WABL Wrap Week 2 – 28/04/24
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:
Ashlyn Shields (U16 Girls) – Ashlyn executed to game plan to perfection. In a game where we needed a leader and someone to step up and initiate our offensive actions, Ashlyn delivered. Her willingness to make confident and team focused decisions set the standard for the rest of the team. Her defensive tenacity and ability to use a range of dribble moves to beat the press showed the immense growth in her game. Amazing work Ashlyn!
Roentgen Pastor (U16 Boys) – A much improved effort from Ronron this week see’s him getting the player of the game. His improvement in ball movement was very notable.
U12 Girls Black – Lawrence West (Sponsored by: KTrans)
Loss against Perth Redbacks (34 – 37)
Coaches notes
We played hard this week, and defensively we were locked in. We contested everything and our rebounding was much improved. We earned lots of great opportunities to score but unfortunately had trouble converting.
We found ourselves down 21 – 9 in the 2nd quarter, however a fantastic 10 – 0 run at the end of the half had us heading into the break down by 2.
We managed to push out to a 7 point lead in the 3rd but just couldn’t hold on as Redbacks kept coming with a strong 2nd half.
Even though we didn’t come away with the win this was an exciting game to play, with both teams making runs as the momentum swung back and forth. Unfortunately for us turnovers and a low shooting percentage were the difference.
Its pleasing to see our progress as a group and particularly our trust in each other grows every week.
Player of the game
Eunice Bakulikira – Eunice is our quiet achiever; she never complains and always does whatever is required of her. This week she took a big step forward with much improved defensive awareness. She recorded 21 rebounds, 10 steals & 3 blocks. She set up her teammates with 7 assists and did it all in her usual laid-back style. Well done Eunice, keep up the great work!
U12 Girls Orange – Lizzie Falconbridge
(Sponsored by: Clever Fox Marketing)
Won against Rockingham Flames (33 – 17)
Coaches notes
Our teamwork shone with exceptional shot selection on offense, and our defense displayed both aggression and disciplined execution. The girls have forged strong bonds as a team and demonstrate admirable respect for their opponents.
Player of the game
Jovana Novakovic – Jovana’s perseverance has been fantastic this season and her progress has been phenomenal.
U12 Girls White – Jemma Gartrell
Loss against Warwick Senators (6 – 53)
Coaches notes
Defensive intensity was amazing, we really stepped up from last week.
Player of the game
Millie, as she lifted the defensive end which then pushed everybody else to lift as well. She was ready to go as soon as she got on the court and left nothing in the tank!
U12 Boys Black – Brad Dowd (Sponsored by: Fern Landscapes)
Won against East Perth Eagles (61 – 49)
Coaches notes
We had a great 1st quarter that gave us a nice lead, but after that it was a bit of a battle to keep it. The boys worked really hard and managed to stay positive when a few things didn’t go our way and held on for the win.
Henry played well, staying focused and working hard down both ends.
Kade came off the bench strongly, using the ball well and getting his job done.
Player of the game
Alex wins player of the game for stepping up when we needed it, with some strong plays.
U12 Boys Orange – Lizzie Falconbridge
(Sponsored by: Alliance Engineering Consultants Pty Ltd)
Won against Lakeside Lightning (45 – 21)
Coaches notes
Our defence was outstanding, limiting a team that scored 69 last week to 21. Our guards caused problems for Lakeside bringing the ball up and our bigs walled up and rebounded well.
Player of the game
Levi Grey was great throughout the game. Constantly putting pressure on the defence with his ball handling and hitting some nice outside shots.
U12 Boys White – Ben Marks (Sponsored by: Joel Dixon)
Loss against Hills Raiders (51 – 54)
Coaches notes
It was a very even game this week with the score going back and forth most of the game. The boys executed well for large sections of the game, but some small lapses in concentration and missed shots ultimately cost us. On a positive note, the game plan of taking their key play-makers out of the game was executed well. To the Raiders credit, a few of their other players really stepped up a gear to keep them in the game.
The boys played unselfish basketball for the most part and improved their half court and transition ball movement from last week, hitting the players running the lanes with some heads up passes and showing some positive signs of breaking down the defence with offensive actions.
