WABL Wrap Week 17 – 20/08/23
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:
Tadiwa Rukodzi (U14 Boys) – Tadiwa Rukodzi: Tadi did not give up at any point during the game. Tadi was as he always is, very coachable. He listened and implemented any premise or plan we worked on or came up with during the game. Tadi nearly turned the game around several times with some incredible steals followed by great buckets and passes. Great work Tadi!
Grace O’Meara Smith (U18 Girls) – Grace O’Meara Smith: Grace turned a corner with her on court leadership and thought process. She made some outstanding reads and sacrificed her own shots to get her team mates open looks.
U12 Girls Black (Lawrence West)
Won against Perth Redbacks (46 – 41)
Coaches notes
We felt that we didn’t play to our potential the first time we met Redbacks this season, so this weekends rematch was circled on the calendar. The girls came out firing with a point to prove, and it was fantastic to see. Every shot was contested and every rebound hustled after.
This allowed us to build a ~10 point lead in the 2nd quarter, however Redbacks weren’t going away and managed to close the gap to 5 by the half. The next 2 quarters were a grind with both teams giving it everything they had.
Our solid team work was the difference, seeing us record a season high in assists. We battled hard for offensive rebounds and made the extra pass to setup our team mates. Great spacing allowed us to capitalise on some excellent shooting, special mention to Ellie on shooting 100% (2/2) from 3pt!
I’m very proud of our team resilience, it has been a tough season and its great to see them finishing strong, playing together and most importantly smiling together.
Player of the game
Emily Sunderland – Emily was a late decision to play this week after a nasty injury at school, and we are very happy she decided to suit up. Emily stepped up big time, and while her shots weren’t dropping, she managed to create so many extra possessions by fighting for rebounds (24) and setting her team mates up for success with 11 assists. Add onto that 3 steals, 4 blocks and shooting 100% from the foul line (4/4) Emily had herself a game! Well done mate your progress this season has been wonderful to see.
U12 Girls Orange (Lizzie Falconbridge)
Won against Lakeside Lightning (40 – 22)
Coaches notes
Awesome team game, getting the ball up the court quickly and looking for the open shot (make or miss). Defensively we were good for 3 quarters, just need to put a whole game together leading into finals.
More hard work to follow but I can’t wait to see what we can achieve over the next couple of weeks!!
Player of the game
Zoe Keene – Fantastic all round game by doing all the dirty work to help her team out. She was grabbing all the boards and making the right passes without worrying about her own points. Love her attitude and effort everytime I see her on the court, keep it up!!
U12 Girls White (Bruno Kongawoin)
Won against Warwick Senators (61 – 23)
Coaches notes
I’m very pleased with the continued development and progress of the girls as a team with another wholesome win and a solid performance.
The start of this game saw many of our parent supporters daunted by the way we performed allowing The Warwick Senators to keep neck and neck with us throughout the first period with our narrow lead of 12-10. This was simply the fact that I wanted to see the girls play and communicate with each other on the floor without my direction from the sideline. We collected a massive 28 personal fouls against 5 for The Senators with 2 of our players fouling out and many on 3 or 4 fouls. This is the result of our aggressive defensive approach.
The second quarter saw us settle into our routine for the remainder of the game and the result spoke for itself.
Honourable mentions – Cassidy Buckingham continued her quiet ascent into being competitive on the floor and meeting the rebounding challenges I set for her which translated into her offensive output. Dani Simmons had another solid game and is shaping up nicely into an all-around player. Millie-Rose Ronan executed as instructed and being awesome in the offensive rebounding department. Sienna Raddock’s defensive effort was once again on point with the complicity of Indigo Anderson as always.
The girls have been working very hard all season and the upcoming Bye is very welcome.
Player of the game
Imogen Chambers – I have not been able to get an audible word out of Imogen all season, so I call her “The Silent Assassin”. Imogen,” The Silent Assassin” delivered another game high of 17 points. Apart from the scoring, Imogen excelled at both ends of the court with great ball handling and an impressive decision making. She was such a gem to watch. Well done Imogen.
U12 Boys Black (Lizzie Falconbridge)
Loss against Joondalup Wolves (56 – 76)
Coaches notes
The entire team should be extremely proud of themselves this week. Despite not coming away with the desired outcome, the boys displayed exceptional teamwork, defence and offensive play. They never gave up, showed persistent defence and put up a fight right to the end. Unfortunately, there were multiple rough calls and some aggressive play, which resulted in frustration and a bit of disruption to our focus.
Player of the game
The whole team! It was too difficult to single anyone out this week. The boys all played so well as a team.
