Central ABL Round 17 - Flames Women Win Minor Premiership
With their Round 17 wins, the Norwood Flames women have taken out the Minor Premiership. The Woodville Warriors men have poised themselves to take out the Minor Premiership after drowning the hot Flames.
Eastern Mavericks v Forestville Eagles
Women’s: Eastern Mavericks 53 – 70 Forestville Eagles
The Mavericks have continued to push most sides this year, but continue to be unable to put together four quarters of winning Basketball. The Eagles held a 10 point lead at the main break, before putting the game away in the third as they cruised to a closer than desired win.
Eastern had trouble from the field, converting at only 26% for the game. Emma Hooley continues to be the clubs MVP for season 2014, securing another double double of 11 point and 10 rebounds. Samantha Lubcke worked hard for her 8 points and 10 rebounds as she converted at 33% from the field.
Forestville lent on key recruit Carla Borrego-Williams as they tune her up for finals action, as she finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Jade Johnson led all scorers with 16 points, whilst Samantha Defrancesco had an efficient game with 13 points and 8 rebounds.
The win has all but secured the Eagles their finals place, now one game ahead of the Bearcats and Warriors for 5th place. They hold the split against the Warriors, and are tied with the Bearcats on head to head points, however with a favourable 12% point advantage, as West face the notorious Flames this round. Eastern sit in 9th place, still hoping to get an upset win and hoping the Tigers lose to steal 8th place.
Men’s: Eastern Mavericks 84 – 118 Forestville Eagles
The Eagles have beaten the Mavericks in all four quarters en route to a 34 point win in the Hills.
The Mavericks struggled to contain the hot shooting Eagles, as their defence broke down, despite their offence clicking well. Curtis Scipio was the Mavericks best player, knocking down 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Dylan Shorne keeps adding value, with 12 points and 12 rebounds in 23 minutes of game time.
Forestville had multiple contributors, with Trent Fildes having another night out, taking home 24 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists at 64%. Veteran Brad Haydon landed 5 triples from 10 attempts, to finish with a game high 29 points. Brad Gerlach was a beast, finishing with 13 points and 16 rebounds with 4 steals and 3 assists in 26 minutes.
The Eagles have locked up 5th place with the win, now two games clear of the Sabres. Eastern remain in last place, tied with the Rockets on wins, and hoping to leap frog them in the final round of the season.
North Adelaide Rockets v South Adelaide Panthers
Women’s: North Adelaide Rockets 82 – 64 South Adelaide Panthers
The Rockets have put fellow contenders South on notice, letting the Panthers know that their form in Round 17 will not be good enough to compete come August. North won every period, in a game determined by defence, as the Rockets scored at a clip just over 10% better.
North veteran captain Jo Hill was the games top scorer with 21 points and 13 rebounds at 53% in only 29 minutes of game time, whilst centre Jamie-Lee Peris was dominant with 15 points and 12 rebounds in 26 minutes.
The Panthers struggled to convert from the field as no player saw more than 5 baskets for the game. Janae Howard pulled a double double of 13 points and 13 rebounds in a foul-interrupted 29 minutes. Ashleigh Spender had trouble against the crafty Peris, as she could only make 3 of 17 baskets and 7 rebounds in 22 minutes.
South have secured 4th place, unable to go up or down, and likely to face the Eagles in an elimination final. The Rockets are in 3rd place, and unlikely to move although they hold the split on the 2nd placed Sabres, the Sabres face Southern this week.
Men’s: North Adelaide Rockets 72 – 77 South Adelaide Panthers
North continue on their 9 game losing streak, second only to the Lions women in the entire CABL competition, as the Panthers downed them. South held a 17 point lead going into the last period, as the Rockets clawed their way back to dignity, as time expired on their hopes of another win this season.
Daniel Goodluck was the Rockets best with 20 points, whilst youth player Adam Schild had 6 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists, and veteran Luke Mapunda could only convert at 12.5% from the field for 9 points, but also grabbing 13 rebounds.
The Panthers would be ruing a missed opportunity this season, as their early form indicated a better result than what has evolved. Bradley Reid was welcomed back with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks whilst Tom McKenzie continues to play well in the back half of the year for 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists as he must be considering a longer pre-season next year. Jordan Robertson pulled in a double double of 19 points and 10 rebounds to go with 4 assists.
North stay in 9th place and may slip to last with a loss this round. South are in 7th place and are likely to see the season out here.
Norwood Flames v Woodville Warriors
Women’s: Norwood Flames 94 – 59 Woodville Warriors
The Flames women have pasted the Warriors as they make their run for another title. After a sluggish first period, the Flames turned up the heat pouring on 80 points in the next 3 periods. Norwood saw significant production at the line converting 29 of 32, and dominating the boards, assists and turnover stat lines.
Jess Good was the Flames best again with 21 points and 10 rebounds, whilst the versatile Amy Lewis had 19 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Cara Boothey was super efficient with 18 points at 83% from the field and 100% from three and the stripe.
