WABL Wrap Week 3 – 8/5/22
Round 3 – Some tough match ups this week with many of our games decided by only a couple of points. A lot of our teams were impacted yet again by covid but nice to see our resilience in pushing through.
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:
Boys – U12:
Chad Firkins – fought hard to keep the team in the game with a number of tough baskets under heavy contact. Chad also worked hard in the paint with offensive rebounds.
Girls – U12:
Yasmin – Not only did she top score with 14 points, she was a menace on defense and also setup her team mates
U12 GIRLS (LAWRENCE WEST)
Won against East Perth Eagles (52 – 9)
COACHES NOTES
We did a great job this week of adjusting our play style. The girls were challenged to pick up players on their own and defend without help. We are learning some patience on offense and building great chemistry as a team.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Yasmin – Not only did she top score with 14 points, she was a menace on defense and also setup her team mates
U12 BOYS (LIZZIE FALCONBRIDGE)
Won against Southwest Slammers (38 – 35)
COACHES NOTES
Great team bonding with our first away game down in Bunbury. We played three quarters of great defense but let the Slammers get back into the game in the 3rd quarter – the team defense is getting better week by week which is very pleasing to see. Offensively we still need to move the ball better and get hit the shooters when they are open. Need to work on our screens as we got 5 offensive fouls due to the referee deeming it a moving a screen.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Leyton Rooke – So great to see him carry on his great play from last weekend. Got his first start of the season and kept the team in the game the whole way finishing with 10 points on 5/9 shooting (55.6%) and grabbing 7 rebounds.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
AJ Mok – Played 110% on defense the whole game and caused a lot of turnovers with his pressure on the ball. Offensively he is improving week by week under Coach Lizzie pushing him to be more confident in his shooting ability – another kid who is a quiet achiever but its great to see him coming out of shell. Dave Brar – Stepping up on the defensive end finishing off with 4 steals and 2 blocks. Finished of with 10 points and a crucial and 1 lay up to tie the game in the 4th quarter – also hitting coming up clutch hitting the free throw. Shane Quartermaine – If you look at PlayHQ stats it shows 5 fouls and 1 point so it looks like he didn’t have a good game, but his defense kept us in the game causing a lot of shots to miss due to his defensive pressure and grabbing 9 rebounds.
A big THANK YOU to all the parents for making the trip to Bunbury and cheering so loudly!! Without you guys the whole season would not be possible – plus it was nice to drive home with a Win 🙂
U12 BOYS (JOEL WARNER)
Loss against Mandurah Magic (39 – 50)
COACHES NOTES
The team has been challenged over the first three weeks with COVID, resulting in limited player availability. We haven’t been able to put a full strength team on the court this season. This week we not only missed players but also Coach Joel. As a result we were led by Assistant Coach Jordon, who report that as a group we were competitive throughout the whole game. He asked the boys to be clean in defence to reduce foul outs, and the team delivered. We were only out scored in Q2-Q3 by two baskets and Q4 by 1 1/2 basket which shows we are heading in the right direction. With a few boys feeling ill during the game it showed true grit and determination as they continued to work hard.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Chad Firkins – fought hard to keep the team in the game with a number of tough baskets under heavy contact. Chad also worked hard in the paint with offensive rebounds.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Special mention to Sam Warner “Mr cool” under pressure, maintaining the teams tempo and Ethan Lord giving us the spark when we needed, great effort both ends of the floor!
U12 BOYS (TIM HART)
Won against Lakeside Lightning (41 – 40)
COACHES NOTES
After a slow start in scoring and defense in Q1, great to see the uptick in both from Q2 onward. Each team we have played so far has been a close game, so we are hopefully going to have a competitive season. If we can improve on the basics, ensuring we continue to move to not lose sight of our player or the ball, we will keep opposition teams in check. In offense we need to catch and look for team mates in a better position, anticipate where they are going to and see if we can get the ball in front.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Sebastian Brisk, for reading the ball well in defense to get intercepts, and putting 20 points on the board.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
plied defensive pressure to keep Lighting to a lower score than their Q1 (12 points), in Q2 (6 points) and Q3 (8 points). In Q4 they kept calm at the end of the game to get the win. Dante Hart played good help defense this game, keeping his guns up and showing he is aware of his player’s position on the wing and the ball.
