U18’S & Kevin Coombs cup recap – Day 7

Written by volunteers of Ballarat Basketball

Game 99

Men Pool AA: SA Country (92) v NT (31)

The first game of the second-last day had both teams taking a little time to get into action, however it was SA Country who cleared the cobwebs first and raced quickly to a 22-9 lead at quarter time.

They surged again in the second term spreading the ball between many hands to isolate a shooter who then had the time to load and shoot accurately.  By three quarter time the game was in safe keeping as the margin had extended to over 50 points.

NT continued to run the ball with spirit and endeavour, but the SA boys had too many guns when it mattered and went on to record a runaway victory.

Stat Leaders – 

SA Country:

• Brad Rathjen: 28 points, 4 assists
• Lachlan Knibbs: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
• Aidan Schultz: 10 points, 3 assists

Northern Territory:

• Matteo Rowse: 11 points, 5 rebounds
• Henry Callander: 8 points, 2 assists

 

Game 100 

Women Pool AA: Qld North (54) v ACT (53)

Qld North started poorly against the ACT girls with far too many turnovers and they struggled on the boards against their taller opponents.  Despite this the team re-grouped, dug deep and led by a single point at half time.

ACT responded with a zone after the long break and also tried man on man defence in an attempt to unsettle the Queenslanders, but to no avail, early in the quarter as the gap went out to 9.  But then something clicked with the ACT girls and it was back to a one point game at the final break.

The final quarter had five lead changes with both teams giving their all.  In the final frantic seconds, with Qld North in front by one they missed a shot and ACT had a chance to steal the win, but their shot missed as well, giving the Queenslanders a stirring victory.

Stat Leaders –

Qld North:

• Sara Storeshaw: 14 points, 3 rebounds
• Cassia McCaskill: 10 points, 4 rebounds
• Brianna Bailey: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists

ACT:

• Callie Bourne: 16 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists
• Annabelle Lindsay: 15 points, 8 rebounds
• Alana Dalgleish: 8 points, 7 rebounds

 

Game 101

Kevin Coombs Cup: NSW A (35) v Western Australia (73)

It was a close contest early, with Western Australia first to score. Andrew Dewberry and Amber Merritt were the main scorers for the WA side. At the quarter time break Western Australia led 29 to NSW’s 0.

NSW scored 6 points early but WA found their way to the hoop. Throughout the quarter NSW only managed to make 5 out of 22 whereas WA had scored 21 out of 35 points. Both sides had 15 rebounds, with NSW making 6 of their shots from rebounds. NSW were able to score most of their shots from the key – 4 of their points going to Catherine Nelson, who was NSW’s leading scorer at that point in the game.

The third quarter saw a more even contest, with the scores at three quarter time being NSW 26 – WA 50.

Throughout the fourth quarter the WA defence had been good and they were able to take the win for the game – final scores NSW 35 and WA 73.

Stat Leaders –

NSW A:

• Georgia Munro-Cook: 20 points, 12 rebounds
• Coban Palmer: 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

WA:

• Amber Merritt: 31 points, 12 rebounds
• Andrew Dewberry: 18 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds
• Jake Kavanagh: 14 points, 8 rebounds

 

Game 102

Kevin Coombs Cup: Qld Roaring (17) v NSW B (48)

It was a close contest towards the beginning of the game with Qld scoring the first goal however NSW’s Clarence McCarthy-Grogan was able to score two goals in a row to take the lead away. Hannah Dodd played well throughout the game as her team was able to display their dominance. Qld struggled to score, making it to a total of 10 points at the half time break.

Both teams missed a lot of easy shots, not capitalising on their opportunities.

In the end NSW was too strong for Qld furthering their lead to taking out the win.

Stat Leaders –

Qld Roaring:

• Natalie Palmer: 6 points, 5 rebounds
• Georgia Bishop-Cash: 5 points, 5 rebounds

NSW B:

• Hannah Dodd: 16 points, 12 rebounds
• Frank Dushimirimana: 14 points, 4 rebounds
• Clarence Grogan: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals

 

Game 103

Kevin Coombs Cup: Victoria (40) v Qld Rolling Thunder (65)

The Thunder got off to a clear start with quick ball movement and had a handy 9 point advantage at half time.  By contrast the Vics were struggling in offence and were beaten a number of times by the shot clock.