Hitting the boards was a focus for the game and we certainly showed a marked improvement from game 1, with a tandem of Lucas’ going to the offensive glass with intensity and getting some timely put backs. Zane once again paced the scoring but was ably backed up by the rest of the team who kept the score ticking over. Shout out to Austin and Brock, who scored their first ever regular season WABL points.
Our focus for next week will be on keeping up the intensity on D for the entire game and looking after the ball.
Player of the game
Lucas M for his rebounding efforts as this was our focus for the week. Lucas also played team basketball moving the ball well and scoring some timely baskets when we needed them at crucial points.
U12 Boys Blue – Declan Kinsella
Won against Hills Raiders (67 – 31)
U14 Girls Black – Bruno Kongawoin
(Sponsored by: SupaFit Seat Covers Pty Ltd)
Won against South West Slammers (47 – 30)
Coaches notes
I’m delighted to report that our players demonstrated exceptional discipline and adherence to our game plan in the short time we’ve come together as a full team. The plan to stop the ball early effectively neutralised the South West Slammers’ fast-paced running game, granting us valuable opportunities to take the ball to the rack and score. While our half-court defense showed promise, there remains ample room for improvement as we progress.
Our hybrid motion-offense displayed glimpses of its potential, yielding a few easy baskets through effective ball movement. However, our work on converting free throws still demands attention and refinement.
Throughout the game, our bench players played a pivotal role in maintaining our competitive edge, with Poppy Hickson’s remarkable ball pressure and tenacity in pursuit of loose balls standing out as particularly commendable.
Looking ahead, we remain cognisant of the unique challenges posed by each game. With our focus now set on our upcoming match against the fast-paced Lakeside Lighting, we’re gearing up for another intense training session to ensure we’re well-prepared for the task at hand.
Player of the game
Benwech Kuach – Benny continues to be a formidable force on the court, posing a significant challenge for any opposing team we face so far. Her relentless competitiveness and combative spirit are truly inspiring, making her a joy to coach and watch in action. Let’s continue to emulate her approach to playing as we look ahead to future challenges.
U14 Girls Orange – Lawrence West (Sponsored by: Genesis Craft)
Won against Eastern Suns (50 – 38)
Coaches notes
This week was about blocking out the noise and focusing on us. We knew the Suns White girls were going to come at us hard, and they certainly didn’t make it easy for us with the scores tied at the end of the first quarter.
During the 2nd quarter we found our rhythm and got the shots we wanted, unfortunately we just couldn’t get them to drop, ending the first half with a small 6-point lead.
After the half time break our defense clicked and our shots started finding the basket allowing us to push the lead out and gain control of the game. Full credit to the Suns White team who pushed hard until the final siren, with a 4th quarter come back and some excellent shooting from range (50% from 3pt!).
While our shot percentage wasn’t where we would like it to be, we got the shots we wanted and earned plenty of opportunities at the free throw line.
Our defense was dialled in and our turnovers were down from last week. We are gelling well and playing together.
Player of the game
This weeks player of the game was a tough choice, with several athletes really stepping up when we needed it. There can however be only one, and this week the award goes to Sienna Raddock. Sienna made significant strides this week, producing her most complete game to date. She shot an efficient 60%, dished out 8 assists and spaced well. On the defensive end she was 100% hustle, claiming 5 steals and 7 deflections. She was everywhere and it was fantastic to see. Sienna’s decision making is getting better every week and I look forward to seeing what she can achieve this season – nice work superstar!
U14 Girls White (Rick Anderson)
Loss against Eastern Suns (38 – 50)
U14 Girls Blue – Adam Chambers
(Sponsored by: Newtrend IT Specialists Pty Ltd)
Won against Perth Redbacks (29 – 28)
Coaches notes
After we scored 2 quick goals, Redbacks went on a mini scoring run and got out to a 10 point lead. The girls were working hard but just couldn’t put scores on the board.
The girls lifted their defence energy which turned into transition fast breaks and shots, unfortunately couldn’t make the most of our opportunities at times.
Last qtr shots started to drop and Redbacks started missing more which helped us get more defensive rebounds and outlet passes.