Woodville saw their points come from the usual suspects of Katherine Perkas with 15 points in 18 minutes after fouling out. Carmen Reynolds had 23 points and 6 rebounds at 40%. With the rest of the side combining for 21 points at 27%.
Norwood have secured the minor premiership with the win, one game ahead and holding the split against the Sabres. Woodville’s finals hopes are done with the loss, one game behind the Eagles and behind on the split.
Credit: Photo Credit: Tanya Fielding Photography
Men’s: Norwood Flames 61 – 94 Woodville Warriors
The Warriors have ended the Flames streak, in devastating fashion, securing a 33 point win. Woodville were hot from the field, making 50% for the game and getting to the free throw line with regularity, as the Flames were unable to get their offence going.
Norwood found their production from Ian O’Boyle with a team high 17 points at 46%, and Matthew Lycett with 12 points and 6 rebounds however shooting at 33%. Daniel Webber was the only other player in double figures with 10 points in 19 minutes at 45%.
Woodville import Alexander Starling was the games best player, finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds as he shot at 62% on the night. Cam Wilson dominated opposite guard Todd Matthews, finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists as the two old boys went at it. Claybrin McMath was a spark off the bench with 12 points and 4 rebounds in a foul-interrupted 13 minutes.
The win all but gives Woodville the minor premiership, as the Flames stay in 2nd place behind them, relying on Warriors to drop a game to the Mavericks and for a tough win against the Bearcats.
Southern Tigers v West Adelaide Bearcats
Women’s: Southern Tigers 50 – 81 West Adelaide Bearcats
The Bearcats women have won in impressive fashion, clinging on to a slight hope of finals action, if the Eagles are to falter. West tore the Tigers apart in the first period, posting an 18 point lead after 10 minutes. After an horrific second period by both sides only scoring 8 points a piece, West fired back in the third for a further 13 point deficit as they cruised to the easy away win.
Southern’s Shayde Quintrell had 20 points and 8 rebounds at 66% as the games top scorer. Kaylee Biddell supported her well with 13 points and 11 rebounds as she forced a 29% clip from the field.
Michaela Lappin was the Bearcats best player with a huge double double of 16 points and 16 rebounds in 27 minutes. Skye Langenbrinck continues to play her role week after week, as she posted 17 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Import Anna Carbo had another quality game with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals in 26 minutes.
West are in 6th place, and need to beat the Flames this week and hope for an Eagles loss against the Rockets and a 12% swing to see finals action. The Tigers are in 8th place, and in danger of slipping to 9th with another loss and Maverick win.
Men’s: Southern Tigers 72 – 94 West Adelaide Bearcats
West have continued to tune their line up leading into finals, with a polished performance against the struggling Tigers. West shot an impressive 50% and outrebounded the Tigers, as well as throwing 10 more assists and forcing 8 more turnovers.
The Tigers had three players in double figures, with Michael Florence their best taking home 15 points and 4 rebounds, and Sam Johns with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Youth player Brandon Gleaves had his highest scoring league game with 10 points at 50% in 15 minutes.
The Bearcats were without Daniel Johnson, as big man Blake Truslove was given the minutes he deserves. Truslove scored 22 points and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes at 63%. Import guard Jason Dawson secured 22 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals in 29 minutes at 59%.
West are ahead of the Lions on percentage for 3rd place but behind on the split, so need a win against the Flames and Lions loss to the Panthers to secure a second chance. The Tigers are in 8th place, and will finish the season there.
Central District Lions v Sturt Sabres
Women’s: Central District Lions 49 – 98 Sturt Sabres
The Sabres have demolished the Lions, pushing Centrals one step closer to a winless season, whilst the Sabres require a win this round to secure second place.
Centrals found production from Demi Skinner in a solo effort of 20 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes at 61%. Aimee Herriman put up 8 points and 7 rebounds as the Lions next best.
Sturt found baskets from everywhere, with Natalie Novosel enjoying the casual run for 22 points and 12 rebounds at 56%. Hannah Richard had 18 points and 7 rebounds, Lucy Spalding had 16 points and 6 rebounds, and Angela Marino had 10 points and 7 assists, all relishing the level of competition.
Sturt are in 2nd place and can stay there with a win this week, whilst a loss may see them slide to 3rd place, but still facing the Rockets in a Round 1 qualifying final. The Lions have lost 17 straight, and are highly likely to finish the season winless.
Men’s: Central District Lions 86 – 75 Sturt Sabres
The Lions have ended the Sabres season, with an 11 point victory at home also securing them a top four finish.
Unfortunately there is no statistics available for this game, and as I wasn’t present I cannot provide a write up.
However the fight for the 3rd, 4th and 5th place is still up for grabs, and the difference between a double chance or elimination final.
West play Norwood, Centrals play South, and Forestville play North. The Eagles should beat the Rockets, however are behind on the split and even with a win won’t move from 5th. Centrals should beat the Panthers, and hold the split over the Bearcats. West have a tough game in the Flames, and need a Centrals loss to take 3rd place.
For more information regarding the Central ABL, please head to their website here.