Posted on 10 July, 2011

NSW COUNTRY WOMEN V ACT WOMEN.

The game was close at quarter time with few goals being scored but pressure is evident everywhere on the court.

NSW Country had the advantage at this point and they seemed to stick to the team structures to which they are accustomed. Through the collective effort of ACT they remained a threat to the girls from the bush.

The second quarter did not show any improvement for the ACT women with the margin blowing out to 21 points at the major break.  NSW Country continued to find goal scorers from all over the bench and found themselves at the line more frequently than the ACT would be proud of. Although the ACT may find their heavy fouling a problem later it indicates their desire to really pressure NSW Country.  

The third quarter was high paced and tense like all the quarter before it. NSW Country again outscored the ACT and widened the margin to 25 points. The ACT again fouled heavily but it was less severe than the previous quarter. NSW again found goals all across the key and their plays were cohesive and well executed.

At the final buzzer NSW Country had extended the margin to 33 points proving that they were too strong in a four quarter performance against ACT. The last quarter saw ACT foul less than the girls from the country which is a testament to the pressure which they can apply without fouling. NSW Country found goal scorers from all across their bench which could prove to be a threat to many other teams.

QLD SOUTH WOMEN V WA COUNTRY WOMEN.

It was a face paced game between QLD south and WA metro in which the east coast boys won 71 – 49. The first quarter saw the WA metro team leading QLD south by a close 5 points. WA showed accuracy in front of the ring and Cockman doing most of the damage. McVeigh proved the most dominant player for QLD south by doing the majority of rebound work and making a dent on the scoreboard as well.

The second quarter was a turnaround for QLD south as they outscored the WA men to lead at the major break by 16 points. WA fouled heavily through the quarter and only scored 4 points which allowed QLD south to take back control of the game with Morris having a standout quarter.

The third quarter played out like the second with QLD south dominating the floor. WA metro came back into the game but could not close the gap enough. Both teams had injuries with Roberts leaving the court for WA and Lomax benched for QLD.

The fourth quarter was where WA played no risk basketball; there was heavy fouling and plenty of 3 pointers. Justin Beard had an exceptional last quarter while Hey came off in the last minute with an ankle injury. The scoring slowed for QLD south with O’Sullivan and Ringholt doing the most damage and closing the game with a 22 point win against the boys from the west.

VIC COUNTRY WOMEN V NZ  WOMEN.

Vic Country has won their second game on the trot, defeating New Zealand to the tune of 28 points.

In a tough and physical encounter that had numerous momentum swings throughout the game, it was country that withstood the pressure – leading at every quarter and eventually coming away with the win.

Vic Country jumped out of the blocks early, catching New Zealand off guard as they led 16 points to 0 after the first four minutes. The girls from across the Tasman could barely hold possession of the ball through country’s sheer dominance on the defensive end of the floor – ultimately creating many transition and fast break points from the Victorian girls. And when Molly Greetham and Danni Pearce linked up to score with 10 seconds left, this depicted the high intensity Country had played the first quarter at, leading it 26 points to eight.

New Zealand began the second quarter in a two-three-zone defence for two possessions, and created open looks for their shooters at the offensive end. As Aaliyah Ah Kiong and Pene Bishop-Paenga nailed consecutive three point shots, the New Zealand girls were up and about. Vic Country held strong though, continuously looking for sharp shooters Annie Blackburn and Pearce for avenues to score. However, a well-constructed 7-0 scoring run to New Zealand towards the end of the second quarter, bringing the lead into 15 – game on.

After the break, Vic Country lifted their intensity, causing shot clock and back court violations to increase their time in possession and decreasing New Zealand’s ability to score. Country also made an increased presence inside the key, became vocal on the defensive end and led at the last change by 19 points.

Timely three pointers to Elizabeth Werry and Blackburn in the last quarter gave Vic Country a lead that was unattainable by New Zealand, and eventually ran away winners 69-41.

Blackburn and Pearce were equal top scorers for Vic Country with 18 points each, and Kasey Burton was a large contributor on the glass with 12 rebounds. For New Zealand, Ah Kiong and Charlotte Elley scored eight points each.

QLD SOUTH MEN V WA METRO MEN.