Eliza was fouled with 2 secs left and we received 2 free throws, we were down by 1 and we needed to score 1 to get it to a draw.. Eliza made them both and we won by 1 point.
Player of the game
Eliza Prevett was outstanding all game, getting steals, interceptions and lots of rebounds. Eliza created lots of opportunities for her team mates. With the game on the line and down by 1, Eliza made both of her free throws to get us the win.
U14 Boys Black – Adrian Mok (Sponsored by: SWISH Plan Management)
Loss against Lakeside Lightning (57 – 59)
U14 Boys Orange – Robert Rees (Sponsored by: Pacific Automation Pty Ltd)
Won against Rockingham Flames (72- 61)
Coaches notes
The boys started the game with great intensity, running a great press. Repeatedly keeping the ball in our front court or forcing a bad pass to be picked off in the mid court. Even with Rockingham closing the gap to three in the third, the team adjusted and took back control.
Our transition game was great with the boys spreading out the lanes to provide an open key way for a number of easy shots throughout all four quarters, it was great basketball to watch!
Because we had such great effort from across the whole team it also makes it hard for player of the week.
Zayde, Alijah and Rocky set the pace in offence and energy in defence, with Brodie really stepping up with the same energy in the back court and some smart reads to stop Rockingham transition.
Ram and Kundai, when these two are under the basket together they don’t let one ball go above the head or around the waist. It’s a lethal combination!
Hayden, Preston and Boo rotated through the game plugging into different roles matching the intensity of the player subbing out, it was great to keep the same pressure off the bench!
Lastly a special mention to Alijah dropping 18 with a percentage of 73%!
Player of the game
Zayde lands it this week, he really lead the way with his defensive efforts and matched it on the offensive end with 18 pts! Great work!
U14 Boys White – Joel Warner
Won against Mandurah Magic (88 – 39)
Coaches notes
Our first home game of the season ended with a positive result, winning against Mandurah Magic Black. The biggest highlight this week was winning four quarters, an aim that most coaches have each week. I was again very pleased with our fast start, with productive scoring in the first and second quarters. We were highly effective defensively in the second quarter, with different players holding down important positions on the court to ensure our Team defences were energetic, focused, and effective. Our baseline entries improved this week, and everyone played lots of minutes, which helps with Team chemistry. The boys deserve to feel positive about the game this week as they are working diligently at practice.
Player of the game
Again, we had no passengers in our whole Team this week, yet our little-big man Reuben stood out as player of the game. Reuben worked his way into the starting unit and made the most of his opportunity. Reuben played tight, aggressive, but most importantly, organised defence this week. Spectators may overlook certain aspects of his game and focus on his scoring; however, he left the game with six steals, five rebounds and he screened effectively. On top of that Reuben shot the ball well to bag a massive 23 points. Well done Reuben, you made a wonderful contribution to your Team in several ways.
U14 Boys Blue – Yi Gan (Sponsored by: Excess Power Equipment)
Won against Hills Raiders (71 – 37)
Coaches notes
Facing Hills number 2 team we wanted to come out defensively focused. The positives for this game was the players got a taste of what is expected when we pressed.
Some of the players who haven’t played WABL before felt much more confident and one of those being Jesse Paulson who coach Mark and myself agreed, his performance was a solid one on both ends of the floor. Defensively his length troubled the ball handlers and offensively got us numerous second chance opportunities. A solid return after a nervous week 1 and looking forward to his confidence as the season progresses.
Player of the game
Jesse Paulson for playing both ends well.
U16 Girls Black – Stewart Winsor & Elijah Gray
Won against Willetton Tigers (71 – 66)
Coaches notes
Amazing game of basketball played by both teams. It was a very tight game with lots of different runs of plays. Girls had great shot options and decision making was on point.
1st half went basket for basket and no one gave an inch. Rotations were quick as we tried to out run them in transition and slow them down in their transition.
2nd half we changed our defence to something we hadn’t really practise, but it worked well which stopped Willetons scores and gave us more opportunities.
4th qtr was tough as foul trouble caused us to make forced changes which let Willeton back into the game a little. Girls lifted in the last 3 mins to get the win.
