Recap of latest State Leagues games

There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The biggest surprise took place in Perth where host Senators (3-1) beat league's leader Wanneroo (4-1) 88-76 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Wanneroo. Senators forced 22 Wanneroo turnovers. American guard Justin King (196-89, college: TRU) fired 24 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized South Sudanese guard Wani Swaka (196-1) chipped in 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. American power forward Lee Roberts (201-87, college: Findlay, OH) produced a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Senators have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Rockingham F. and Lakeside L. Wanneroo at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Cent.Coast C.. Wanneroo will play next round against Magic trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Senators will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Giants in Kalgoorlie.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Hawks as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Wanneroo) loss. Hawks smashed 11th ranked Magic in Floreat 89-57. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Matthew Leary (190-0, college: Knox) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 6 rebounds. Ben Purser contributed with 19 points for the winners. Forward Tom Atkinson (198-98) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists for Magic. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Hawks (5-1) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Magic at the other side dropped to the twelfth place with four games lost. They share the position with Kalamunda E.S.. Magic will play next round against strong Wanneroo trying to get back on the winning streak. Hawks will try to continue on its current victory against eleventh ranked Slammers at Bunbury.
Undefeated Flames (3-1) recorded its first loss in Kalgoorlie on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by eighth ranked Giants (2-2) 82-69. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Flames. Worth to mention a great performance of Majier Garang who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 17 rebounds. At the losing side Jackson Hussey responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Giants moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Willetton T. Loser Flames keep the fourth position with one game lost. They share it with Warwick S. and Lakeside L.. Giants will meet higher ranked Senators (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Flames will play against Lightning in North Lake and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very interesting game took place in Willetton. It ended with only two-point home defeat of 6th ranked Tigers (2-2) to second ranked Hawks (5-1) 96-94 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tigers. The winners were led by Ben Purser who scored that evening 22 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Hawks have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Tigers at the other side dropped to the seventh place with two games lost. Hawks' next round opponent will be Slammers (#11) in Bunbury and are hoping to win another game. Tigers will play at home against Giants (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Lightning (3-1) against thirteenth ranked Cougars (1-3) on Saturday night. Visiting Lightning was defeated by Cougars in a tough game in Hamilton Hill 81-85. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Lightning. Luke Travers fired a double-double by scoring 20 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Cougars left bottom position moving up to tenth place, which they share with SW Slammers. Loser Lightning dropped to the fourth position with one game lost. Cougars will face higher ranked Eagles (#9) in Morley in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Lightning will play on the road against Suns (#12) in Kalamunda and hope to win that game.

Rest of the games of round 4 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
East Perth E. were defeated by Perth R. in Northbridge 95-78. Perth R. beat Geraldton B. at home 86-85. Geraldton B. lost to Kalamunda E.S. on the opponent's court 75-85. East Perth E. managed to outperform SW Slammers in a home game 82-69. Kalamunda E.S. recorded a loss to Joondalup W. on the road 80-76.
The best stats of 4th round was 26 points and 8 rebounds by Jesse Hunt of Geraldton B..

Group WCC

Willetton T. - Perry Lakes H. 94-96

A very interesting game took place in Willetton. It ended with only two-point home defeat of 6th ranked Tigers (2-2) to second ranked Hawks (5-1) 96-94 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tigers. Hawks forced 19 Tigers turnovers. 25 personal fouls committed by Tigers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The winners were led by the former international forward Ben Purser (200-90, college: Augusta) who scored that evening 22 points and 9 rebounds and swingman Cooper Hamilton (192-98) supported him with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Five Hawks players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 22 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists by naturalized British forward Lewis Thomas (203-92, college: WOU) did not help to save the game for Tigers. Guard Andrew Black (190-93) added 20 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Hawks have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Tigers at the other side dropped to the seventh place with two games lost. Hawks' next round opponent will be Slammers (#11) in Bunbury and are hoping to win another game. Tigers will play at home against Giants (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Perry Lakes H.: B.Purser 22+9reb+3ast, C.Hamilton 21+8reb+3ast, R.Smith 12+4reb+5ast, R.Cassir 11+10reb+3ast, M.Clarke 10+6reb+1ast, M.Leary 8+1reb+2ast
Willetton T.: L.Thomas 22+16reb+7ast, A.Black 20+7reb+3ast, D.Scott 18+3reb+1ast, H.Noordhoek 8+8reb+2ast, H.Dylan 7+1reb+1ast, S.Elder 6+3reb+1ast

