U18’S & Kevin Coombs cup recap – Day 3

Written by volunteers of Ballarat Basketball.

Game 30

Women Pool A: ACT (31) v Vic Metro Women (123)

The Vic Metro girls had too many guns for the ACT and it was apparent from the start as they had two baskets down in the first 30 seconds.  Their early full court press caused many ACT turnovers and restricted ACT’s scoring opportunities, whilst capitalising at the offensive end.

The game soon developed into a blow out on the scoreboard and allowed Vic Metro to coast and use bench players for valuable minutes.  Despite the score line the ACT team never gave in and the work of Callie Bourne was typical of this. The Vic Metro girls recorded another win in their quest for a favourable quarter final draw and would be well pleased with Najvada George who hit 7 from 9 beyond the three point arc.

Stats Leaders –

ACT:

• Annabelle Lindsay: 10 points, 7 rebounds
• Ashleigh Easton: 6 points
• Tarushi Fernando: 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal

VIC Metro:

• Najvada George: 27 points, 3 assists, 3 steals
• Monique Andriuolo: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals
• Anneli Maley: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals

 

Game 31

Men Pool A: NT (35) v Qld North (121)

Queensland North were sharp out of the blocks, opening the scoring and going on a long uninterrupted run against the inexperienced NT boys.  Their full court press was a key factor in keeping the Territory scoreless until the 4 minute mark of the first quarter.

The NT cause was not helped by an injury in the second term to captain Henry Callander, but by then the horse had bolted and Queensland North were in cruise mode.  Matteo Rouse from NT found some range from the three point line, but it was the work of big man Harrison Froling for Queensland North which proved insurmountable for NT.  In just 15 minutes of court time he had 17 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists.

The bench continued the damage for Queensland and a little less pressure allowed NT to score somewhat more easily as the game wound down.

Stats Leaders –

NT:

• Matteo Rowse: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
• Ted Love: 9 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
• Frederick Webb: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Qld North:

• Ethan Betts: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
• Harrison Froling: 17 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists
• Charlton Offermans: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists

Game 32

Men Pool A: Vic Country (70) defeated WA Country (56)

The Vic Country boys were keen to perform well in front of their large fan base, but struggled to fight off a determined WA Country outfit in the first term.  If not for a timely 3 pointer from Oliver Bidmade, scores would have been level.

The second quarter allowed the Vic team though a little more freedom and they took advantage on the scoreboard through some strong work by Thomas Pupavac and the gap was out to 9 at the main break.

Vic Country’s captain and local boy Sam Short was having a decisive impact on this game and by the end he had some very impressive numbers, 18 points, 7 assists, 6 steals and 4 boards and proved a real handful for the WA Country outfit.

Although foul trouble created a few issues for the Vic Country team as the game wound down they kept their noses in front when it mattered and deserved the victory by a 14 point margin.

Stats Leaders –

Vic Country:

• Samuel Short: 18 points, 7 assists, 6 steals
• Thomas Pupavac: 15 points, 3 rebounds
• Matthew Johns: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists

WA Country:

• Taj Fleming: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
• Travis Dumin: 10 points, 8 rebounds
• Sam Julitz: 10 points, 4 rebounds

Game 33

Men Pool B: Qld South (50) v NSW Metro (96)

NSW got off to a fast start scoring five in the opening minute play. At the end of the first quarter a strong performance from the outside 3 point line (4/6) helped NSW maintain the lead.

The rebounds game was tightly knit having a plus 3 number over NSW (19/16) at halftime. Strong shooting from Qld’s Tom Fullarton (4/6) helped Qld stay in the game heading to halftime.

Deng Gak made a statement with multiple dunks whenever he had a path to the basket.

Stats Leaders –

QLD South:

• Riley Martin: 13 points, 5 rebounds
• Thomas Haines: 12 points, 3 rebounds
• Tom Fullarton: 10 points, 5 rebounds

NSW Metro:

• Deng Gak: 20 points, 7 rebounds
• Dragan Elkaz: 15 points, 5 rebounds
• Jayden Prakash: 13 points

 

Game 34

Women Pool B: NT (34) v Vic Country (104)

Game dominated by Vic Country at both ends of the court. Early NT failed to capitalise at the foul line and had far too many turnovers. Chantel Horvat dominated despite only 14 minutes of game time. Country Vic bench players did an excellent job with their extra court time.

