WABL Wrap – Week 6 -29/5/22

WABL Wrap Week 6 – 29/5/22

Round 6 – Great to see our win percentages increase this week as our teams continue to build their chemistry.

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:

Sam Robinson (U18 Boys) – Sam lead from the front in this game against the Redbacks. Rebounds, Screening, Closing out & locking up on defence aswell as knocking down a much needed 3 to turn the tempo. Sam was asked to step it up this game, play with intensity, strength & focus, he did just that and earns this rounds player of the week!

Sienna Vivian (U16 Girls) – Sienna showed Great determination in defence and controlling the ball under pressure in offence was very impressive. Sienna is a Good player but with hard work and focus this young lady really could become a great player.

U12 GIRLS (LAWRENCE WEST)

Won against Perth Redbacks (48 – 20)

COACHES NOTES

A fantastic team win again this week with everyone sharing the ball, giving us our season high in assists. Once off to an early lead, we switched up our defense and added some extra challenges. The girls all took on those challenges and proved once again they can adapt and still maintain our intensity. I’m excited to see how we match up next week with one of the top teams in our division!

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Neve Spry – Neve’s fingerprints were all over this game. From being disruptive on defense, getting steals and causing turnovers to getting to the basket and drawing a foul. Neve is always willing to make the extra pass and enables her team mates to be successful.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Every week it is tough to select just one from our team of superstars, but this week was especially so. They all played a great game, however I wanted to highlight Chloe Ranschaert as well. This week Chloe took a big step forward, playing with confidence and really committing to the “every rebound is mine” mentality. She also achieved her personal goal for the season and its only round 6!

U12 BOYS (JOEL WARNER)

Loss against Lakeside Lightning (30 – 41)

COACHES NOTES

Overall, a challenging game where the result could have gone either way. With a further two regular starters out of the team due to injury/ illness I can only applaud the effort put in by the team this weekend. The team showed a lot of emotion which demonstrates how much they care about playing their best. I would like to commend players for closing the game out with the right spirit and keeping their cool when circumstances were not favourable to our team. Some players had challenging afternoons and fouled out. However, the bench spirit from those players was great and their encouragement at the end of the game was noted.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Asten Lund. Asten built from his game last week and showed again, what he is capable of. Asten played important minutes and was key in the back end of the third quarter as we drew even on the score board. Well done Asten.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

I am pleased with the basketball IQ on show across the team. When we play the right way, we are very dangerous. There were times when we led, but unfortunately, both point guards fouled out so closing the game offensively was our biggest hurdle. With that in mind, other players were asked to carry the ball and set up our offence, so there was valuable learning for those players. I am a big believer that no-one gets better sitting on the bench, so the opportunity to play a position, even when it’s not a players usual position should be seen as a positive.

U12 BOYS (TIM HART)

Loss against Mandurah Magic (36 – 46)

COACHES NOTES

The team improved their Q1 performance this week, keeping the top team (Mandurah Black) to only 8 points in Q1. This is in contrast to prior games where we are slow to apply defensive pressure at the start of the game. When the team kept up defensive pressure, we were able to out-score Mandurah. We had fewer turnovers bringing the ball up compared with our first game against Mandurah Black, our head-up dribbling technique has improved. Unfortunately we ran out of steam and the game slipped away in Q4.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Austin “Aussie” Francis, for tenacious defence, while keeping his foul count low. While Austin only scored 2 points, he moved the ball up the court fast with long passes to his team mates, and transitioned into defence quickly to slow down and/or catch the opposition.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

We were short on players this week, Jack Foster suited up for his first WABL game and helped us by staying between his player and the basket. Christian showed an improved awareness of his player and the ball. Dante injured his elbow in the warm-up so missed Q1, and played reduced minutes, however for the time he was on the court, he put in a strong contribution on both ends of the court, passed more to team mates, and scored 6 points. Sebastian and Mathew continue to make a big impact in our games, with buckets, rebounds, stops in the keyway, and speed on the court (particularly Q1 to Q3). Callum started jumping to meeting the ball in the air, pulling down some big rebounds, he gave an extra burst of effort in Q4 to keep Mandurah from blowing out the score. Ram showed some good decision making in defence, moving to help his team mates shut down keyway access when his player was far from the ball. Preston pulled down some offensive rebounds, and sprang back up with the ball, keeping it away from reaching hands, but we had some trouble with our close shots. We are within reach of a win in our next match-up, if we step up our fitness.

U14 GIRLS (ANDREW HERBERT)

Loss against Warwick Senators (36 – 41)

COACHES NOTES

The girls came out firing with a 9-0 run. We set tempo early but we’re unable to hold on as Warwick’s shots were dropping and we missed too many easy ones. We look to bounce back this Sunday.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Jessica Prior – Jess battled hard in the paint on both ends of the floor really working hard on the boards.