U12 Boys Orange (Tim Hart)
Loss against Lakeside Lightning (33 – 75)
Coaches notes
Despite the loss, the boys consistently hustled in defence and fought for boards against a larger, stronger team. We played a great first quarter of basketball, finishing 1 point up (10 to 9) against the top team. Unfortunately Lightning responded by scoring 27 points in Q2, and continued to pull away in Q3 and Q4. We were outrebounded in H1 (25 Lightning to 9 Suns), but improved in H2 (19 Lightning and 18 for Suns). Cohen competed well against taller players, picking up 10 rebounds – well done. Lightning shot effectively this game (45%), we were only 27% from 2 point range. Lightning picked up 26 steals, to Suns 10. It was pleasing to see a small number of turnovers this game (8 for Suns vs 16 for Lightning).
Player of the game
Alex is the player of the round, for 11 points (33% shooting), 3 steals, 2 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 deflections. You continue to impress with the effort you put in on the court each week, keep it up Alex!
U12 Boys White (Patrick Massam)
Won against East Perth Eagles (42 – 34)
U12 Boys Blue (Dave Yan)
Won against Hills Raiders (68 – 49)
Coaches notes
Heading to Mundaring for our final away game of the season we came into the game knowing if we win the last 2 games, we will guarantee ourselves top 2 position.
The job was to come in, play hard on both ends and try and win by a big margin.
We got what we needed which was a win by 19 points. Easily could have been more, but we got the job done. But it was probably one of our most below par performance of the season on defense as well as ball movement on offense.
Josh Butler had one of his best performance of the season with some solid defense and rebounding. Coach Jarrod and myself are extremely proud of his effort and growth this season and this being his best performance deserves the player of the game.
Player of the game
Josh Butler, solid performance on the defensive end and rebound.
U14 Girls Black (Andrew Herbert)
Won against South West Slammers (57 – 43)
Coaches notes
A win at home was a nice way to end our home games for the season.
The ladies continued to show team improvement in multiple areas this game.
We played a solid first half of basketball and it was nice to see how the ladies made adjustments on court during the second half. We will continue fine tuning during throughout our next game.
It was great to see all the ladies each contribute on the scoreboard in more than one way, for the first time this season.
Congratulations on a great team effort to get the W.
Player of the game
This weeks player of the round goes to Lucinta Akerman. Lulu played a well rounded game by looking after the ball when it was in her possession. Lulu focused on getting middle as quickly as possible, played her usual non stop pressuring defence. Lulu was locked in this game when she was on court or on the bench, she was always supporting her teammates. I look forward to what Lulu will bring into the post season.
U14 Girls Orange (Adam Brickwood)
Loss against Willetton Tigers (48 – 53)
Coaches notes
After our performance against 3rd position last week we were upbeat coming into this week playing 2nd position Willetton.
Our opening quarter took us a while to get going as we were not finding our matchups early and the Tigers took advantage of this jumping out to a 5 point lead.
In the second quarter it was much the same as 2nd chance opportunities were a plenty as we couldn’t seem to find a body on our box outs heading to the halftime break down 9.
Much to our team’s credit for this second half of this season we have now learnt to focus on playing good basketball rather than the score line. We tightened the defence and started finding our cutters to the basket.
With that momentum we were able to pull up even with under a minute to go.
We got to the free throw line but were unable to capitalize from the line, an undisciplined foul and Willetton’s ability to go to the other end and hit from the line essentially was the difference in the tightest of games.
While disappointing to lose, it’s great experience and always fun to be involved in these types of games.
Player of the game
Benwech Kuach – Just a point guard’s worst nightmare, her ability to consistently put pressure on the ball handler and know when to help her team mates was highlighted today. Her offensive decision making has improved as this season’s gone along as she continues to round out her game nicely. Great Work!
U14 Girls White (Daniel Heyman)
Loss against Mandurah Magic (33 – 39)
Coaches notes
We played the bottom team, in what has been a very evenly matched season, where any team can win on their night. This week, we outplayed the opposition in most facets of the game, but not rebounding. They smashed us on the boards, pulling in 20 more than us. Effort and boxing out are always within a team’s control. Going into our last game of the season, we’ll need to show greater effort on the boards if we wish to be competitive.
Notable player performances include Gabriella McCullaugh (5pts, 2ast, 3stl, 3blk & 1/2 3pt), Anika Heyman (7pts, 7rb, 2blk & 1/2 3pt) and Tarvia Girma (2pts, 3ast, 4stl & 0 T/O).
Player of the game
Ella Michalczuk. Ella was outstanding on the offensive end, playing her role down on the block aggressively and intelligently, sealing players deep and finishing with length. Ella was also a presence on D, tallying 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal. She was a superstar this week and was a clear choice as our player of the game.
