Central ABL Round 10 - Novosel leads Sabres to end Flames hot streak
Please enjoy a quick wrap up of the South Australian Central ABL Round 10 action. The hottest news in the CABL this week is in the Women's side of the League, with the Sturt Sabres ending the Norwood Flames win streak at 31 in a row.
South Adelaide Panthers v Forestville Eagles
Women’s: South Adelaide Panthers 97 – 83 Forestville Eagles
South Adelaide has put on a dominant performance, taking out perennial finals contender Forestville by 14 points, in a true four quarter effort that consolidates their intentions for Season 2014.
The Eagles woes continue, as they struggle to find the consistency that has been a staple of their game in years gone by. Jade Johnson (22 points on 10/10 FT) was the Eagles best scorer on the night, however she also struggled from the field going 5 of 17, and 2 of 9 from deep. Morgan Yaeger (19 points and 8 rebounds) proved her value in her foul limited 24 minutes of play. Tara Robinson racked up a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds as Forestville struggled to contain the Panthers defensively, giving up 42 free throws and a whopping 28 fouls for the game.
The Panthers have been bolstered by the return of three US college players, as their bench now resembles a team that will be able to compete come August. Star point Jess Mahony (21 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists) and import Janae Howard (26 points and 9 rebounds) were exceptional, going a combined 13 of 28 from the field, and 20 of 26 from the line. The Panthers new-ins Ashleigh Spencer came off the bench to register 19 points and 4 rebounds, and Ieva Nagy was efficient, scoring 10 points in 11 minutes.
South’s biggest weakness this year has been their bench, however with the inclusion on Spencer, Nagy, and Cunningham, they look poised to make a run.
South sit in 4th position, two games ahead of the 7th placed Eagles.
Men’s: South Adelaide Panthers 91 – 77 Forestville Eagles
The Panther men have rebounded from their recent form slump, downing the out of sorts and in danger of missing finals, Forestville, by 14 points.
Forestville are having their worst season in recent memory, and with no ace up the sleeve to bring in NBL players, if the Eagles continue this level of play they will miss playing finals ball for the first time, in a long time. Bucket maker Jake Rios again had an impressive stat line of 36 points, and also grabbed 6 rebounds, however this was done on 13-30 from the field. The Eagles were foul prone, notching up 31 fouls for the game, with starter Trent Fildes having 11 points and 9 rebounds but fouling out in 20 minutes of play. The Eagles were terrible from the charity stripe, converting 16 of 31 free throws, which could have proved the difference in what was a relatively tight game otherwise.
The Panther men needed this win to put their season back on track, and winning against an experienced Eagles side shows how far they have come in 12 months. Bradley Reid is the biggest reason for the Panthers revival, and he had a monster game with 21 points and 20 rebounds. Efficient production from Jordan Robertson (17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists) and Tom McKenzie (15 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists) helped to support the inside work of Reid. The Panthers managed to get the line 39 times for the game, and out-rebounded the Eagles by 10, converting 19 second chance points.
The Panthers sit in 6th place tied with 5th but behind on percentage, and the Eagles sit one game back in 7th.
Norwood Flames v Sturt Sabres
Women’s: Norwood Flames 87 – 88 Sturt Sabres
The Sabres have put a halt to the Flames 31 game win streak, managing to stop the Flames in overtime. Natalie Novosel hit the go ahead bucket with 17 seconds left, and the Flames had two opportunities to steal the game, however both Cara Boothey and Amy Lewis couldn’t convert in the dying seconds.
Credit: Photo Credit: Tanya Fielding Photography
Now I don’t want to take anything away from the Sabres, however Norwood were missing their best player in Jess Foley, in what could be a tactical move for if and when these teams meet in August. Foley will have the defensive assignment when they re-match, and this scouting opportunity may work wonders for the defending champions.
The Flames were led by Amy Lewis (25 points, 4 rebound and 4 assists) who has been their most consistent performer this year, whilst captain Cara Boothey had 24 points at 63%. Fellow starters Kelsey Ireland and Jess Good had 22 points combined; however they could only convert at 7 of 27 from the field. The Flames dominated the paint with a +12 point advantage, scored 14 points to 4 off turnovers, and 14 points to 2 in second chance points, however they could only manage 3 from 13 attempts from deep, which proved to be significant.