It was a face paced game between QLD south and WA metro in which the east coast boys won 71 – 49. The first quarter saw the WA metro team leading QLD south by a close 5 points. WA showed accuracy in front of the ring and Cockman doing most of the damage. McVeigh proved the most dominant player for QLD south by doing the majority of rebound work and making a dent on the scoreboard as well.

The second quarter was a turnaround for QLD south as they outscored the WA men to lead at the major break by 16 points. WA fouled heavily through the quarter and only scored 4 points which allowed QLD south to take back control of the game with Morris having a standout quarter.

The third quarter played out like the second with QLD south dominating the floor. WA metro came back into the game but could not close the gap enough. Both teams had injuries with Roberts leaving the court for WA and Lomax benched for QLD.

The fourth quarter was where WA played no risk basketball, there was heavy fouling and plenty of three pointers. Justin Beard has an exceptional last quarter while Hey came off in the last minute with an ankle injury. The scoring slowed for QLD South with O’Sullivan and Ringholt doing the most damage, closing the game with a 22 point win against the boys from the west.

VIC METRO WOMEN V NT WOMEN.

Championship favourites VIC Metro Women cruised to a win over NT Women, 91-25. VIC Metro led at every change and dominated the paint scoring 56-4. NT Women did their best to remain competitive but the 2010 Under 16 Junior Champions did not give an inch as they ran away with a 66 point win. VIC Metro’s Amanda Meinking came off the bench to display an all-round performance and top score with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Emily Rider (11pts, 10rbds) also managed the double-double for the game. For NT Kelli Sealy was the top scorer with nine points.

SA COUNTRY MEN V NT  MEN.

SA Country has impressed in its second game of the tournament, defeating Northern Territory by 49 points this afternoon.

Kane De Witt had 14 points and seven rebounds for Country and Brad Wright and Austin Munzberg contributed solidly with 13 points each.  Lance Schmidt was a lone hand in Northern Territory’s efforts, accumulating 13 points, five rebounds and five steals.

In a tight and tense opening quarter, neither side could gain the ascendency over the other. Northern Territory mixed it up on the defensive end, running a press and man-to-man combination but it was Country’s ability to score from a variety of avenues, which gave them a slender 23-15 lead at the first change.

Northern Territory was also in the wars; both Sean Grazoli (cut above eye) and Michael Hagan (ankle) were early casualties in the first quarter and played no further part in the game.

After the quarter time break, SA Country came out all guns blazing. The team piled on 21 points to ten for the quarter on the back of some classy defensive efforts, restricting the Northern Territory to take most of their second quarter possession in the back court. Country’s willingness to work for each other on the defensive end and the energy they displayed both on the bench and the court was a credit to their team structure and attitude. As a result, SA Country led 54-25 at the main break.

The third quarter saw one of the best quarters a team has displayed in the tournament so far. SA Country outscored NT 20 points to one, and had their opponents on the back foot every time they held the ball. Led by De Witt, SA Country displayed a high intensity of team basketball; where the side didn’t stop working on court. An indication of the dominance showed when Northern Territory was only able to register their first point of the quarter with 32.9 seconds left. This effort gave SA Country a well-deserved three quarter time break, leading 74-26.

The last quarter was evenly contested by both sides, with Northern Territory giving it their all.  It was a credit to the Northern Territory, and particularly to Schmidt, who never gave up as he continuously fed the ball into the post and created opportunities for his side to score. However, Country was well and truly home and hosed, and ran out winners 85-36.

WA METRO  WOMEN V TAS WOMEN.

In a game that Tasmania dominated from the second quarter till the end Tasmania was the victor, beating WA 50 – 67. The first quarter was full of pressure and quick ball movement from both teams however Tasmania managed to make an impact on the scoreboard which gave them a 13 point lead. WA metro showed great ball skills and Pirini dominated the scoring with 7 points. At the other end of the floor Pringle was dominant with 7 points.

The second quarter showed improvement from the WA camp with more goals being scored however the gap leading into the break was 18 points. A positive for WA is that Payne found herself in foul trouble with 4 at the half which could see her taking a less hands on position in the second half.