U14 GIRLS (ANDREW HERBERT)
Loss against Southwest Slammers (39 – 42)
COACHES NOTES
A tough loss on a road trip but at the same time great lessons we learnt. Bunbury came out strong and put us on the back foot in the 1st quarter. I loved how we battled back showing improvement and the importance of the execution in our press break and our SLOB & BLOB plays. With 5 seconds left in the 4th we had the chance to send the game into overtime but it just wasn’t ours for the taking.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Kaia Rukuata – Kaia showed great discipline and poise at both ends of the floor. Kaia showed a strong defensive presence and was able to score inside and out.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Kaia Rukuata – 12 Points, Asha Winsor – 8 Points, Holly Marsh – 6 Points
U14 GIRLS (JEMMA / JAYMEE)
Loss against Mandurah Magic (36 – 20)
COACHES NOTES
We only had 6 players due to covid but worked their hearts out both ends of the court
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Eunice- Has she showed confidence the whole game and didn’t give up once. Her defence was outstanding especially her on ball defense
U14 BOYS (ROB REES)
Win against Joondalup Wolves (54 – 52)
COACHES NOTES
The defensive effort was great despite having 15 more fouls than Joondalup and 4 players fouling out, also coming from being behind in the 1st half
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Kobe Seubert with great defensive effort 6 free throws made, 2 with 11 seconds on the clock to give us the lead, 4 of 2 pointers and 1 of 3 pointers
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Julian Richardson deserves a special mention for his big effort also in encouraging his team mates, all player played well.
U14 BOYS (THOR ADMUNDSEN)
Loss against Warwick Senators (54 – 75)
COACHES NOTES
Heading into this one we know there would be little room for error. Our structures and pressure game was effective against an experienced and well drilled opposition. Their three talls were a key difference to our offensive game, often repelling our attack and made tough work for our 3, 4 and 5. Welcoming back three players from a Covid break, we had to manage our rotations carefully but the group showed once again that we are establishing an identity of a tough, gritty and capable outfit that is developing well.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Kimzy Matondo is our player of the round for his persistence and ability to find the gaps to finish with 10 points against a tough defence. Playing at the 1, he also combined with our 5 nicely, drawing opposition and dishing off for some great plays.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Kazeem Matsumoto had a great first game after an interrupted start to the season. His work in transition was great and kept the opposition guessing. Roman Dowd demonstrated his offensive skills once again. Managing fatigue, he was a solid contributor in his rotation. Odin Amundsen was heavily guarded after a big outing last week, so his defensive game really came into play in this one. Several timely steals disrupted the offence and forced crucial turnovers resulting in scoring opportunities.
U14 BOYS (LUKE POYNER)
This week our U14 boy’s will play each other on Thursday
U14 BOYS (SHANNON TREW)
This week our U14 boy’s will play each other on Thursday
U16 GIRLS (MATT HARDING)
Won against Willeton Tigers (63 – 52)
COACHES NOTES
After another slow start, our girls really kicked into gear at the start of the second period and we never looked back.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Susan Rammal, this young lady really blossomed against a strong willeton side, her numbers might not be huge but so many 1% on the Glass both ends and moving into a strong position with her feet in defence.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
This group of girls are building towards something Special. Everyone is playing their part and the Team is slowly becoming 1 and that’s dangerous chemistry for the opposition to come up against.
U16 GIRLS (MATT HARDING)
Loss against East Perth Eagles (60 -70)
COACHES NOTES
These 16 2 girls seriously played one of the best team efforts I could possibly ask for. We only had 7 players and 2 of them still recovering from covid. The Guts and dedication for each other was A Class and even though they didn’t get the chocolates they were all winners in my eyes. I’ve been pushing these girls at training since last year. I was able to coach them Sunday for the first time this year and see the huge improvement in skills, leadership and togetherness (Teamwork) since State Champs etc is so refreshing and makes me realise how much I love this game.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Amber Marsh. This young lady had to play one of the most physical games of her basketball life, she had to deal with not one 6 foot girl but 3 from Eagles and one was 6’2! Amber showed amazing strength and dedication towards her team mates and never gave up from the tip off. Super proud of her efforts and leadership to her teams mates.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Super team effort, every single girl gave 110%. These girls did the Suns proud.
U16 BOYS (BAILEY FERGUSON)
Won against East Perth Eagles (90 – 45)
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Sam Ryan, Sam was a great presence on defence and finishing shots around the hoop and under pressure
U16 BOYS (LACHIE RILEY)
Loss against Southwest Slammers (29 – 93)
COACHES NOTES
We played with heart and refused to let questionable officiating and a tough loss deter our effort on court.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Zakk Venetis, Zakk never backed down from the challenge, he played with urgency, determination and hunger. He followed the game plan, looked for his team mates and took the right shots.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Deacon Matthews, positioned himself well in the press breaker creating fast break opportunities, and taking them with authority.