Sturt would be elated over breaking the Flames streak, but a lot must be said for the inclusion of star player Natalie Novosel, and the incredible impact she has had for the Sabres. Novosel finished the game with 34 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, going 43% from the field. Sturt also found production from Hannah Richard (15 points and 7 rebounds), Lucy Spalding (15 points and 4 rebounds @ 60%) and Caroline Burgess (11 points and 4 rebounds). The Sabres will have a much tougher test come August with a full strength Flames outfit, however if the Sabres can continue to develop around Novosel, and if Angela Marino comes into the squad with a positive impact, they can certainly challenge Norwood for the title.
Norwood still sit on top of the ladder with the one loss, whilst the Sabres are in 3rd and two games behind.
Men’s: Norwood Flames 89 – 59 Sturt Sabres
The Flames men are on fire, impressively finishing the dangerous Sabres team, taking home a big 30-point win.
Sturt have looked very good this season when playing at their best, but also pretty average when playing at their worst. Round 10 was close to their worst. The Sabres shot a miserable 28% from the field, coughed up 20 points from turnovers, and couldn’t defend the paint on route to 40 points given up.
Import Dexter Moore will need to take a shooters mentality to this game, and that is some nights the rock just doesn’t drop. Moore finished with 3 of 21 from the field, for 12 points. Only Jordan Heading the only other Sabres in double figures, finishing with 13 points on 4 of 11. The Sabres struggled to contain the Flames defensively, giving up 39 free throws with 31 fouls for the game.
The Flames demonstrated a balanced attack, with 4 players in double figures, and all but 1 player registering a score. Bench player Matthew Long (19 points and 4 rebounds @ 75%) was the games top scorer, whilst fellow bench spark Daniel Webber (16 points and 7 rebounds) continues his impressive season. Starting forward Matthew Lycett was the Flames go to option, with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Considering the depth of the Flames, with a number of experienced veterans not needing big contribution to put together such an impressive win, is a daunting sign for the rest of the league.
The Flames sit in 3rd in percentage in a four way tie for top spot, whilst the Sabres sit in 5th two games back.
Central District Lions v Southern Tigers
Women’s: Central District Lions 61 – 82 Southern Tigers
The Tigers came out with a point to prove, that they are better than the bottom two sides in the league. A dominant first half saw the Tigers push out to a 23 point half time lead, however a horrid third period cut the lead back to 12, before a final quarter onslaught.
The Lions have struggled for all 400 minutes of this season so far, and look to struggle for the remaining 320. Three Lions players made double figures on the night with Brianna Wedding (11 points and 20 rebounds) their best on the night, and she was supported by Amy Onaca (11 points and 6 rebounds) and Aimee Herriman (13 points and 6 rebounds). Centrals played a well-rounded game, however their defence inside the paint let them down, as the Tigers bigs worked inside.
For Southern Kelsie Rutland (27 points and 6 rebounds) was the standout, with fellow centre Shayde Quintrell (18 points and 14 rebounds) putting on a dominant display. Lauren Fisher continues her rise as an up and coming point, with 12 assists, however had a shocking night from the field going 1 of 10. The Tigers put up solid numbers across the board, but against this level of competition it would have to be expected.
Southern sit in 8th place, three games ahead of the last placed Lions.
Men’s: Central District Lions 90 – 62 Southern Tigers
Centrals men hold the best win streak in the League after downing the Tigers by 28 at home. The Lions led from the first tip to the final siren, pouring on points in the first three quarters before cruising to an easy win.
The Tigers had trouble making buckets, only able to convert at 30% from the field and 17% from deep. The Lions ball movement was to efficient for the Tigers to stop, either leading to assists or fouls as the Lions cashed in from the line. Sam Johns (14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists) was Southerns top scorer and best on the night, with only Michael Florance (11 points and 4 rebounds) the only other player in double figures after fouling out in 18 minutes.
Centrals found ridiculously efficient production in veteran Matt Atkins who wound back the clock with 29 points on 7 of 8 three balls, and 7 rebounds in only 17 minutes of game time. The star duo of Kyle Miller (17 points and 9 assists) and Chris Clausen (11 points and 9 rebounds) were exceptional again, as it seems like the Lions have found their key to success.
The Lions are in the four way tie for top spot, currently sitting 4th, and the Tigers on a four game slide sit in 8th place.
North Adelaide Rockets v Woodville Warriors
Women’s: North Adelaide Rockets 69 – 78 Woodville Warriors
The Warriors women have upset title bridesmaid favourites North by 9 points, after a dominant third quarter effort putting away the tough Rockets side.