The third quarter was very much an end to end quarter. The ball didn’t find the basket as often but was being carried to the basket over and over. WA managed to limit the effect that Tasmania had on the scoreboard but could not stop Howe from scoring.

The fourth saw WA cut the margin closer but it wasn’t enough as Tasmania ended the game 17 points up. Howe again scored heavily and the positive for WA was that they caused Tasmania to foul so heavily that Payne was fouled off within minutes of coming back on the court. WA also had Keays and Pitcher sidelined in the fourth due to fouls. 

NSW METRO MEN V TAS  MEN.

Tasmania has maintained its unbeaten start to the Under 16 National Championships with a 52-56 win over NSW Metro. The lead fluctuated throughout the game and neither side ever gained a commanding lead, however the last quarter belonged to Tasmania, its desperation and efficiency killing off a gallant NSW Metro side.

The 1^st quarter was a sign of things to come, with NSW Metro leading 12-7 at the break. The second quarter was just as captivating as the first; any time NSW Metro increased their lead, Tasmania would respond. At halftime the score read 27-25 NSW Metro’s way. Metro’s Kai Healy was exerting his influence on the contest with 7 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists for the half, whilst Tasmania was sharing the scoring, 4 players each scoring 5 points for the half, Kai Woodfall being a key playmaker in their attacking forays.

Tasmania opened the scoring in the 3^rd quarter to take the lead, increasing its scoring efficiency, however NSW Metro answered to the challenge to snatch a 2point lead; 41-39. The last quarter looked destined to come down to the wire after the determined Tasmania drew level early in the quarter, however NSW Metro head coach Sam Gruggen was forced to call timeout to avoid his team getting overran after the deficit was increased to 6 points.

The desperation of the Tasmanian team was evident as they chased, harassed and spread with a regularity that troubled the Metro side. The tension in the last minute built as NSW Metro controlled possession in its attacking area, however a free throw to Tasmania with 14.4 seconds left to increase the margin back to 5 points put the margin just out of reach of a gallant NSW Metro side, who finished ended up losing by 4.

Tasmania’s shooting efficiency in the end told the difference, with 34% field goal conversions to their opponent’s 28%, and 10 more rebounds playing a part in the second half. Tasmanian Tanner Krebs scored 14 points to go with his 8 rebounds, as Kyle Chark, a key player in the final quarter, had 12 rebounds and 10 points. Metro’s Kai Healy finished with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists, his 203cm teammate Thon maker also playing a large role in the game with 17 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 assists and 8 points.

ACT MEN V SA METRO  MEN.

In a fast paced game with little fouling the ACT managed to secure a win against the SA metro men in a 61 – 51 win.

The first quarter was full of 3 pointers and end to end ball movement. SA metro had 6 three pointers to stay in the game and Habraken made sure the baskets were flowing with a 6 point contribution. SA metro led by 9 points at the end of the quarter.

The second quarter saw ACT take control of the game and stop the scoring of the SA metro men. Habraken top scored again and aided the ACT in gaining a 7 point lead. It was not all bad news for SA with ACT fouling more often.

In the third quarter saw the lead extend to 20 points for ACT. The scores came from all across the bench for the ACT and Rennie top scoring for SA metro. There was no great change in the tempo of the game and the ACT set themselves up for a comfortable win.

The last quarter saw SA outscore the ACT but not enough to win the game. Again accuracy from the 3 point line aided SA in scoring but a consistent performance from Dufelmeier stopped the South from rising. 

NSW METRO WOMEN V QLD NORTH  WOMEN.

New South Wales Metro has prevailed in a tight and tense encounter against Queensland North this afternoon.

Despite trailing early in the first quarter, Metro controlled the game from start to finish and withstood Queensland’s pressure, right till the final second.

Tahlia Tupaea top scored for Metro with 26 points and added seven steals, six assists and four blocks and Emily Potts assisted her with 14 points. Alicia Frolling was the top scorer for Queensland North with 19.

A seesawing opening quarter saw many lead changes. Frolling was pivotal in the point’s column, netting 11 out of the first 19 for Queensland. Both teams appeared to be evenly matched offensively and defensively, but the difference was Tupaea, whose three point shot and steal at the end of the first quarter gave NSW Metro a handy 21-15 lead.