U16 BOYS (RAE D’SYLVA)
Win against East Perth Eagles (69 – 66)
COACHES NOTES
The boys were down 18 points but kept playing hard till the end abs came back and won. Team won with a few players out . Defence is getting better every game.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Lucas chaplin
U16 BOYS (TYRON NEIL)
Won against Perth Redbacks (87 – 74)
COACHES NOTES
Perth Redbacks led by 6-9 points at multiple times throughout the game but each time we reset, peg the margin back and were able to run away with the win in the last quarter by 13 points.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Isaiah Gray was at his devastating best as he controlled the game in defense shutting down there best player and dropping 30 points in transition and mid range all around the arc to take out player of the round
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Noah Cross (23 points), Laker Nelson & Jesse Smith were awesome around the basket bringing down some solid rebounds all game. Defensively the whole team were brilliant changing from zone to man on man defense to neutralize their best scorers. Isaiah Gray (10 points) & River Neill (13 points) lit up the floor in the last quarter to score 23 between them to help us take away the win by 13.
U18 GIRLS (DYSON LOWE)
Loss against Cockburn Cougars (55 – 91)
COACHES NOTES
Todays game was tough as we had no coach due to nbl1 commitments & many players out!! The girls tried hard to coach each other calling & discussing plays in time outs & on court. Grace & Hannah communicated really well both on and off the court!
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Player of the game was Jasmine Williams. Her pressure on the ball was consist and offensively she worked hard under the basket with strong rebounds and drives into the key way.
U18 BOYS (COOPER LOWE)
Loss against Cockburn Cougars (72 – 88)
COACHES NOTES
For 3 quarters we were a better team than them. One quarter where we let other things effect the way we play, cost us the game in the end.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Hudson Lowe, he led from the front and kept the energy up within the group the whole game
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
U18 BOYS (ANGUS HYWOOD)
Loss against Southwest Slammers (63 – 69)
COACHES NOTES
Going into today’s road trip game to Bunbury we were devastated with covid & injury with only 7 players. We took the underdog mentality on with us and held up early with a close game shaping early. Unfortunately, with another injury to a key defensive player in Josh left us low on rotation and tired legs pushing for the road trip win.
Our scoring ability is there however finishing clean stole away some moments that would have changed the tempo of the game in our favour. Defensive efforts are a repeat issue as we allow simple blow past offence for the opposition or silly fouls going for unnecessary steals. In defence we must remain solid to our sets, disciplined, patient and communicate!
Unfortunately, we dropped this very winnable game but with a full side back in this week we must bounce back!
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Progress Light – Progress was asked to step up for his teammates defensively today without our bigs in the line-up. Not only did Progress step up to the task but he excelled pulling in rebound after rebound and locking up the bigs they played through. Your competitive energy this week made up for those out of the game. Onya Progress!!
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Great Shooting from our guards in Harrison, Lachlan, Joel. Tough Defensive efforts and aggressive offensive play from Heath, Josh & Nathan.
U18 BOYS (HAYDEN BIRD)
Loss against Cockburn Cougars (58 – 57)
COACHES NOTES
Great communication with in the team, ball movement while also following and importing plays to help get the bucket and break the defense.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Dominic Puno, he consistently kept getting his teammates open for the bucket, while being the coach on the court. He killed on defence stripping and blocking the opposing players
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Wayne was excellent keeping everyone’s heads up and would score when the team needed that extra boost. The boys play tremendously while despite the loss and had the heads high and great comradery at the end of the game.
U18 BOYS (RICK BATISTA)
Loss against East Perth Eagles (58- 84)
COACHES NOTES
The boys kept going despite East Perth playing very well, they couldn’t miss and we were undersized missing our centre, we had a few returning from covid and it showed, unfortunately. East Perth’s running game was sublime. We move on to this week and focus on getting back on the winner’s list.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Saxon Counsel – Tried hard all day, the only one beating East Perth up and back
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Michael Luce on his return from a foot injury was very good in limited minutes
U20 BOYS (DAN VLAHOV)
Loss against Perry Lakes Hawks (72-79)
COACHES NOTES
This week saw half of the regular team unavailable due to work commitments or COVID and this provided great opportunities for the reserves to step up, which they certainly did. Matt Canny, Cayden Ivanovich, Stephen Phipps & Bart Kongor all staked a claim on any future opportunity and are all showing their desire to play.
Ethan Nash, Will Comerford & Jason Moore all put in quality performances running the floor and were ably supported by Jack Burrows & Alex Jenkins contributing well in their roles whilst it was certainly great to have Kiarn Linaker back and firing at both ends of the court.
Unfortunately, due to some issues with consistency finishing under the rim we were unable to ever really grab the lead and stake our claim on the win but it was great to see all players showing a much higher level of intensity, team work and refusal to quit which meant we were in the game right up till the dying seconds.
The season looks promising if we can build from here.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Kiarn Linaker – strong effort both ends of the court against fierce competition from the Hawks players