U14 GIRLS (JEMMA / JAYMEE)

Loss against Hills Raiders (24 – 36)

COACHES NOTES

Strong Defence this week

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Izzy Biggs as she gave everything she had that game at both ends of the court. She played a very good offensive game as well as an excellent defence game getting lots of intercepts and rebounds.

U14 BOYS (ROB REES)

Won against Perth Redbacks (94 – 71)

COACHES NOTES

General improvement for all the players from the previous week

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Joshua Mahama very hard to go past a players that scores 29 for the game and also improves his defensive effort and also takes a lot of defensive and offensive rebounds.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Our overall defensive effort improved from the previous week, we also had Kobe Seubert who scored 24 points and Julien Richardson who scored 17 points

U14 BOYS (THOR AMUNDSEN)

Won against Warwick Senators (47 – 38)

COACHES NOTES

Great team hustle and defensive work in this game, putting pressure on each offensive run. We are building a nice presence on the boards, again winning the count and setting up our offence.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Milan Dimitrijevic – 22 points and a lot of rebounds

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Odin Amundsen again applying a pressure and hustle game defensively, whilst also supporting the offensive play.

Kimzy Matondo showed his best two way running for the season and added a big block to add to his highlight reel.

U14 BOYS (LUKE POYNER)

Loss against Cockburn Cougars (67 – 59)

COACHES NOTES

A slow start to the game saw us at a disadvantage chasing a deficit the whole game. The team worked well together for the rest of the game to adjust and overcome an effective trap defense. We controlled the rebounding and put up some strong defense the entire game. If the game had been judged on the last three quarters of the game we would have won. It was a good learning experience for the team, and they are now much stronger for it.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Jensen Poyner – Effective on the rebounds and boxed out well inside and followed coaching instructions. Forced several turnovers inside including some nice blocks. Scored a respectable 10 points.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Jackson Bailey had another solid performance today and followed all coaching instructions well resulting in some great screening and tough hustle defense. Scored 10 points including two 3’s. Ryan Eva faced a tough physical opposition today scoring 9 points from the free-throw line on his way to a 22 point haul.

U14 BOYS (SHANNON TREW)

Won against Perth Redbacks (85 – 30)

COACHES NOTES

Another great TEAM win by the boys. Every player scoring and setting up their team mates for easier shots. We hit our defensive and offensive targets (Target: Defence 10 points a qtr, Offence 15 points a qtr). The coaches couldn’t keep the bench players seating down as they were so pumped up and cheering/supporting their mates.

It was almost impossible to pick a player of the game as so many players smashed their individual goals/tasks. Every week these boys do their coaches and parents PROUD!

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Tanzeke Edgar- The little man that just keeps going and giving his team mates everything he has got. He filled up the stat sheet with 15 points 6/11 FG, 4 rebounds and 5 steals to go with 3 assists. He maybe 5ft tall but he plays like a 6ft player. Team first sort of player who brings his team mates into the game and pumps them up with his effort. Watch this space for more of him!

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Aiden Avila- Aiden had his best game this week with 6 points to go with 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Every week he works on his skills and listens to his coaches advice which is paying off with good plays.

Toby Winter- Toby wears his heart on his sleeve and his team mates loving seeing him do Toby things in offence and defence. Finished with 10 points and 5 rebounds to go with 3 big interceptions.

Jarvis Warden- Jarvis has been improving every week on his game especially his finishing, cutting and rebounds and today he soared high and killed it on the boards and finished with 10 points from 5/7 FG.

U16 GIRLS (MATT HARDING)

Won against Southwest Slammers (53 – 49)

COACHES NOTES

Top of the table game against slammers who made semi-finals at state champs.

Even though we didn’t shoot well around the ark your 16s never gave up and once we got on a roll which was the start of the third, we really started to work for each other. Each player played a role and everyone contributed in a positive way even though we didn’t shoot well, watch out when we do….

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Sienna Vivian, Sienna showed Great determination in defence and controlling the ball under pressure in offence was very impressive. Sienna is a Good player but with hard work and focus this young lady really could become a Great player.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

For a personal highlight, seeing our other 16s girls have a Big win really made my day, remember back last October we only had a handful of players and to be able to see girls from other clubs join the Suns family and girls having their first WABL season really makes coaching special. Now we have 2 x 16s both in top 6 positions and training strong together since last year. Bloody Brilliant!

U16 GIRLS (CHARLIE SMART)

Won against Lakeside Lightning (77 – 46)

COACHES NOTES

Hard first half with point for point being matched both ends of the court. A tremendous team effort especially after half time where the girls gathered momentum. They assisted each other in defence, were commanding under the boards and dominated in offensive transition by playing unselfish team basketball. Their confidence grew during the third seeing some strong drives, great ball movement and a determined never give up attitude in defence.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Elissa Bolton – Elissa was given a specific job in defence and executed it perfectly. Very aware of where her players were and protecting the keyway from Lakesides back door cuts she played a very determined, confident and exciting game.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

This was the first time U16 Girls fielded a full squad and as the game went on they started to gel and work together brilliantly. One thing for sure with every one of these girls their unselfishness, camaraderie and shear fight and determination is by far their strongest qualities and stands them a part from the rest. Their read of the play in defence is amazing, some honestly think they can fly as they jump to intercept balls!

