Posted on 9 July, 2011

NSW METRO MEN V SA COUNTRY MEN.

In the opening game on Hugh McMenamin Court this morning last years Under 16 Australian Junior Champions NSW Metro Men defeated SA Country Men after a strong display in the second half, 70-48.

Both sides began the game strongly with NSW Metro edging out SA Country Men to take a one point lead into the second quarter, the second quarter was much of the same however SA Country could not get the points on the board going into the half time break trailing by seven points.

The third quarter saw last year’s champions, NSW Metro come into their own shooting 22 points to seven to take a commanding 22 point lead going into the final change. SA Country Men were unable to cut back the margin in the last going down by 22 points.

Thon Maker (13pts, 10 rbds) was the best for NSW Metro Men; he was well supported by Jaden Weldon (12pts) and Kai Healy (4pts, 13rbds).  Austin Munzberg with nine points and eight rebounds did his best for SA Metro in their defeat.

NSW Metro Men take on Tasmania Men on court 6 tip-off is 1pm, SA Country Men are up against NT Men on Court 5 tip-off is 11.30am.

WA METRO MEN v NT MEN

The tournament opener on court 6 of the Under 16 National Championships was the men’s match between Western Australia Metro and the Northern Territory. WA Metro controlled the contest from the very beginning, racing to a 10-0 lead before the first timeout. The WA defence was proving solid, and Roberts was the key playmaker early on. Northern Territory began to hit the scoreboard, but the Metro hunger for the ball and fluid ball movement from defence resulted in an 18 point buffer at the end of the 1st quarter.

WA Metro outscored NT by 21 points in the 2nd quarter to build a 55-16 lead. Vague’s presence was worrying NT and he led the scoring with 15, whilst Hey had 3assists to go with his 10points.  WA Metro had 8 more rebounds and led 13-0 in turnovers.

A more resolute Northern Territory appeared after having regrouped at the half, but they were still unable to stem the bleeding, still trailing 76-22. Pado (WA Metro) was the standout player of the quarter, the highlight being a powerful rejection to go along with his offensive efforts. The 4th quarter was the most competitive of the game, Metro winning it by 8 points to eventually win 97-35.

For Northern Territory the standout player was Hagan with 8points, whose tireless efforts never waned, whilst his teammates Drescher and Fatt scored 8points apiece also. For WA Metro Vague (15points) and Broderick (13points and 3 assists) led the scoring, whilst Beard’s 4 steals were telling. Most costly for Northern Territory were the 30more turnovers it produced and its 25% free throw efficiency, whilst WA Metro had a 57% free throw efficiency and scored 27-2points off turnovers.

WA Metro Men take on QLD South Men on court 1 tip-off is 11.00am, while NT Men are up against SA Country Men on Court 5 tip-off is 11.30am.

QLD SOUTH WOMEN V NZ WOMEN

After being runners up in last year’s championships QLD South Women were out to go one better in 2011, they came up against a NZ women’s team who was not going to be pushed aside, in the end the match came down to the wire with QLD South getting over the line by two, 49-47.

Neither side could be separated in the first quarter with scores all tied up at 11 apiece at the end of the first quarter. New Zealand made the most of their opportunities in the second to take a slender four point lead into the half time break.

The game continued in New Zealand’s favour in the first five minutes of the third quarter before QLD South outscored them eight to four in the final five minutes to take a four point lead in to the last quarter.

New Zealand did their best to take it up to QLD South but could not take back the lead falling agonisingly short of a first round win here at Kilsyth Sports Centre.

Kristy Wallace was outstanding for QLD South with 16 points and eight rebounds while for New Zealand Tessa Boagni dominated with 16 boards and six points.

QLD South Women take on NSW Country Women on court 1 tip-off is 5pm; while NZ Women take on SA Metro at 7pm on Court one.

VIC COUNTRY Women V ACT WOMEN

The ACT Women began the tournament against Victoria Country on court 6, and at the end of a tight first quarter Victoria Country led 20-9. Pearce (Vic Country) led the way with 7 points for the quarter, whilst Lodding had 5 rebounds for the ACT Women and teammate Polyak made her presence felt with 5points.