U14 Girls Blue (Tamara Reeves)
Won against Hills Raiders (58 – 24)
Coaches notes
Even though the score might not show it, the girls had to work hard for this game with only 2 subs. The defensive efforts was what caused the win. Throughout the game, there were steals, intercepts and deflections which worked to our advantage. Another huge highlight was how much the team communicated on the court with both calling out their plays and players.
Player of the game
Leah Darroch- Leah has had a really good week of basketball at both training and this week’s game. She has been working hard and going out of her comfort zone to try new skills. On Sunday Leah got in much better defensive positions which resulted in intercepts and also pushed the ball up the court to the advantage of her teammates. Leah is also becoming more confident and speaking up when she sees something happening in the game. She topped all this off with a solid 8 points.
U14 Boys Black (Shannon Trew)
Won against East Perth Eagles (57 – 51)
Coaches notes
The boys showed resilience to eke out a scrappy win over a competitive East Perth team who trapped with high pressure all game. Although the Eagles disrupted our rhythm for most of the game, we rallied down the stretch — competing harder for defensive rebounds, spacing the floor, and passing early, despite losing both Ray and Cash to serious injuries. Bailey Ryan shone on both ends, while Luqman Rais and Dane Brassington both had high-energy moments that extended our lead at pivotal points in the game.
Player of the game
Bailey Ryan — Bailey led the team with 17 points and was strong defensively all game with boards, blocks and consistently good body defence.
U14 Boys Orange (Adrian Mok)
Won against Willetton Tigers (63 – 52)
U14 Boys White (Joel Warner)
Bye
U14 Boys Blue (Hayden Bird)
Loss against Rockingham Flames (53 – 60)
Coaches notes
Positive takeaway from this week,
Even though we were down the boys did not give up and worked as hard as they could to bring it back.
Our teamwork when we used it, really helped us get through and our high intensity really did show through the first and fourth quarter. Even with the loss, the boys still played a terrific game.
Player of the game
Tadiwa Rukodzi, Tadi did not give up at any point during the game. Tadi was, as he always is, very coachable. He listened and implemented any premise or plan we worked on or came up with during the game. Tadi nearly turned the game around several times with some incredible steals followed by great buckets and passes. Great work Tadi!
U16 Girls Black (Charlie Smart)
Won against Willetton Tigers (58 – 38)
U16 Girls Orange (Shannon Trew)
Won against Cockburn Cougars (74 – 66)
Coaches notes
A very important game for the girls this weekend, with a win pretty much securing 3rd spot on the ladder with 1 game to go before finals.
The first quarter was a tight tussle with both teams trying to find their rhythm and the quarter ended with Cockburn leading by 1 point.
2nd and 3rd quarter we dominated with lots of ball pressure, good finishing and shot selections. The press caused lots of issues for Cockburn and the girls were unlucky to not get some more 8 second back court violations. The 3rd quarter ended with us leading by 14 points and lots of smiles.
The 4th quarter was always going to be tough with Cockburn always going to put up a big fight and they did that, reducing the margin to 4 points with 2 mins to go.
Our 5 girls on the court were not going to lay down and lifted at the right time to finish off the game with an 8 point lead.
A great effort by Mia and Chelsea to keep the fast and strong Cockburn bigs out of the paint and securing lots of rebounds.
Great defence by Katie and Charlie in the 2nd and 3rd quarters helped us get a nice lead.
Player of the game
Todays DPOG went to Harper and Heidi with their high energy and maximum effort in defence. Their defence rewarded the team with some valuable points but also helped Harper and Heidi score 17 points each which is an amazing achievement.
U16 Boys Black (Brad Dowd)
Won against Hills Raiders (96 – 88)
Coaches notes
What a strong win from the boys and I am very proud of them.
We played possibly the best first 3 quarters of basketball this season and managed to handle a massive 4th term come back from the Raiders. The boys simply played really good basketball together and we made our shots (51% from the field, 71% from the free throw and 41% from the 3 point line).
We had the biggest quarter this season with 34 points in the 3rd and the boys continued to run the fast break more and more, which is great to see.
Deacon found his form from the high post with his jump shot and Jarron continued to work hard finishing with another double double (15 points & 14 rebounds). Justin was on fire shooting 64% from he field with 25 points, plus 3 assists.
Player of the game
Leslie Woods wins player of the round finishing with 28 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Les just goes from strength to strength with his game play and composure.
U16 Boys Orange (Rob Rees)
Won against Hills Raiders (77 – 58)
Coaches notes
We managed to come away with a win even though we didn’t play to our full potential.