During the second term, Victoria began to find the range and Qld began to fumble a little so that at the main break there was only 3 between the sides, with Qld still in front.

But it was in the third term that the Thunder stamped their authority on the game, through better teamwork and points in the paint.

As the game wound down, the Thunder also found their long-range shots, while Victoria had their best quarter and gave a number of their bench players some experience.

Stats Leaders –

Victoria:

• Brian Carminati: 15 points, 5 rebounds
• Jayden Clark: 14 points, 10 rebounds

Qld Rolling Thunder:

• Jake Fulwood: 22 points, 8 rebounds
• Steven Elliott: 16 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists
• Thomas Holland: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists

 

Game 104

Women Pool AA: NT (44) v Tasmania (54)

After a long hard week of basketball, both teams found it hard to get going in this game, and it was not till mid-way during the first quarter that Tasmania began to get their systems working and went into the huddle leading by 9 at quarter time.

For the remainder of the game it was Tasmania’s superior shooting percentages and their strength on the boards which enabled them to stay in front and hold NT at bay. Tasmania’s Lauren Mills-Brown was the stand-out player in the game.

Stats Leaders –

NT:

• Kahlee Stanislaus: 12 points, 3 rebounds
• Rachel Park: 7 points, 3 rebounds
• Bonny Illingworth: 7 points, 5 rebounds

Tasmania:

• Lauren Mills-Norton: 13 points, 13 rebounds
• Ellie Collins: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists

 

Game 105

Pool AA: Qld South (52) v Tasmania (79)

A depleted Qld South outfit had to face off against Tasmania, who were itching for another win, and they sensed their opportunity and went hard from the outset.  Their pace and bench advantage began to stretch the Queenslanders early and at quarter time they led 20-9.

The gap only grew by 2 at the end of the first half thanks in part to some heavy work being done by Qld S’s Tom Fullarton on the boards, but it was now very much on the cards that Tasmania were going to over-run their opponents in the second half.

This was indeed the case as Brady Armstrong and Emmitt Smith continued to shoot accurately and Tasmania went on to record a strong victory.  All spectators understood the trials and tribulations that had beset the Queenslanders this week and were appreciative of their fighting performance regardless.

Stats Leaders –

Qld South:

• Riley Martin: 14 points, 7 rebounds
• Jack Williams: 14 points, 2 blocks
• Thomas Haines: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals

Tasmania:

• Brady Armstrong: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals
• Emmitt Smith: 15 points, 3 rebounds
• Bailey Boag: 13 points, 4 rebounds

 

Game 106

Women Semi Final: NSW Metro (52) v SA Country (81)

Whilst both teams approached this semi-final contest with real vigour and the defensive skills and rebounding were evident from both teams, it was SA who gained the scoring breaks when the opportunities arose and had a handy lead at quarter time 28-10.

And they didn’t let up in the second quarter, with Chelsea Brook and Hannah Stewart leading the way with 11 points each at the main break and SA Country were on their way, ahead now by 25 points.

The NSW Metro girls tried to bridge the gap in the third term and for a time it looked promising as they hit a couple of triples, but the intensity of the SA Country defence and the well drilled offensive plays meant they remained in control and managed the game on their terms all the way to the end.

SA Country will be a real threat come the Gold Medal game.

Stats Leaders –

NSW Metro:

• Kristen Vrcelj: 11 points, 5 rebounds
• Bree Delaney: 7 points, 7 rebounds

SA Country:

• Chelsea Brook: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
• Hannah Stewart: 13 points, 3 rebounds
• Rachel Hines: 9 points, 6 assists, 3 steals

 

Game 107

Men Classification 5-8: WA Metro (63) v Vic Country (62)

This match was played with a ferocity which hopefully all medal games will be played at and entertained the large supporter group immensely.

Vic Country thanks to Thomas Pupavac, who scored 12 first quarter points at 100%, gained an early advantage and a buzzer-beater from Sam Short put the Vics in front.