Vic Country entered the half leading 38-17 after a competitive 2nd quarter, and both sides had 23 rebounds apiece for the half. The main difference for the half was Vic Country’s 12 less turnovers and 8 more steals to highlight a powerful defensive performance. Vic Country’s aggression was providing it with many opportunities to score, and it took advantage of its height advantage, with Danni Pearce in particular playing an outstanding half to dominate with 14points, 3 steals and 2 assists. For ACT, Renee Polyak’s leadership in marshalling her side was notable, and she led the way with 5points.

Brooke Bolton of Vic Country was busy early in the 3rd quarter, whilst her team continued to play a strong all round game. Vic Country led 62-19 at the end of the third quarter. After allowing Vic Country to dictate the flow of play in the previous quarter, ACT was intent upon creating more opportunities in the final quarter, which they did, however Vic Country’s response was to lift their game another notch. Elizabeth Werry in particular provided an impetus in defence, including an outstanding effort to deny Ashleigh Stevens.

Vic Country eventually defeated their opponents by a commanding 62points, 88-26. Danni Pearce finished with 24points, 4 rebounds and 6 steals, however it was the ability of every member of the team to contribute that was most impressive, as the 21more assists than their opponent illustrates. Renee Duffey finished lead scorer for the ACT with 7 points to go with her 3 steals, whilst Rebecca Lee’s all round game was notable. Vic Country’s 24-0 points off turnovers and ability to maintain possession and reduce turnovers (ACT had 49 to Vic Country’s 20), played a huge part in where the game was won and lost.

VIC Country Women take on NZ Women on court 5 tip-off is 9.30am, while ACT Women take on NSW Country Women at 9am on Court one.

 SA METRO WOMEN V WA COUNTRY WOMEN

SA metro and WA country seem evenly matched at this point in the game. WA dominated the opening of the game before SA took control and seemed to break the game open. It was goal for goal at the end of the quarter with WA’s Ducas and Dugan are dominating whilst SA’s Calvert seems to have the answers for WA’s scoring.

Second quarter starts slowly with goals being few and far between. Both teams fouled heavily beneath the ring but a lack of conversion from both teams kept the scores close. WA blew the game wide open due to great shooting from McDonald whilst SA found goal scorers from all across their bench. The half ended with WA sitting comfortably in front by 14 points.

SA dominated the third quarter closing the difference to a 4 point game. SA seemed to have all the ball with WA barely making a dent on the scoreboard. SA’s Wells was the standout of the quarter scoring from all over the court and influencing all the play that mattered. At the other end of the floor WA’s McKay kept them in front by scoring goals when the flow of play was against them and Ducas going down with an ankle injury but reappearing later.

The fourth quarter was not the end for these two teams with plenty of shots being scored and the game being tied when the buzzer sounded. A very tired WA found goal scorers from all across their bench but they could not stop what proved to be a powerhouse in SA’s Lappin.

Overtime was played to decide the match and it was just as intense as the rest of the match with the game going right to the line with both teams scoring non-stop. WA had a combination of goal scorers but SA just got over the line with an incredible performance from Lappin.

Tomorrow sees SA Metro Women take on NZ Women on court one, tip-off is at 7pm, WA Country Women tip-off at 9am on court 6 against QLD South, followed by a 7pm game on court six against VIC Country Women.

VIC Country Men v TAS MEN

A great performance from Tasmania saw them come away with a 28 point win over the highly fancied VIC Country Men, 88-60.

VIC Country managed to slip ahead by one point at the end of the first quarter however they could not maintain the lead with Tasmania pulling away in the final five minutes of the second to take a 13 point lead into half time.

The second half was all Tasmania as they continued to extend their half time lead; VIC Country could only manage three points in the final term as they went down by 28.

Tasmania Men shared the scoring with Kai Woodfall (11pts), Cullum Barker (10pts, 7rbds), Joe Chilcott (12pts, 10rbds), Kyle Clark (13pts, 8rbds) and Tanner Krebs (12pts) all making double figures. Lukas Webb top scored for VIC Country with 17 points.

Tomorrow sees Tasmania take on NSW Metro Men on court six, tip-off is at 1pm, VIC Country tip-off at 5pm on court six against QLD North Men.