Carly Sanders played a great game while Abby Cubillo led her team who remained focused all the way to final siren. Aggressive defence from Vic Country resulted in five shot clock violations for NT.

Stats Leaders –

NT:

• Abby Cubillo: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
• Julia Woods: 5 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals

Vic Country:

• Chantel Horvat: 19 points, 2 assists, 3 steals
• Carly Sanders: 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals
• Chloe Bibby: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals

Game 35

Men Pool A: NSW Country (79) v SA Metro (63)

This game was a very tight affair throughout the first half and at the main break the game could have gone either way with the SA team just in front by a single point.  Jacob Rigoni was having a strong game and his influence at both ends was proving to be a bit of a problem for NSW.

The third quarter though was decisive with Angus Glover for NSW having a purple patch scoring 12 points including two threes to sink SA’s hopes.  The NSW boys were far more effective on mistakes made by the SA team and this added up to a 13-point lead for them at the end of the third quarter.

As the game wound down, Myles Cherry, the captain of NSW made sure the result was in their keeping and they went on their winning way and may pose a threat come crossover time.

Stats Leaders –

NSW Country:

• Angus Glover: 24 points, 3 assists, 3 steals
• Myles Cherry: 16 points, 4 rebounds
• Makuach Maluach: 14 points, 8 rebounds

SA Metro:

• Jacob Rigoni: 18 points, 8 rebounds
• Luk Chol: 9 points, 1 steal
• William Gleeson-Pongrac: 9 points, 3 assists

 

Game 36

Women Pool A: QLD South (69) v SA Country (75)

Strong start for Qld South’s Sophie Johnston scoring the first 6 points while Zitina Aokuso was cleaning up the rebounds. Hannah Stewart was proving to be quite the shooter hitting a number of triples for SA Country.

Both teams changing it up to start the second in a 2-3 zone. Qld South started to pull a lead midway through the second. Zitina Aokuso continued her dominance of both board and her post game. With both teams trading baskets Qld South go into the main break with a 9-point lead.

Aokuso and Johnston continued to dominate for Qld while Chelsea Brook was consistent at both end for SA Country. Defence was tight on both sides and it could have been anyone’s game however fouls on Qld South sent SA to the line proving once again foul shots win games with SA taking it out by 6 in the end.

Stats Leaders –

QLD South:

• Zitina Aokuso: 19 points, 14 rebounds
• Sophie Johnston: 13 points, 5 assists
• Carleigh Patrick: 11 points, 2 rebounds

SA Country:

• Chelsea Brook: 16 points, 9 rebounds
• Sarah Elsworthy: 16 points, 2 rebounds, 5 steals
• Hannah Stewart: 12 points, 2 steals

 

Game 37

Men Pool B: Vic Metro (68) v WA Metro (58)

This high quality game was played at a fast and furious pace. Defensive pressure was strong from both teams with Vic Metro taking a minute and a half to score and WA taking 3 minutes. Both teams bumped and banged their way to score with the quarter time score being 18 points apiece.

WA came out in the second quarter full court pressing with both teams struggling to score. By three quarter time VIC metro had an 11 point lead with WA pulling it back to 7 points. The last quarter saw much of the same with Vic Metro creeping away to a 10-point win with the difference being the rebounding of Vic Metro and the foul trouble that WA ended with.

Stats Leaders –

Vic Metro:

• Andreas Panayiotou: 20 points, 13 rebounds
• Patrick Bines: 14 points, 4 rebounds
• Gabriel Hadley: 10 points, 3 rebounds

WA Metro:

• Corey SHervill: 16 points, 5 rebounds
• Jhonny Lutula: 11 points, 3 rebounds
• Andrew Ferguson: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals

 

Game 38

Women Pool B: Qld North (59) v NSW Country (95)

The taller NSW Country girls got off to a flyer leading 10-3, sleek offensive and defensive pressure the key. The Qld North girls tried hard to get themselves into the game but NSW had all the answers leading 24-9 at quarter time.

With NSW in foul trouble, this enabled Qld to stay just in touch 32-18. NSW offensive rebound was giving them second and their chances at the basket. Great outside shooting from Emily Matthew late in the second quarter helped her team to a 48-30 half time lead.