WA Metro were controlling the boards and looked threatening especially through Lachlan Evans, but again the Vics came back late in the half to take a 4 point advantage into the sheds.

WA Metro began to fire as the second half got underway, taking advantage of a rising number of Vic Country turnovers, but could not break away from the tenacious locals who on the back of an Oliver Bidmade dunk headed into the final quarter in front.

It was tense throughout the last quarter and everything was happening including an injury time-out when three WA players collided while scrambling for a loose ball.  When the final siren was heard above the raucous crowd WA were in front by a single point.  A great game all round.

Stats Leaders –

WA Metro:

• Lachlan Evans: 23 points, 6 rebounds
• Corey Shervill: 11 points, 7 rebounds
• Cooper Hamilton: 9 points, 3 rebounds

Vic Country:

• Thomas Pupavac: 12 points, 3 rebounds
• Jordan O’Leary: 11 points
• Tanner Blackney-Noter: 10 points, 4 rebounds

 

Game 108

Women Classification 5-8: NSW Country (51) v Vic Country (90)

An even start to this game was short lived as Vic Country were able to go on an 8-point run to give themselves some breathing space. This lead was the difference in the quarter as Vic Country took a 7-point lead into the first quarter break.

The first five minutes of the quarter were again tight before Vic Country were able to go on a 13-point run to cement themselves as the superior team. Their run was eventually stopped in the final seconds of the half as Charlie Evans from NSW Country was able to make a free throw.

In the third quarter NSW Country were able to prevent any scoring runs from Vic Country but struggled to put consecutive baskets together themselves. NSW Country showed some of their best basketball and gave their travelling supporters something to get excited about. Unfortunately, for NSW Country, they were overrun in the last quarter and were unable to contain Genna Ogier’s scoring or Chantel-Anais Horvat or Chloe Bibby on the rebounds. Vic Country took away the win 90-51.

Stats Leaders –

NSW Country:

• Prue Walsh: 14 points, 3 rebounds
• Abbey George: 6 points, 8 rebounds
• Rachael Williams: 6 points, 2 assists

Vic Country:

• Genna Ogier: 24 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
• Chantelle-Anais Horvat: 19 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists
• Chloe Bibby: 14 points, 11 rebounds

 

Game 109

Men Semi Final: Vic Metro (61) v NSW Country (74)

This semi–final had an electrifying feel all around Court 1 and the large an boisterous crowd were treated to an extremely fast paced game with NSW Country working very strongly at both ends of the court to hold a slender 4 point advantage at quarter time in a low scoring affair o this point.

NSW’s Angus Glover was inspirational in a number of plays while for the Vics Ovie Magbegor had to be rested as he chalked up a number of fouls.  As a result, NSW Country went into the long break ahead by 7, but no-one had written Vic Metro off yet.

But as the third term got under way it was apparent that not much was changing for the Vics and Glover continued to be dangerous for NSW Country.  While Gabriel Hadley was working at keeping Vic Metro in the game, the last quarter began with his team 15 points behind.

The 4^th term saw players finding more open space and the scoring rate increased for both teams, but in the end it was the dominant defensive and rebounding performance from NSW Country that put Vic Metro back to an unaccustomed Bronze Medal play-off.  NSW Country are now looming large.

Stats Leaders –

VIC Metro:

• Gabrielle Hadley: 23 points, 4 rebounds
• Lachlan Signal: 16 points, 5 rebounds

NSW Country:

• Angus Glover: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals
• Myles Cherry: 16 points, 11 rebounds
• Makuach Maluach: 14 points, 14 rebounds

 

Game 110

Women Classification 5-8: Qld South (74 ) v WA Metro (43)

Qld South dominated the first quarter on the back of 12-0 run and maintained that advantage at the first break.  And it continued into the second term when the gap ballooned out to 30 points.

WA Metro upped the tempo in the third term and increased their defensive efforts to narrowly win the quarter but they were too far behind to make any impression on the overall result.

Qld South finished off the game in fine style, and deserved the opportunity to play off for 5^th on the final day.