 SA COUNTRY WOMEN V NT WOMEN

South Australia Country opened their campaign in the Under 16 National Championships with a 47 point victory. The Northern Territory side had early possession but it was South Australia Country who opened the scoring, racing to 12-0 lead before Northern territory opened their account. SA Country led 18-8 at the end of 1st quarter.

The early deficit proved difficult to reduce, and South Australia Country was beginning to control the contest; Samantha Lubcke’s consistency in layups continually a threat, whilst the cool head of Brianna Walters to deliver to her teammates and adjust the game tempo was instrumental. Northern Territory battled hard but went into halftime down 40-23, with scoring efficiency an area to be addressed.

At the start of the third quarter Northern territory tried their best to assert themselves on the contest more forcefully and changed tactic to have deeper shots, but much like in the first half, South Australia Country seemed to have the answers. The efforts of Kelli Sealy and Emma Carbone to reignite the Northern Territory was impressive, however NT just couldn’t quite produce the sort of fluency and space South Australia Country achieved, and the deficit increased to 31, the score 67-36 leading into the final quarter.

The contest seemingly over, South Australia Country approached the final quarter as they had the previous three, building a score of 90 to 43 to down their opposition. Walters again proved a catalyst, inflicting several turnovers, whilst her teammates continued to share the ball around well in attack, and covered any holes in defence.

Each member of the SA Country side played their role, whilst Northern Territory’s willingness to keep their heads up and keep competing meant the game stayed interesting till the final whistle, Josephine Guthridge of Northern Territory and opposition player Georgia Green were both heavily involved for their respective sides in the final quarter.

SA Country Women have the day off while NT Women take on VIC Metro Women at 11am on Court six.

NSW COUNTRY MEN V WA COUNTRY MEN

The end of the first quarter did not show any signs of hope for Country WA with Country NSW leading them by 25 points.  NSW’s Bateup was dominant early and continued his form late in the quarter. WA looked for Ness to be the answer to all their struggles but NSW picked up on this and has paid close attention to him all quarter.

The second quarter didn’t get any better for WA with NSW leading at the break by 30 points.

WA found some form in the second with shots being made and scores being counted. It was a standout quarter for WA’s Kelly but it was equally as good for NSW’s Bagaric and Bateup who made an impact where it matters the most.

Another dominant quarter from country NSW with the boys extending their lead even further. NSW’s Bateup had a standout performance making the most of the shots he took. For WA things started to improve but the strength of NSW proved too much for the boys from the west with the exception of England who played excellently.

The fourth quarter did not differ from the quarters played prior to it. NSW continued to dominate and WA continued to struggle and yet still score. NSW’s Cincurak played a dominant quarter both on the score board and the floor while WA’s Keller saw more of the ball and used it more effectively. Country NSW proved the better team beating Country WA 85 – 44

WA Country return tomorrow to face another huge challenge against VIC Metro, tip-off is at 5pm on court 6, while NSW Country faces QLD North on Court six at 3pm.

NSW METRO WOMEN V TASMANIA WOMEN

Eighteen points from Madelon Pringle was not enough to get Tasmania over the line against NSW Metro Women, going down by 13 points, 71-58.

NSW Metro got the upper hand in the opening five minutes of the match and Tasmania could not pull back the margin going into the quarter time break six points down. A dominant 20-4 third quarter from NSW Metro saw them jump out to a commanding 26 lead over Tasmania. The Tassie girls managed a much better last quarter cutting NSW Metros lead in half but it was too little too late.

An even spread of scorers form NSW Metro ensured them the win with Taylor Johnson (12pts), Madeline Cox (12pts) and Dru Toleafoa (10pts) top scoring.

NSW Metro Women face QLD North Women; tip-off is at 1.30pm on court 5, while Tasmania faces WA Metro on Court one at 1.00pm.

VIC METRO WOMEN V QLD NORTH WOMEN

First quarter was close with Vic Metro just pulling out in front. QLD north showed lots of fight and will prove to be a challenge for the local girls.