Pene added 27 points for the team through hard running and being setup by her team mates. When she was shut out by 2 players it gave an open team mate an easy score.
Player of the game
Isla-Rose Gray was outstanding in offence and defence and lead her team from the front. Isla’s defence in particular was energetic and gave us lots of points in transition and also helped her team mates dictate their players as they could be more attacking.
U16 Girls Orange – Andrew Herbert
Loss against Cockburn Cougars (54 – 89)
Coaches notes
I was really happy with how the ladies went on Sunday without a full squad on the floor, the ladies showed how competitive they will be this season.
Unfortunately the second half got away from us with some of the ladies in foul trouble.
I was really impressed how collectively we kept our heads up high and continued to grind with only 4 players on the floor though-out the majority of the fourth quarter.
A solid effort this week keeping the scoreboard ticking over by Charlotte Herbert with 24pts plus Matilda Little and Olivia Geary with 8pts each.
Player of the game
This week’s POTR goes to a lady who showed she was able to setup into a starting roll without notice. She also showed she was prepared to take on ball carrying duties when required and showed great discipline on the defensive end to keep out of foul trouble. Congratulations Gabriella McCullaugh
U16 Girls White – Daniel Heyman
Loss against Joondalup Wolves (32 – 48)
Coaches notes
In our season of growth and development, we took much away from a tough battle with another challenging opponent. The Wolves tested us mentally, jumping us in a dominant 19 to 3 first quarter. Undeterred, the girls rallied to win the second and fourth quarters and managed to tie the last three quarters of the game, 29 to 29.
Given the head start we relinquished, the efforts of the young ladies was admirable. The match was as much a mental battle as it was a basketball duel. The belief we built in the latter part of the game will bolster our confidence. Lessons learnt for our offensive inefficiency will be the focus at training this week. In reflection, we need to establish greater team accountability and apply our offensive actions with greater conviction. We will regroup and be stronger for it.
Notable player performances include Tamzin Wilsmore, who led with 14 points, 2 made threes and 5 steals. Sanne Grimme battled against her old club pulling in a team high 11 rebounds, including 6 offensive boards. Shelby Lewis got 9 rebounds and scored 6 points, consistently forcing her way to the line off her determined attack of the basket.
Player of the game
Ashlyn Shields: Ashlyn executed the game plan to perfection. In a game where we needed a leader and someone to step up and initiate our offensive actions, Ashlyn delivered. Her willingness to make confident and team focused decisions set the standard for the rest of the team. Her defensive tenacity and ability to use a range of dribble moves to beat the press showed the immense growth in her game. Amazing work Ashlyn!
U16 Boys Black – Declan Kinsella
(Sponsored by: Angus Flexible Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd)
Won against Cockburn Cougars (76 – 54)
U16 Boys Orange – Hayden Bird
Won against Perth Redbacks (90 – 70)
Coaches notes
With a slow progression throughout the game we finished very strong with high team play.
Once we got in the groove of using our teammate the team really flourished together.
Player of the game
Raymond Tafira: Raymond played a great game on both ends of the floor. Forcing bad passes on the defence, to conversions on fast breaks for himself on teammates on the offence. What really solidified this choice was Raymond’s on ball defence, keeping his opponents flustered when they had the ball. Fantastic job Raymond
U16 Boys White – Thor Amundsen
Won against Southwest Slammers (84 – 61)
Coaches notes
A pleasing outcome, as a result of some great team effort and cohesion. The group are becoming more and more accountable for their roles and working together to problem solve when required.
We made up for our slow start last week, scoring from the tipoff and maintaining the lead throughout.
We had a shift in our offensive structures this week and were able to adapt very quickly which is a testament to the groups willingness to learn.
Ollie James and Val Luboya both had big games, working tirelessly under the basket and backing up on the offensive end, whilst Hudson Anton was ever-reliable, pushing himself and rarely making an error.
We’ll take the good bits and now we review and build again for a tough matchup this week with Warwick.
Player of the game
Odin Amundsen led the team this week with some excellent defensive work, tied in with 17 points at the offensive end.