Stats Leaders –

Qld South:

• Carleigh Patrick: 15 points, 9 rebounds
• Jameson McMullen: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals
• Zatina Aoukuso: 11 points, 13 rebounds

WA Metro:

• Amy Atwell: 13 points, 13 rebounds
• Mia Satie: 10 points, 12 rebounds

 

Game 111

Men Classification 5-8: SA Metro (73) v ACT (62)

This game had the opportunity to play for 5^th position at stake and both teams went at it from the start and in a tight and tense first quarter the ACT edged to a one point lead.

However SA Metro gained the advantage in the second quarter as Jacob Rigoni began to stamp his influence on the game, assisting his team to a 6 point lead at the main break.

The game was still open for the taking but SA Metro made it theirs in the third term, as Brett Hanks hit the boards regularly and Rigoni went further on his way, eventually scoring a game high 33 points to seal victory for his team.

The ACT boys won the last quarter but the damage had been done, SA Metro can now set their sights on 5^th place.

Stats Leaders –

SA Metro:

• Jacob Rigoni: 33 points, 8 rebounds
• Brent Hank: 8 points, 9 rebounds
• Chuo Luk: 8 points, 6 rebounds

ACT:

• James Toohey: 15 points, 9 rebounds
• Jarrod Phillips: 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
• William Cooper: 10 points, 3 rebounds

 

Game 112

Women Semi Final: Vic Metro (82) v SA Metro (62)

Vic Metro came out of the blocks quickly, with an 8-0 start in the first three minutes. In this time it was Anneli Maley showing her skill, scoring two nice layups. However a long 3-pointer from SA’s Tahlia Fejo brought the game back to 10 points, as the quarter time buzzer sounded.

Vic Metro dominated the quarter, with tall timber Eziyoda Magbegor and Anneli Maley proving too much for SA to handle with their all round play.

Vic Metro started off strongly again, showing some great teamwork through passing, getting 3 simple buckets from passes inside – Monique Andriuolo getting on the end of two of these passes.

A big early 3-point-shot from SA’s Bianca Thacker brings it to 17 points. Vic held off a valiant last quarter effort from SA with solid all round play and an array of different contributors.

Stats Leaders –

Vic Metro:

• Monique Andriuolo: 24 points, 7 rebounds
• Anneli Maley: 13 points, 23 rebounds, 4 assists
• Eziyoda Magbegor: 10 points, 12 rebounds

SA Metro:

• Nicola Mathews: 18 points, 2 rebounds
• Tahlia Fejo: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
• Hannah Leemann: 10 points, 1 assist

 

Game 113

Kevin Coombs Cup Semi Final: WA (70) v NSW B (52)

WA got ahead early in this contest racing to a 12-2 lead by causing turnovers on their defensive end. From that point NSW B was able to make a few adjustments and hold their own until the end of the quarter keeping the margin at 10 going into the first break.

The second quarter began tight with NSW B unable to get back any of the deficit on the scoreboard.  A scoring run of 16 helped WA to extend their lead to 25 at the half. Small fouls were seeing NSW B players needing to be conservative or risk being fouled out.

The third quarter was again tight but WA were able to build on their lead and the contest was all but over going into the last.

WA attempted to lock down Clarence McCarthy-Grogan in the fourth quarter but NSW B was able to find other scoring options to reduce the margin. Frank Dushimirimana’s work on the offensive glass lead to second chance points for NSW B but it was still not enough, eventually going down 70-52.

Stats Leaders –

WA:

• Amber Merritt: 34 points, 18 rebounds
• Jake Kavanagh: 17 points, 8 rebounds
• Sarah Vinci: 9 points, 4 assists, 4 steals

NSW B:

• Frank Dushimirimana: 23 points, 12 rebounds
• Clarence Grogan: 18 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists
• Georgia Inglis: 9 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists

 

Game 114

Men Pool AA: WA Country (62) defeated  SA Country (58)

This was a game where rarely was there more than a handful of points between the two sides and often it was just 2 or 3.

SA Country made the early running and their nose was in front at the first beak, but it was all tied up at half time. Shaun King was proving hard to stop for WA Country, while Travis Durnin was proving very effective on the boards.