Player of the game
Julian Richardson, Julian played with energy all game and was a stand out again this week
U16 Boys White (Jordon Macpherson)
Loss against Lakeside Lightning (69 – 79)
Coaches notes
This was a tough game against a quality team. We were required to put all that we have learned into action and execute with efficiency. At times we did this and other times not so much…
In the end our mental focus was what let us down.
We have some work to do this week at training!
Some positives from yesterday were, our transition defence has improved noticeably from the first half of the season and our defensive rotation was better than it has been previously. Help side defence was switched on with quick reaction and the boys effort and energy was certainly present.
Lastly, shout out to Jaxon Macpherson who top scored with 25pts, hitting four 3 pointers! Keep working mate.
Player of the game
Player of the week was a difficult decision this round as everyone was working their hardest to get the job done. However, Ajang Gayo stood out to me with his improved read of the play in defence, quick footwork in the paint and his endeavour/mindset in offence. Well done AJ, I do notice all the little things you are doing and the effort to execute what I ask of you.
U16 Boys Blue (Luke Poyner)
Loss against Rockingham Flames (92 – 58)
Coaches notes
The boys came out eager for a win in the penultimate game of the season. We had a great start to the game defensively, and while we started out a little slow offensively, we had the momentum coming into the second half with only an 8 point deficit. Unfortunately, we faltered a little in the second half with some foul trouble and were unable to keep the pressure and momentum up.
Player of the game
Alex D’Ascenzo has had a tough second half of the season with an injury taking him out for a few weeks. He has worked hard to get back into form and it paid off this week with Alex putting in a fantastic game and leaving nothing on the court – top scorer for the team, 5 steals and a bag full of rebounds. Awesome work Alex!
U18 Girls Black (Travis Linaker)
Loss against Willetton Tigers (61 – 70)
Coaches notes
I was incredibly proud of the girls throughout this game as they applied a solid and consistent effort both ends of the court and competed strongly for the whole game.
Every one of the members of this team has improved throughout the season and whilst it is a little disappointing that it has taken us this long to get it all together, this game showed what I have believed all along, that as a team these girls can compete and should have always been in championship division.
Player of the game
This award could go to any one of the 9 girls who stepped on the court in this game, but I feel this week Grace O’Meara Smith turned a corner with her on court leadership and thought process, made some outstanding reads and sacrificed her own shots to get her team mates open looks.
U18 Girls Orange (Ric Batista)
Loss against Mandurah Magic (39 – 60)
Coaches notes
The girls faced a very physical Mandurah team, we were able to take it up to them with our best first quarter of the season. We tried hard all the way to the finish line and made a solid come back at the start of the 4th. If shots had of dropped our way and without a few other bizarre instances in this game, things might have been different. Ella, Sienna and Amber led the way again for our team and Caitlin and Hannah were very good.
Player of the game
Caitlin Retel for me was player of the game, her energy on the defensive end set the tone for our start and her ability to find buckets when we were struggling shows great determination. Well done Caitlin.
U18 Boys Black (Lachie Riley / Angus Hywood)
Loss against Willetton Tigers (89 – 131)
U18 Boys Orange (Brad Coutts)
Won against Rockingham Flames (80 – 75)
Coaches notes
Another great team effort to turn a first round 15 point loss into a second round 5 point win. We were challenged all through the last quarter and had to make a lot of decisions in the last 3 minutes with several time outs both ways. Our ability to make the correct decisions was the reason we got over the line against a side that needed to win to lock in a finals spot.
Player of the game
Jurahan Cross – Although fouling out in the game his energy on defence and team buy-in was a lot better this week. Thomas Coutts – Has not been playing big minutes however this week he was given a start and he was involved both ends when the game was hot.
U18 Boys White (Rae D’Sylva)
Loss against South West Slammers (96 – 98)
Coaches notes
We were competitive the whole game regardless of the outcome. Teamwork was a highlight this week.
Player of the game
Heath Rose. Heath was incredible the whole game on offence. He was on fire in the first quarter hitting 5 threes. Heath ended up with 42 points and 8 threes for the game.
U18 Boys Blue (Tyron Neill)
Loss against Willetton Tigers (67 -76)
U20 Boys Black (Lochy Brown)
Loss against Mandurah Magic (70 – 74)
Coaches notes
A game where we executed our defensive strategy holding the other team below 80 points. However our carelessness with the ball in the first half put us in a hole early that we really couldn’t get back from.
A credit in the second half to get back in front but Mandurah made some tough shots down the stretch and sealed the game. We know we lost the game and it’s an easy turn around.
Player of the game
Ryan Coutts- the consistency on the offensive end keeps us in games and gets our momentum going.
U20 Boys Orange (Cooper Lowe)
Loss against Warwick Senators (69 – 74)