U16 BOYS (BAILEY FERGUSON)

Won against Southwest Slammers (96 – 62)

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Won against Perth Redbacks (53 – 52)

COACHES NOTES

Sundays game we got it right for 4 whole quarters and it was incredible to coach! The team chose to rise above the opposition this week and we never once lost our composure or focus on doing so! We stayed calm in the heat of battle, focused on making the right decisions and fought with underdog spirit to take home a season shifting 1 point win against a top 3 side. The boys started the game as we have done every other week, pushing the pace setting the tone for the game.

We out scored the Redbacks with smart decision making, we rebounded both ends to control possession, defence from our guards stopped the Redbacks in their tracks with our big men blocking shots closing out shooters & the communication & spirit within the team was elite! This team now know what it takes to hold strong, control a game from start to finish and secure the W. It has finally clicked with the group playing together for the first time together this year, I am beyond Excited to see what we build upon from here & the future we have ahead!

Proud boys, hold your heads high & let’s get back to work!

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Sam Robinson – Sam lead from the front in this game against the Redbacks. Rebounds, Screening, Closing out & locking up on defence aswell as knocking down a much needed 3 to turn the tempo. Sam was asked to step it up this game, play with intensity, strength & focus, he did just that and earns this rounds player of the week!

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Joseph Lo Biundo – 22pts 6-3pt makes. Lachlan, Heath & Harry – Lock down defensive guards with great scoring threats. Progress & Nathan – Closing out their shooters, rebounding & communicating with the guards from down low (Progress with 3 massive intercepts on long passes). Jayce & Lachlan – pushing the pace, running the court and getting back to stop the opposition transition. Alex Cunningham – Rebounding Machine securing the W on a potential game winning miss.

U18 BOYS (HAYDEN BIRD)

Loss against Joondalup Wolves (64 – 85)

COACHES NOTES

Best defensive game we have played so far this season, just focusing on taking a way the right and pushing the player to a trap on out zone and press forcing turnovers

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Lucas requiro, due to him being a coach on the court not dropping his head to the score and being able to creat space for his players and get them the options to keep us going

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Going up against a strong team like Joondalup in our league and to see the way we played show promising and strong signs fit the rest of the season

U18 BOYS (RICK BATISTA)

Won against Perry Lakes Hawks (90 – 81)

COACHES NOTES

Our full court press was fantastic, we were defensively engaged the whole game. After a time out to “discuss” our fundamental issues with layups and box outs, we were able to turn these around and we began to make every play count. All players scored and played both ends of the court well.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Kalvyn Batista – 12 first quarter points really set the tone for us, finishing with 22, Kalvyns communication and leadership in game and timeouts is pivotal to everything his team does

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Michael Luce was magnificent again on both ends. Lemekani’s defence was immaculate ending up on the floor diving on numerous plays and urging his players to play the hungry defence coach expects. Saxons ability to time numerous steals amazes me how quick he is. With only 3 bigs available, honourable mention to those boys for giving me their all.

U20 BOYS (DAN VLAHOV)

Won against Warwick Senators (101 – 80)

COACHES NOTES

This week we played Senators Green and after another slow first two and a half quarters we managed to find our desire to win in the last and put the clamps on to secure a 21 point win and push up to third at this early stage of the season.

The game was won at the our defensive end with the Senators being restricted to just 10 points in the last quarter, whilst at the scoring end we managed to improve each quarter of the game, it was great to see improved execution of our actions, improved patience and improved finishing from close range see us have 101 points on the board at the final buzzer.

At the scoring end it was encouraging to again see nearly everyone put points on the board whilst mention certainly needs to be made of our improved shot selection & finishing enabling Will Comerford (27pts), Jason Moore (22pts), Noah Jacques (15pts) & Ethan Nash (15pts) get some solid scores on the board.

Mathew Canny, Cayden Ivankovich and Austin Cole put in quality minutes executing their roles, whilst solid work defensively from Alex Jenkins and Jack Burrowes helped us contain most of the opposition players and Rory McCarthy, again without support from our other bigs, provided consistency at both ends to to make this a genuine team win.

Next week sees us with having to answer the question as to whether we can push our game to the next level when we take on the top of the table Senators Blue and come out at the tip off with the same intensity we have showing at the ends of the games over the last few weeks as if we can we certainly have the capacity to end the Senators Blue undefeated streak right there on their home court.

The player of the game this week is probably the toughest decision to date as there was a number of players who staked a claim to it however there can be only one……

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Noah Jacques who played with composure and leadership this week and has narrowly edged out Ethan Nash for player of the week.