The third quarter was the decisive one in the end, but that was not apparent at the final break, as the 6-point lead to WA Country was anything but certain. However it forced SA Country to play catch up and although Brad Rathjen and Harrison Mills kept urging their team on, they fell short by 4 in the end.

Stats Leaders –

WA Country:

• Shaun King: 19 points, 4 assists
• Travis Durnin: 11 points, 11 rebounds
• Taj Fleming: 11 points, 8 rebounds

SA Country:

• Brad Rathjen: 13 points, 4 assists
• Lachlan Knibbs: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
• Lawson Munzberg: 8 points, 10 rebounds

 

Game 115

Men Semi Final: Qld North (64) v NSW Metro (74)

Harrison Froling from Queensland got the game off to a fast start, hitting two 3-pointers and backing down for an easy bucket – a 16 to 11 lead at four minutes. Very high standard of basketball was being playing early on in the game, with two centres leading the way (Harrison Froling for Qld and Deng Gak for NSW Metro).

In the second quarter it was Ciaron Fitzgerald for NSW with a quick move to the basket, along with the ‘And One’ play, rousing the mostly NSW supporting crowd.

William McDowell-White seemed to be involved in everything for his team, scoring, setting up teammates and making solid defensive plays.

NSW came out on a mission early in the third quarter, scoring two quick 3’s and Gak registering a huge block on a Qld opponent. Scores tied at 50 all with 2:50 minutes to go of the third, interesting watching both teams defence. NSW with a zone and Qld on man-to-man – both very effective.

Thoroughly enjoyable start to the fourth quarter with both teams trading buckets, highlights including McDowell-White’s triple and a run-down bucket from NSW. Qld North played valiantly but in the end NSW Metro proved just too hard to handle.

Stats Leaders –

Qld North:

• Harrison Froling: 23 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists
• William McDowell-White: 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists

NSW Metro:

• Deng Gak: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks
• Brennan Rymer: 12 points, 3 rebounds
• Dragan Elkaz: 10 points,

 

Game 116

Kevin Coombs Cup Semi Final: Qld Rolling Thunder (64) v Victoria (42)

Victoria started the game strong jumping out to a 12-3 lead. Rebounding was the key to getting more shots on offense. Victoria linked up well to finish the quarter 16 to 9.

Queensland turned the tables in the second quarter with Steven Elliot putting in more effort on the defensive end putting pressure on the Victorian scorers. Qld finished the half 29 points to 22.

Last quarter and Qld had all the momentum. Victoria tried but couldn’t convert on the offensive end. A late serge led by the Victorian captain Maxx Darby, but it was all too late as Queensland won 64-42

Stats Leaders –

Qld Rolling Thunder:

• Jake Fulwood: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
• Benjamin Grice: 14 points, 7 rebounds
• Steven Elliot: 13 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds

Victoria:

• Jayden Clark: 13 points, 13 rebounds, 4 steals
• Maxx Darby: 11 points, 5 rebounds

 

Game 117

Women Pool AA: WA Country (58) v Qld North (60)

This game came to life when WA Country opened the scoring with a 6-0 run and it appeared that they might be on a roll, but Qld North got into action and after tieing up the scores twice in the quarter, managed to sneak in front by 2 at the end of the first quarter.

Initially scoring was tight in the second term, but gradually Cassady Anderson from WA Country broke the shackles and collected 14 points by half time to keep her team in the game, because at the other end Qld North found an avenue to the basket through Sara Storeshaw.  Her actions had her team in front by 5 at the main break.

The third term was a ripper with Qld North getting ahead by as much as 8, but steadily WA Country clawed their way back, hit the front with 3mins to play and surged to lead by 6 with one quarter to play.  Anderson was in everything.

WA Country held a match winning lead up until the 6-minute mark of the final term, but Storeshaw for Qld North had other ideas and with 3 minutes to play they were in front and held on for a close win.

Stats Leaders –

WA Country:

• Cassidy Anderson: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists
• Mackenzie Clinch-Hoycard: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assits

Qld North:

• Sara Storeshaw: 23 points, 2 rebounds
• Briana Bailey: 11 points, 3 rebounds
• Alana Fraser: 10 points, 4 rebounds