U16 Boys Blue – Derek Quayle
Loss against Mandurah Magic (71 – 133)
Coaches notes
Another tough game playing down in Mandurah. The first half didnt go as planned and we only scored 28 points. We weren’t moving the ball and got caught with the ball way too often.
The second half saw a much improved effort to play to our style of basketball. The 3rd term was our best quarter as we lifted our intensity to limit them to only 15 points. The pressure we applied on the ball was excellent. If we can play like that all the time then we will be a much improved team.
We did start with only 9 players and we did get 2 ankle injuries but the boys were very brave and were still able to play some minutes for us.
Ronron was much improved this week and top scored for us with 15 points, Lucas fought hard in the paint all day and scored 10. Edzon and Thomas played well for 9 points each..
Player of the game
Roentgen Pastor. A much improved effort from Ronron this week see’s him getting the player of the game. His improvement in ball movement was very notable.
U18 Girls Black – Rick Batista
Won against Lakeside Lightning (57 – 46)
Coaches notes
Lily and Amber were wonderful in running our offence again. Seems like we’re going to be repeating ourselves a fair bit, but it’s pleasing to see our senior players standing up week in and week out. Sienna’s offence, driving the ball and getting into the paint was a new challenge that worked wonders for her confidence. It was good to see Hannah on the court again and finding her feet. Ana put on a defensive master class again and is so important to what we do. This team is hungry to prove the doubters wrong and I couldn’t be prouder.
Player of the game
This week we went with Ana Vletter she’s a wonderful team first player who doesn’t not mind doing what is required for her team to win. She sprints all day long and is usually first back on both ends. This week we saw a new feather in her cap with three absolute swishes from three, contributing in new areas, as her confidence keeps soaring her ceiling is unmeasurable. Well done Ana
U18 Girls Orange – Charlie Smart (Sponsored by: Parker Crofts & Co)
Loss against Perry Lakes Hawks (37 – 61)
Coaches notes
Very strong start against a seasoned Perry Lakes, who had had a substantial win the previous week by 85 points.
The team banded together, executed their offensive sets, pressuring the ball and securing great rebounds throughout the first half. They were aggressive getting into the paint seeing them go to the line on multiple occasions. Unfortunately the pressure of the game saw a loss of composure in the third, that coupled with one of those quarters where no matter how many shots you put up nothing dropped, allowed Perry Lakes to take full advantage and pull away.
So good to see the growth and improvement in a short space of time. We’re excited to see this team reach their full potential.
Player of the game
Heidi – You cannot fault Heidi’s fight and determination both ends of the court. She has one speed which often sees her in foul trouble however, her tenacity and skill saw her invaluable throughout Sundays game.
U18 Boys Black – Cooper Lowe (Sponsored by: Silverstone)
Won against East Perth Eagles (98 – 80)
U18 Boys Orange – Brad Dowd (Sponsored by: GJ Demo Pty Ltd)
Won against Lakeside Lightning (76 – 67)
Coaches notes
We started off strong and had a big lead at half time. But Lakeside came back in the 2nd half and made us really work for the win. We struggled to get our offence going, but when we did, it worked well.
Deacon continued his great start to the season working hard again, finishing with 15 points and 5 rebounds.
Player of the game
Player of the game went to Jarron, who although still wasn’t feeling 100%, really stepped up with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks.
U18 Boys White – Rae D’Sylva
Loss against Willetton Tigers (69 – 95)
Coaches notes
We had better ball movement this week and played well for 3 quarters.
Player of the game
Jasper ferguson – Jasper played solid defence and shot well down the stretch.
U18 Boys Blue – Bailey Ferguson (Sponsored by: Amy Jacobson Pty Ltd)
Loss against Rockingham Flames (77 -96)
Coaches notes
Today we came with much better intensity and effort which is all we worked on during the week.
Unfortunately we let emotions get the better of us!
Player of the game
Thomas Coutts
U20 Boys Black – Lochy Brown
Won against South West Slammers (106 – 96)
U21 Girls Black – Lizel Buckley
Loss against Southwest Slammers (55 – 93)
Coaches notes
Our chemistry is getting better.
Player of the game
Grace O’Meara -Smith, played really hard both ends and wanted to play on their best player to shut her down.