73 – 85)
U18 Boys Team 3
Sponsored by: DUG Technology
Coach: Doug Bainbridge
Loss against Perry Lakes Hawks (87 – 103)
Coaches notes
The boys went down 103-87 to Perry Lakes in a contest that remained competitive through three quarters before getting away from us late.
Our focus coming into the game was limiting second-chance opportunities, playing physical defence without fouling, and forcing other players to beat us. While there were some positive stretches, we struggled to consistently finish defensive possessions and gave up too many offensive rebounds, allowing Perry Lakes multiple scoring chances.
Despite those challenges, the group stayed in the contest through effort and improved offensive execution. We did a better job attacking the paint, recorded our best three-point shooting percentage of the season, and found ways to score against a physical defence.
The game turned in the final quarter when turnovers mounted and Perry Lakes were able to create separation on the scoreboard. Combined with the extra possessions they generated through offensive rebounds, it proved difficult to recover.
There were positives to take away, but the result reinforced the importance of finishing possessions, rebounding with physicality, and maintaining composure under pressure. These will be key areas of focus as we continue to develop.
Player of the Game
This week’s award is shared between Tom and Lukah, who both stepped up in different ways during a tough game.
Tom continued his excellent recent form, applying relentless pressure to Perry Lakes’ ball handlers while finishing with 4 steals, 6 assists and, importantly, no turnovers. His effort, discipline and decision-making helped keep us in the contest.
Lukah earns a share of the award for his work on the glass, collecting 13 rebounds and accounting for more than a third of the team’s total. He attacked one of the biggest challenges from the scout and competed hard all game.
A special mention goes to Ryker, who carried a heavy offensive load and finished with 27 points.
U18 Boys Team 4
Sponsored by: Shade Experience
Coach: Jasper Ferguson
Loss against Hills Raiders (74 – 79)
U20 Boys 1
Coach: Louis Timms
Won against South West Slammers (102 – 93)
U20 Boys Team 2
Sponsored by: ComWiz Computers
Coach: Dave Gan
Won against Joondalup Wolves (69 – 61)
Coaches Notes
Our intensity for the game was locked in from the get-go. It all started at Thursday’s training session, where each individual player reflected on the positives and negatives of their progress up to this point. They also received their mid-season report, where they were able to read through how I felt they had progressed based on my selection and grading, as well as my own assessment of myself as a coach for them. This resulted in one major influence on us winning this game against Wolves 2.
We went back to our winning ways. No more experimenting, no more mucking around. Defence first. Old school. Study, preparation, execute, and make life hell for their best player(s).
And we did exactly that.
Omid, Arjun, James, Xavier and Fei terrorised and demoralised their two best players to the point where they were benched for long stretches. Our offence was shared around, and Sam was as aggressive as we have seen him all year. It is such a wonderful sight to see his growth, especially since I have felt that I haven’t focused enough on his development. Seeing that aggression gives me so much joy and happiness, knowing that he is about to burst through just in time for next year as a top-ager.
The equation is easy. We have one game left. Win, and we finish 3rd, which is exactly where we want to be.
Player of the Game
Our Players of the Game have to be shared between Xavier and Fei.
Fei for his relentless defence, as well as getting himself going on offence. His confidence continues to grow more and more. Taking a charge (not a flop!) and playing that level of defence allows Arjun and Razjhan to focus on scoring, while also allowing Omid to get some rest at times.
Xavier, after our conversation during the mid-season report about how we haven’t always been on the same page, it was refreshing to see that he finally accepted the role of why he was picked for the team. His main goals were to secure the rebounds and lock down their power forward. Without knowing the stats yet, I’m sure he had at least 7 rebounds and kept that guy to just 5 points.
Well done, boys!
U21 Girls
Coach: Charlie Smart
Won against Binar Maali (78 – 61)
Well done to all teams and we look forward to round 16!