QLD North never looked like dropping off the pace set by NSW in the second quarter.  The QLD girls took the game on and started to reward themselves on the scoreboard by pegging back the lead through ball movement and pace on the floor.  However, NSW Metro held firm and took a four point lead into the half.

QLD North came out with an aggressive 3-2 zone, to try and counteract the great shooting display by Tupaea and Potts. NSW also found themselves in early foul trouble by collecting three in the first four minutes. However, Metro’s pressure at the defensive end kept them in the game. Metro consistently forced Queensland to take rushed shots at the final two seconds of their 24 and their boxing out on every defensive possession prevented any chance of second chance opportunities for Queensland. This ensured they led 51-39 at the final change.

Despite the score line, Queensland still remained in the contest right through the last quarter. NSW found themselves in foul trouble with four minutes to go in the quarter. Queensland continued to cut the lead and with a minute left in the game were within three. However, a timely three point shot to Brittnee Sewell and composed free throw shooting ensured NSW Metro prevailed with a 65-59 victory.

NSW COUNTRY MEN V QLD NORTH  MEN.

NSW Country have defeated Queensland North in their second match of the 2011 U 16 National Championships 83-51.

Looking to gain their first win of the campaign, Queensland battled hard but the first half cost them. The first quarter began evenly with the teams mostly level, however in the latter stages NSW Country clicked into gear to gain a 12 point lead at quarter time. They had 14points in the paint to Queensland’s 4, the score at quarter time 21-9.

The boys from the Sunshine State were unable to quell NSW Country in defence, as they continually found space in attack, assembling a 20 point lead before Queensland North regrouped with a timeout midway through the second quarter. The lead continued to grow, extending to 29 points at half-time as Matthew Bateup (11 points and 5 rebounds) and Nicholas Bagaric (6 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks) played key roles in their side’s charge. A 3-point buzzer beater from Luke McGuire on the stroke of half time capped a controlling first half by NSW Country.

The second-half was much more even, however the damage had been done early, so despite the best efforts of Queensland North they were unable to truly ignite the contest. They started the 3^rd quarter much stronger, Trent Myles and Marshall Ware kick-starting a mini-revival, however NSW Country had the fortitude to re-group and once again build on their lead, entering three-quarter time 71-32. The final quarter belonged to Queensland North as they won it by 7 points, reducing the final margin to 32.

They will be hoping they carry their form from the second half of this match into their next game. NSW Country will be proud of their efforts, particularly their 59-34 rebounds. Jacob Cincurak led the scoring with 19 points, and teammate Nicholas Bagaric had 8 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. Trent Myles and Marshall Ware were among the best for Queensland North.

QLD SOUTH WOMEN V NSW COUNTRY WOMEN.

The NSW country women defeated QLD south by a very intense 11 points with a close last quarter and the buzzer sounding with QLD south 56 to NSW country 45.

The first quarter was dominant for NSW with scorers coming from all across the bench. Wallace and O’Brien top scored for QLD and helped them remain competitive through the first. In the second NSW extended their lead to 10 points with Dick scoring all quarter to cause problems for QLD. QLD continued to find scorers but their biggest problem was the NSW cheer squad which resembled an Indian cricket cheer squad at times.

After the break things didn’t change and NSW continued to dominate. QLD found few scoring opportunities but Lennan and Wallace managed to keep a fleeting hope alive. NSW was dominant and had a range of scorers even though Doorn was making the biggest impact on the score.

The last quarter saw NSW ease off in terms of pressure and allowed QLD to get back into the game. QLD South’s Tusa seemed to be everywhere in the last quarter and aided QLD in closing the gap to just 11 points at the final buzzer. At the other end of the floor Farrah-Seaton was hitting shots from all over the key.

VIC METRO MEN V WA COUNTRY MEN.

VIC Metro has defeated WA Country 94-32 on day two of the Australian U16 National Championships.