At the half Vic metro led 38 – 16 with a convincing performance in the second. The only concern for Vic metro was a possible ankle injury to Pineau but it seems that it was merely sore as she reappeared in the second half but QLD north doesn’t have an answer to Victoria’s scoring powers. Very much a collective effort from both teams but the majority of scoring came from Lucas for Vic and a variety of scorers for QLD North

The third quarter was just as tense as the first half with the girls really coming out to win. QLD north put up a fight but couldn’t seem to find an answer for the scoring problems with Froling doing most of the shooting.  Vic metro enjoyed even more baskets with most of them coming from Lucas and Hill. The ball spent much of the quarter travelling from end to end in the hands of QLD’s Wood and Vic’s Theodore and Hill

Vic metro completed a dominant game in the same style that the majority of the game was played in.

The ball was fast moving and shared around for both teams with Rider and Hill controlling the tempo once again. QLD played well and continued to score and pressure Vic for possession. Wood and Mugridge were persistent in chasing the ball and never gave up. The only downside for the locals in their 23 point win over the Nth QLD team is that their foul count was worryingly high and may cause them problems later in the competition.

VIC Metro Women face WA Country Women; tip-off is at 5pm on court 6, while QLD North faces NSW Metro on Court five at 1.30pm.

SA METRO MEN V QLD NORTH MEN

A high scoring last quarter saw an eight point win to SA Metro Men over QLD North, 81-73. QLD North Men made all the play in the first quarter taking a six point buffer into the first change, however a revved up SA Metro side came out after quarter time to square up the ledger 34 apiece come half time.

The third quarter was most certainly one of the most intense seen at Kilsyth Sports Centre on day one with both teams doing their best to break away from the other, but it was to no avail with scores still locked up at the end of the third quarter 55 all.

It was not until the final five minutes of the game that SA Metro managed to pull away and lock down the eight point win. Benjamin Rennie was fantastic for SA Metro with 26 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals; he was well supported by Sam White (14pts, 6rbds), Brett Turner (16pts) and Oliver Megins (10pts, 13rbds). Trent Myles was QLD North’s top scorer with 19 points.

SA Metro Men face ACT Men; tip-off is at 3pm on court 1, while QLD North faces NSW Country on Court 6 at 3.00pm.

VIC METRO MEN V NZ MEN

Vic Metro has opened their national’s campaign with a comprehensive 26-point win over New Zealand. Vic Metro led at every change and proved why they should be looked at as one of the tournament favourites.

Marcus Deleur top scored for Metro with 15 points and was assisted by Ben Simmons who had 14 points and eight rebounds. Jaylen Gerrand top scored for New Zealand 15 points.

The host side stamped their authority on the game early, netting the first six points and grabbing countless offensive rebounds to give themselves every opportunity to score from every possession. Defensively, New Zealand was pressured on every corner of the floor metro, giving them an advantage of 22-6 at the first change.

After the short break, New Zealand looked the fresher team. The boys from across the Tasman started to find their mid-range shot through Gerrand and brought the lead into 11 points. This was much to the delight of the New Zealand crowd who began to get vocal from the sidelines.

At this point, Vic Metro’s depth was tested; centre Reece McKenzie limped to the sidelines holding his leg, and took no further part in the game.

However, from a quick fire four points from Simmons, some crafty field goals from Deleur and sharp shooting from beyond the arc by guard Tim Harmer, the Vic Metro boys found their rhythm and increased their half-time lead to 24 points.

At the start of the second half the visitors began to run the floor with great intensity, creating more looks at the basket from transition. New Zealand’s Darnell James-Shadrock hit seven points and Neihana John Tapiki hit one from beyond the three-point line to close the gap to less than 20 points. However, Vic Metro held their structure, ran their plays, and found ways to stamp their authority in the paint to keep the lead beyond 20 at three quarter time.

After winning the third quarter, New Zealand changed their defence in the last, in a bid to try and cut the lead back even further. This created an end-to-end style of game between the two sides and therefore increased turnovers and opportunities to score. Vic Metro’s Simmons was once again pivotal at the offensive end, getting to the line three times in the first five minutes. This set the tone for how Vic Metro finished the game: at a high intensity, running out winners 81-55.

VIC Metro face WA Country Men on Court six, tip-off is 5pm, while NZ Men have the day off!!!