Matthews continued her hot streak scoring four early points in the third quarter. Qld North kept fighting but the height of Lara McSpadden saw her scoring freely and dominating inside the key for the majority of the third quarter. NSW kept their 18 point lead and at 3-quarter time the scores were 67-49.

The fourth quarter started with an inside move from Charlie Evans, followed by a three-pointer next trip down the court. NSW Country were able to continue their dominance on the scoreboard with Qld North committing five team fouls and NSW Country able to spend a bit of time at the foul line.

Stats Leaders –

Qld North:

• Briana Bailey: 14 points, 3 rebounds
• Elle Hutchinson: 10 points, 2 assists
• Sarah Hesp: 8 points, 9 rebounds

NSW Country:

• Lara McSpadden: 22 points, 7 rebounds
• Maddison Goddard: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals
• Emily Matthews: 16 points, 3 assists, 2 steals

 

Game 39

Women Pool B: SA Metro (73) v WA Metro (64)

The West Australians began this game at a fast tempo and had 7 points on the board before SA Metro hit their straps.  Quick rotations by the WA Coach brought just about all players into the game plan and they led by 6 at the first break.

In the second quarter the SA Metro girls slowly crawled their way back into the game even though WA did a great job in defence restricted the effectiveness of the dangerous SA guard Morgan Yaeger. On the other hand Amy Atwell for WA was becoming a threat but in a burst at the end of the quarter SA regained the lead and went into the break leading by 9 points.

In an attempt to regain some ascendancy, the WA girls tried to lift the intensity, but their enthusiasm at times gave way to fouls and Bianca Thacker made them pay at the foul line.  By three quarter time SA Metro appeared to have it in their keeping with a lead of 14 points. The WA girls gave it their all in the final stanza, but an even performance by SA held sway and they recorded a sound victory.

Stats Leaders –

SA Metro:

• Morgan Yaeger: 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
• Nicola Mathews: 16 points
• Bianca Thacker: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals

WA Metro:

• Amy Atwell: 17 points, 8 rebounds
• Cameron Flynn: 11 points, 2 steals
• Chelsea Belcher: 10 points, 3 rebounds

 

Game 40

Men Pool B: ACT (72) v SA Country (55)

Teams traded baskets until the four minute mark when some excellent play awarded ACT with a 6-point lead after SA Country got into foul trouble in the first quarter. In the second quarter ACT lead by 13 but SA Country fought back with some great shooting to get within 6 points. Harrison Mills accumulated 9 rebounds for the half and by two minutes into the quarter SA Country were just 1 point down.

Three points separated the teams at the commencement of the final quarter but a determined ACT broke away to win comfortable in the end.

Stats Leaders –

ACT:

• James Toohey: 22 points, 3 assists, 3 steals
• Alex Ophel: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
• Nathan Brown: 10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists

SA Country:

• Brad Rathjen: 17 points, 2 assists, 2 steals
• Lachlan Knibbs: 16 points, 3 rebounds
• Daniel Stock: 11 points, 4 rebounds

 

Game 41

Women Pool A: NSW Metro (73) v WA Country (63)

Flying start to the game for WA with Mackenzie Clinch-Hoycard sinking a 3 to get things underway. WA had to quickly readjust their game plan with four team fouls quickly racked up in the first few minutes of the game. Both teams battled through the quarter with neither team able to break clear on the scoreboard. Focus on both teams were a feature of the quarter, successful foul shots and a fast break to end the quarter put NSW in front 17-10 at the first break.

Strong drives to the basket and an increase in defensive intensity kept the momentum with NSW for the start of the second quarter. A sneaky inside move between Eliza-Jane Loader and Bree Delaney sparked the NSW crowd and increased the lead to 11. However fast ball movement and dominant defensive boards from Mackenzie Clinch-Hoycard cut the lead back to 3. The increase in intensity saw WA with 5 team fouls again giving NSW opportunity on the foul line. At half time NSW were back out a 10 point lead.

Another strong move under the basket by Clinch-Hoycard and a three-pointer by Georgia Denehey quickly hard the margin cut to 4 and NSW already at 4 team fouls after only two minutes of play. A three-pointer by Alexandra Gorman settled the NSW team and maintained their lead. Bree Delaney worked hard on both ends of the court with Cassidy Anderson answering her at the other end. A three-quarter time buzzer beater by Clinch-Hoycard cut the margin to 1 going into the final quarter.