Perry Lakes H. - Mandurah M. 89-57

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Hawks as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Wanneroo) loss. Hawks smashed 11th ranked Magic in Floreat 89-57. Hawks players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Matthew Leary (190-0, college: Knox) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 6 rebounds. The former international forward Ben Purser (200-90, college: Augusta) contributed with 19 points for the winners. Four Hawks players scored in double figures. Forward Tom Atkinson (198-98) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and Aaron Kearing added 14 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for Magic. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Hawks (5-1) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Magic at the other side dropped to the twelfth place with four games lost. They share the position with Kalamunda E.S.. Magic will play next round against strong Wanneroo trying to get back on the winning streak. Hawks will try to continue on its current victory against eleventh ranked Slammers at Bunbury.
Top scorers:
Perry Lakes H.: M.Leary 20+6reb, B.Purser 19+4reb+1ast, B.Cole-Heath 13+4reb+2ast, C.Hamilton 10+5reb+1ast, M.Clarke 9+3reb+6ast, I.Harry 8+2reb
Mandurah M.: A.Tom 17+15reb+4ast, A.Kearing 14+11reb+3ast, H.Josh 11+3reb, W.Isaiah 5+1reb+1ast, C.Kyle 4+1reb, C.Simpson 2+4reb

Warwick S. - Joondalup W. 88-76

The biggest surprise took place in Perth where host Senators (3-1) beat league's leader Wanneroo (4-1) 88-76 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Wanneroo. Senators forced 22 Wanneroo turnovers. American guard Justin King (196-89, college: TRU) fired 24 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized South Sudanese guard Wani Swaka (196-1) chipped in 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. American power forward Lee Roberts (201-87, college: Findlay, OH) produced a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds and naturalized Greek guard Trian Iliadis (190-89, college: ODU) added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists respectively for lost side. Five Senators and four Wanneroo players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Senators have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Rockingham F. and Lakeside L. Wanneroo at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Cent.Coast C.. Wanneroo will play next round against Magic trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Senators will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Giants in Kalgoorlie.
Top scorers:
Warwick S.: J.King 24+7reb+3ast, C.Ellis 14+3reb+2ast, C.Davis 13+7reb+4ast, W.Swaka 13+8reb+4ast, N.Manyang 11+2reb+1ast, A.Riak 6+5reb
Joondalup W.: L.Roberts 28+10reb+1ast, L.Cummings 15+6reb+5ast, T.Iliadis 12+8reb+7ast, S.Salinas 10+2reb+3ast, R.Maxwell 6+3reb+1ast, H.Archie 4+3reb

Perth R. - East Perth E. 95-78

There was no surprise in Northbridge where 12th ranked Eagles (2-3) were defeated by fifth ranked Redbacks (4-2) 95-78 on Friday. Redbacks forced 27 Eagles turnovers. Strangely Eagles outrebounded Redbacks 49-34 including 34 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American guard Caleb White (201-94, college: ECU) fired 42 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized Belgian guard Marshall Nelson (188-94, college: WBU) chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Forward Shaquille Maharaj (196, college: Camosun) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds and forward Joel Offereins (196-97) added 7 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Redbacks have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Eagles lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with three games lost. Redbacks will face Tigers (#8) in Willetton in the next round where they are favorite. Eagles will play at home against Cougars and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Perth R.: C.White 42+7reb+2ast, M.Nelson 18+6reb+5ast, T.Jackson 12+5reb+1ast, N.Kazemi 5+3reb, M.Bang 5+3reb, V.Dylan 3+2ast
East Perth E.: S.Maharaj 22+11reb+1ast, L.Thwaites 11+3reb, A.Jarrad 10+10reb, F.Nicolas 8+2reb, K.Berry 8+2reb+6ast, J.Offereins 7+9reb+5ast