The Rockets didn’t have a bad night, however giving up 31 points from 20 turnovers was the main reason they lost the game. Captain Jo Hill (17 points and 9 rebounds) was down on her usual production and her 6 turnovers hurt them. Jamie-Lee Peris (17 points and 12 rebounds) was the Rockets best on the night, as she shot an efficient 64% from the field. But like Hill her 5 turnovers resulted in important buckets at the other end.
Woodville managed to pressure 10 steals for the game, but their defensive pressure forced another 11 indirect turnovers resulting in a plethora of points. Their dominance of 42 points inside the paint was too much for the Rockets to handle, and Peris and Hill were overcome with defensive options. Carmen Reynolds (28 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists) continues to be one of the best forwards in the league, whilst Kimberly Porplycia (17 points and 6 rebounds on 62%) gave a great option on offence, behind Katherine Perkas (18 points) who had foul trouble on the night.
Woodville sit 6th on percentage behind the 5th placed West, and North stay in 2nd place one game ahead of the Sabres.
Men’s: North Adelaide Rockets 67 – 80 Woodville Warriors
The Warriors continue to put their off-court drama behind them, as they used an impressive second half to put away the fledgling Rockets by 13 on the road.
Pero Vasiljevic (20 points and 8 rebounds) had a game that 12 months ago was just the norm, but for this season is a standout performance for the Rockets. North had 3 other players in double figures, with Daniel Goodluck (11 points), Tom Rowe (12 points and 5 rebounds) and John Wernham (17 points) all productive for the Rockets. North could only manage 6 points from turnovers and second chance points combined, as they let imperative opportunities slip past.
The Warriors had a balanced attack, if slightly underwhelming. They shot a reasonable 41% from the field, however struggled from deep going 3 of 22. Alexander Starling (17 points and 5 rebounds) again the standout, getting to the line regularly. Luke Stanbridge (14 points and 4 rebounds) continues to be a spark off the pine, whilst Darren Ng (13 points and 6 rebounds) had a difficult night with his shooting stroke, making only 1 of 8 from deep.
Woodville are back on top of the ladder, however only on percentage with the log jam behind them. North are down in 9th place, two games ahead of the last placed Mavericks.
Eastern Mavericks v West Adelaide Bearcats
Women’s: Eastern Mavericks 69 – 74 West Adelaide Bearcats
The Mavericks women pushed the in form Bearcats to the limit, however a slim first quarter defecit couldn’t be pegged back as Eastern went blow for blow with the resurgent West side.
Eastern found production from rebounding machine Emma Hooley, who finished with a game high 20 rebounds and 19 points at 54%. Amanda MacDermot had her best game of the year, putting up 10 points to go with 12 assists, whilst Shannon Tarran also had a good night out taking home 14 points and 9 rebounds. 24 turnovers really plagued the Mavericks as West converted 20 points from them.
West were led by their newest addition Anna Carbo, she put up 24 points and 10 rebounds at 53%. Three other players managed to get into double figures with Sky Langenbrinck (13 points and 7 rebounds), Kate Shierlaw (10 points and 6 rebounds) and Megan McLeod (10 points and 6 assists) all putting together productive games. West had a reasonable clip on the night, converting 40% from the field, however only 17% from deep.
West are now in the 5 on percentage ahead of the Warriors, as Eastern stay in 9th place, two games behind the Tigers.
Men’s: Eastern Mavericks 64 – 91 West Adelaide Bearcats
West Adelaide have put on a dominant display against the lowly Mavericks, stringing together 40 minutes of good hoops, and leading the entire way.
Eastern couldn’t find a go to player to make buckets, with point Curtis Scipio absent on the night. Dylan Shorne (13 points and 15 rebounds) was by far the Mavericks best on the night, with Darcy Aistrope (11 points) helpful on the offensive end. The Mavericks turnovers hurt them, with West cashing in with 26 easy points.
West Adelaide are looking to build toward finals, with star point Jason Dawson putting together another top notch game with 26 points in 31 minutes of play. Blake Truslove had a good night back after a week off, taking an easy 15 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes. Shooter Tristan Braithwaite also had 15 points and 5 rebounds. West managed to bully their way to the line for 33 attempts, however would like to improve on their long range percentage.
West sit second on percentage, whilst the Mavericks are in last place, two games behind the struggling Rockets.
For more information regarding the Central ABL, please visit their website, here.