NSW took control to start the final term and had the lead back out to 6 after three minutes of play. Once again WA brought it back to three point margin before a 3 point shot by Kristen Vrcelj shot it back out to 6. Once again Clinch-Hoycard had the answer. WA would not give up and were relentless until the end. Bonus foul shots increased the margin out to 10 for NSW but WA would not go away disappointed with that effort.

 

Game 42

Men Pool A: Qld North (92) v Vic Country (55)

Vic Country continuing to take outside shots in the first quarter lead to a 17-10 deficit.

With Harrison Froling patrolling the paint for Qld North, penetration drives were hard to come by in the first half. Point guard Ethan Betts hit a 3 pointer and dished 4 assists to give Qld North a 42-32 lead over Vic Country at the half.

Qld North continued dominance in the third, capitalising on second chance points and Vic Country’s in ability to secure defensive rebounds. To kill any momentum Vic Country may have had going into the fourth, centre Harrison Froling hit a turnaround fade away buzzer beauty 3 to end the third.

Qld went on to win 92-55.

Stats Leaders: –

Qld North:

• William McDowell-White: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
• Harrison Froling: 16 points, 12 rebounds
• Ethan Betts: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Vic Country:

• Samuel Short: 12 points, 7 rebounds
• Marko Vekic: 10 points, 4 rebounds
• Samuel Whelan: 9 points, 3 assists

 

Game 43

Women Pool A: Tasmania (71) v ACT (52)

After a tight start to the contest Tasmania were able to impose themselves on the contest thanks to 13 first quarter points to Rebecca Abel.

ACT were again able to start the quarter strong but Tasmania were able to add 2 points to their lead by the end of the half.

ACT were able to halve the three quarter trailing by 21 points. This proved to be too great a margin for ACT to reel in as Tasmania enjoyed a 19 point victory.

Stat Leaders –

Tasmania:

• Rebecca Abel: 23 points, 3 assists
• Ellie Collins: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
• Lauren Mills-Norton: 8 points

ACT:

• Lindsay Annabelle: 22 points, 13 rebounds
• Callie Bourne: 10 points
• Nadezda Dorsoski: 8 points

 

Game 44

Men Pool A: Tasmania (91) v NT (63)

Both teams started with enthusiasm and intensity. Tasmania were able to shoot out to a six point early lead before NT found their game and scores drew within 1 point halfway through the term. The bigger bodies of Tasmania had it back out to a 6-point margin a minute later. Tasmanian bonus shots on the line helped to extent the margin. NT’s Matthew Haniford was busy on inside the paint helping to keep his team in touch. A buzzer beater at the quarter time by NT’s Ted Love cut the margin to 4.

A 3-point play by Matteo Rowse kicked of the second quarter but two quick Tasmania 3 pointers followed and the margin was back out to 7 after a minute of play. Matteo Rowse was causing Tasmania headaches with his speed and shot accuracy, along with clean defence. Tasmania were finding him hard to contain which resulted in them putting NT into the bonus. The size of Tasmania was hard for NT to match up on under the basket and the lead at half time reflected that with Tasmania leading 54-34.

Continued ball movement and inside height meant Tasmania continued their dominance of the game. NT’s Steven Sing was pulling down some strong boards against bigger bodies. Tasmania were playing a strong game across the board not allowing NT to make any progress on the scoreboard.

Tasmania’s Nicholas Barker was a strong force under the basket at both ends of the court in the fourth quarter. Brayden Bently showed great speed across the court and was able to influence plays. The margin remained around the 20 point mark throughout the final quarter until the last two minutes of the game. The NT team continued their intensity and saw the game out to the end. Coach Tania Dhu did a great job keeping the boys in the spirit of the game.

Stats Leaders –

Tasmania:

• Bailey Boag: 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
• Brady Armstrong: 15 points, 5 assists, 6 steals
• Nicholas Barker: 14 points, 9 rebounds

NT:

• Matteo Rowse: 39 points, 3 assists
• Marcus Totham: 8 points, 2 rebounds
• Ted Love: 6 points, 5 rebounds