Goldfields G. - Rockingham F. 82-69

Undefeated Flames (3-1) recorded its first loss in Kalgoorlie on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by eighth ranked Giants (2-2) 82-69. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Flames. Giants dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Flames' 32. They outrebounded Flames 62-50 including 18 on the offensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Majier Garang (206-95) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 17 rebounds and power forward Manylok Malek (205-94) who added 21 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Five Giants players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Jackson Hussey (190-92, college: Pikeville) responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals and point guard Ryan Godfrey (187-90, college: UWG) scored 19 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Giants moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Willetton T. Loser Flames keep the fourth position with one game lost. They share it with Warwick S. and Lakeside L.. Giants will meet higher ranked Senators (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Flames will play against Lightning in North Lake and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Goldfields G.: M.Garang III 24+17reb+3ast, M.Malek 21+8reb+3ast, J.Reid 10+12reb+3ast, F.Klasztorny 10+8reb+3ast, D.Ballantyne 10+4reb+5ast, D.Riley 5+7reb+1ast
Rockingham F.: R.Godfrey 19+5reb+1ast, J.Hussey 17+6reb+7ast, T.Durnin 17+8reb, M.Joshua 7+7reb+2ast, R.Brendan 5, C.Beard 4+16reb+3ast

Perth R. - Geraldton B. 86-85

No shocking result in a game in Northbridge where fifth ranked Redbacks (4-2) edged 12th ranked Buccaneers (1-5) 86-85 on Saturday. However just one-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Redbacks forced 24 Buccaneers turnovers. Strangely Buccaneers outrebounded Redbacks 45-31 including 31 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Naturalized Belgian guard Marshall Nelson (188-94, college: WBU) fired a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!), 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Swingman Tevin Jackson (202-94, college: McNeese St.) chipped in 17 points and 5 assists. Four Redbacks players scored in double figures. Swingman Aaron Ralph (200-89) produced 30 points and 7 rebounds and New Zealand forward Brayden Inger (203-99) added 21 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side. Redbacks have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Buccaneers lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth position with five games lost. Redbacks will face Tigers (#8) in Willetton in the next round where they are favorite. Buccaneers will play at home against Senators (#6) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Perth R.: M.Nelson 37+12reb+5ast, T.Jackson 17+2reb+5ast, J.Wagner 11+3reb+6ast, D.Tawhiti 10+5reb, E.Nikora 6+2reb+3ast, C.White 5+2reb+2ast
Geraldton B.: A.Ralph 30+7reb+2ast, B.Inger 21+12reb+2ast, J.Hunt 15+10reb+3ast, X.Shaw 8+2ast, M.Wundenberg 4+7reb+5ast, C.Cook 3+2reb

Kalamunda E.S. - Geraldton B. 85-75

There was a minor upset in Kalamunda where 12th ranked Buccaneers (1-5) were defeated by fourteenth ranked Suns (1-4) 85-75 on Sunday. Suns looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Point guard Carl Aylett (181-97) fired 29 points for the winners. American power forward Corey Easley (208-83, college: Minnesota St.) chipped in 17 points and 6 rebounds. Four Suns players scored in double figures. Forward Jesse Hunt (203-97, college: EWU) produced 26 points and 8 rebounds and New Zealand forward Brayden Inger (203-99) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Suns left bottom position moving up to twelfth place, which they share with Mandurah M. It was Buccaneers' fourth loss in a row. They dropped to the fourteenth position with five games lost. Suns will face higher ranked Lightning (#4) in North Lake in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Buccaneers will play at home against Senators (#6) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kalamunda E.S.: C.Aylett 29+3reb+3ast, C.Easley 17+6reb+3ast, R.Blanchett 16+6reb+3ast, B.Dinardo 10+6reb+7ast, L.Viskovich 6+2reb, C.Lowe 5+2reb+1ast
Geraldton B.: J.Hunt 26+8reb+3ast, B.Inger 14+8reb+1ast, X.Shaw 9+6reb+1ast, A.Ralph 7+5reb+5ast, N.Johny 6+2reb+1ast, M.Wundenberg 6+4reb+3ast