The 1^st quarter was a close affair, VIC Metro finishing strongly to claim a 6 point buffer (16-10), with Victorian Marek Toman a constant threat with 8 points. Things did not go to plan for WA Country in the 2^nd quarter, as VIC Metro asserted themselves  on the contest to lead by 22 (42-20). William McSweeney of WA Country was unfortunately forced from the court with an ankle injury. Victorian Ben Simmons provided some early highlights, including a spectacular dunk, as his teammates Marek Toman and Reece McKenzie drove the side forward for the half.

WA Country would have been pleased to be leading the turnovers for the half 16-9, however they would have been disappointed to note that they had not scored off of turnovers, whilst their opponent had done so 12 times. They would also need to prevent the rebounding power of VIC Metro in the second half if they were to reduce the deficit.

In the 3^rd quarter VIC Metro was simply unstoppable, piling on 34 points to their opponent’s 8 to build a match-winning lead of 48 at three-quarter time. One of the many highlights of the term was a big block from Marcus Deleur that wowed his teammates.

Despite facing defeat in the 4^th quarter, WA Country battled on, Jacob Ness fighting hard and William McSweeney returning from his injury to play out the match. The final margin was 62 points, as VIC Metro had an astonishing 56-6 points in the paint, 32-4 assists and more than double their opponent’s rebounds.

 Metro’s Mark Toman had a dominating game with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks, and teammate Jayden Hawkes had 18 points. For WA Country, Chad Simpson led the scoring (7points) and Joseph Myatt was a presence with 4 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.

SA METRO WOMEN V NZ WOMEN

The internationals proved their worth with a 13 point victory over the SA metro women with the buzzer sounding with the scores sitting at 55 – 68.

The first quarter saw a close contest between the two teams.  For New Zealand Ah Kiong was dominant with the only 3 for the quarter and helped her team gain a 3 point lead. SA had many positives as Young and Hatchard were persistent in front of goal.

At the major break New Zealand had a convincing 11 point lead in what proved to be a dominant quarter for them. It was not all bad news for SA however as Young proved herself lethal in front of goal and Wells indispensable on the floor. New Zealand played well and Fotu proved to be a defensive and offensive threat.

The third quarter was close with New Zealand maintaining their lead but not doing any further damage. Young and Luders were the most influential players for SA but the ability of New Zealand to find goal scorers from all across their bench allowed them all but seal the game.

The last quarter saw pressure being intensified from SA and matched New Zealand’s scoring. Luders was easily the most influential player for SA scoring a whopping  12 points however SA also saw Calvert fall awkwardly on her ankle and she sat out the rest of the match. New Zealand sealed their win with scoring coming predominantly from Ah Kiong and Fotu.

VIC COUNTRY WOMEN V WA COUNTRY WOMEN

VIC Country has responded to the challenge thrown down to them by WA Country, winning73-52 in their clash on day two of the tournament. Rachel Antoniadou the scoring with 26points, while Annie Blackburn (13 points) was impressive. WA Country played with plenty of spirit but their 5 more turnovers and 8 less steals proved costly.

Annie Ducas opened the scoring for early WA Country before VIC Country scored consecutively to reach the midway point of the quarter 8-2. The lead remained the same however it was WA Country who finished the quarter stronger, going into the break 20-12. With a vocal supporter base the girls from West Australia came out firing at the start of the 2^nd quarter, but VIC country responded, restoring their lead to enter the half-time break 14 points up (39-25) thanks to the exceptional work of Rachel Antoniadou (19 points for the half). The crowd was well and truly involved in this match, and a spirited half from both sides had supporters waiting for the 3^rd quarter with anticipation.

The third quarter began in earnest with both sides opening their accounts for the half quickly, however the work of Annie Blackburn was helping VIC Country stretch their lead. WA Country responded well however, working hard and taking full advantage of free throw opportunities, but the deficit had grown to 21 despite their best efforts.

The ability of VIC Country to steal and rebound had served them well all day and they continued to do so in the last quarter. The defensive efforts of Danni Pearce in particular were causing turnovers and impacting the attacking ability of WA Country. West Australian Tori Duigan (18 points and 3 assists) was sterling in her efforts all day, as was the rest of her team.

Photos are courtesy of Kangaroo Photos.

Photo 1 – ACT Rebecca Lee

Photo 2 – SA Country Men Brad Wright

Photo 3 – QLD South Men Marcus Holmquist-Pollock