Post-Game Report November 9 v Sydney Flames
The Jayco Southside Flyers returned home to the State Basketball Centre on Saturday evening for their first home game of the 2024/25 Cygnett WNBL season against the Sydney Flames. The Flyers were eager to notch up their first win, while the Flames were looking to start the season 2-0. It was a tight and physical match-up with the Flyers taking the win, 83-75.
Bec Cole & Carly Ernst took the reins on the offensive end for the Flyers to begin the game scoring some tough baskets and converting from beyond the arc. The Flames were quick to answer on every score in what was shaping into a physical contest. Maddy Rocci & Naz Hillmon came to the party to give the Flyers a four-point lead midway through the first. Cayla George of the Flames drove through the lane to level the score with 3 minutes to play, from there the Flames ran away with the lead as Shanice Swain hit 9 points in less than 90 seconds to give them a 26-21 lead at the first break.
The Flames extended their lead to nine points in a matter of seconds to begin the second quarter however, Alice Kunek opened her scoring tally shortly after with a triple and a floater, followed by a neat layup from Cole to even the scores out again. The Flyers’ defensive pressure, combined with the ability to convert off the Flames’ turnovers, assisted the Flyers to an 11-0 run, to lead by eight late in the quarter. With 40 seconds left to play, Rocci went down with a nasty cut to her head which saw her leave the floor with the medical team. Cole had a dominant quarter, adding 10 points to the scoreboard to help the Flyers to a 45-39 lead at the half.
Rocci sported a Joel Selwood-like headband in the second half, which didn’t seem to phase her as she hit a triple to begin the second half and extend the Flyers lead to nine points. George was becoming troublesome as she converted from long-range to keep the Flames in touch with the Flyers. Hillmon was just as troubling on the Flyers’ end who was strong in the key, notching up 11 points in the quarter to keep the Flyers in front at the end of the third, 67-58.
The Flyers maintained their lead throughout the fourth, not letting the Flames come within more than five points for the duration. The Flames couldn’t keep a handle on Cole as she hit some crucial shots in the last minutes of the game to seal the win for the Flyers, 83-75.
Southside Flyers Stat Leaders:
Bec Cole: 24 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast
Naz Hillmon: 19 pts, 9 reb, 85% FG
Maddy Rocci: 15 pts, 4 ast, 3 reb
The Southside Flyers begin an eight day break before they return home to the State Basketball Centre on Sunday November 17 to take on the UC Capitals. Tip-off is 12:30 pm and tickets are selling fast! You can purchase your tickets here and you can watch the game live & free on 9GO.