East Perth E. - SW Slammers 82-69

There was a small surprise in Morley where twelfth ranked Eagles (2-3) beat 9th ranked Slammers (1-3) 82-69 on Saturday. Eagles forced 29 Slammers turnovers and outrebounded them 45-28 including a 17-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Forward Shaquille Maharaj (196, college: Camosun) fired 28 points and 4 steals for the winners. Forward Logan Thwaites (200-97) chipped in 11 points and 5 rebounds. Center Mitch Keller (203-96, college: Delta St.) produced 13 points and 9 rebounds and Rivar Evans added 16 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Eagles moved-up to ninth place. Loser Slammers dropped to the tenth position with three games lost. Eagles will face Cougars (#10) in Hamilton Hill in the next round. Slammers will play at home against the league's leader Hawks having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
East Perth E.: S.Maharaj 28+3reb+3ast, J.Offereins 11+7reb, L.Thwaites 11+5reb+3ast, A.Jarrad 6+9reb, I.Offereins 6+5reb+2ast, K.Berry 6+5reb+4ast
SW Slammers: E.Rivar 16+1reb+3ast, M.Keller 13+9reb, F.Jack 8+2reb+1ast, C.Richardson 8+1reb+10ast, C.Devan 7+1reb, J.Keller 5

Cockburn C. - Lakeside L. 85-81

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Lightning (3-1) against thirteenth ranked Cougars (1-3) on Saturday night. Visiting Lightning was defeated by Cougars in a tough game in Hamilton Hill 81-85. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Lightning. Cougars had a 36-24 advantage in offensive rebounds. Swingman Luke Travers (201-1) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Swingman Gavin Field (202-89, college: UWG) chipped in 22 points. Forward Corey Shervill (201-88, college: St.Edward's) produced 22 points and 5 rebounds and American swingman Jay Bowie (196-92, college: Marist) added 21 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Cougars left bottom position moving up to tenth place, which they share with SW Slammers. Loser Lightning dropped to the fourth position with one game lost. Cougars will face higher ranked Eagles (#9) in Morley in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Lightning will play on the road against Suns (#12) in Kalamunda and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Cockburn C.: G.Field 22+4reb+3ast, L.Travers 20+16reb+6ast, J.Holmes 20+6reb+2ast, J.Harris 8+2reb, S.Chan 8+3reb+4ast, H.Bell 5+1reb
Lakeside L.: C.Shervill 22+5reb+1ast, J.Bowie 21+3reb+1ast, R.Mackenzie 13+8reb+2ast, J.Davey 8+6reb+1ast, A.Ferguson 6+4reb, M.Kayden 5+2reb+2ast

Joondalup W. - Kalamunda E.S. 80-76

Not a big story in a game in Joondalup where 14th ranked Suns (1-4) were defeated by first ranked Wanneroo (4-1) 80-76 on Friday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Guard Lochlan Cummings (189-95, college: HIU) fired 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Naturalized Greek guard Trian Iliadis (190-89, college: ODU) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. Four Wanneroo players scored in double figures. Wanneroo's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Point guard Carl Aylett (181-97) produced 21 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and power forward Ryan Blanchett (203-96, college: FNU) added 22 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. They have a solid four-game winning streak. Despite that victory Wanneroo went down to second position due to points difference. Suns lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth place with four games lost. Wanneroo will face Magic (#13) in Mandurah in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Suns will play at home against Lightning and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Joondalup W.: L.Cummings 22+9reb+5ast, T.Iliadis 15+5reb+3ast, R.Huntington 13+3reb+1ast, R.Maxwell 10+6reb+2ast, L.Roberts 9+6reb+2ast, S.Salinas 8+3reb+6ast
Kalamunda E.S.: R.Blanchett 22+7reb+2ast, C.Aylett 21+9reb+4ast, B.Dinardo 13+6reb, L.Viskovich 7+2reb+1ast, C.Easley 6+4reb+4ast, N.Drown 4+1reb



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