Hoops Capital off-season wrap (April 7)
The 2025 NBL1 season is well and truly underway, with numerous Hoops Capital stars shining all around the country.
In the NBL1 East competition, Kings big man Jason Spurgin had his best performance as a Sutherland Shark, helping his side defeat Hills 77-70 on Saturday.
In the victory, King #253 Spurgin tallied 23 points, six rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal.
His Sharks, which are coached by Shaun Roger and now also feature the newly signed Kouat Noi, host Bankstown in round three – with the Bruins still without Sydney’s Jaylin Galloway.
Staying in the East and Klairus Amir powered Central Coast to their second straight victory to open the season, this time defeating Newcastle 98-71.
In the win, Amir tallied 22 points (including five triples) and one assist.
Next up, the Crusaders host both Sydney and Norths in round three.
Shifting to the women and Norths recorded a remarkable comeback win over Manly on Saturday, which saw Renae Garlepp’s Bears score the last 18 points of regulation to send the game to overtime before holding on to win 77-74.
The three-point triumph was set up by Flames’ Carla Pitman (17 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block) and Caitlyn Martin (seven points, three boards, three steals and one assist).
Next up for the Bears are clashes with Canberra and Central Coast.
Elsewhere, Tahlia Tupaea tallied 19 points, 12 rebounds, four steals and three assists as Inner West lost to Canberra 97-68, while Piper Anderson totalled 16 points, three blocks, one rebound and one steal in Sydney’s 79-56 victory over Illawarra.
Next weekend, Inner West hosts Penrith while the Comets take on Central Coast and Hornsby.
READ MORE: FLAMES MAKE CHANGES GOING INTO EXCITING WNBL26 CAMPAIGN
Moving to the South and Tyler Robertson once again starred for Casey as they split games with Mount Gambier (81-80 win) and Hobart (78-75 loss).
Across the round fixtures, King #252 totalled 34 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The 2-1 Cavaliers next play Nunawading on Saturday.
While Keli Leaupepe dropped 18 points, eight rebounds and one steal for Knox in his season debut.
In round three, the Raiders face Waverley and Sandringham.
In terms of the Flames, Isabella Brancatisano’s Pioneers lost 76-60 to Casey despite 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block from the Sydney guard.
They’ll look to respond against Sandringham and Eltham in round three.
Flames’ Bonnie Deas added 24 points, six boards, two assists, two steals and one block in Frankston’s 75-69 win over Ringwood.
The Blues play Diamond Valley and Keilor next weekend.
Out West, Flames’ McKenna Dale had a season debut to remember for the Mandurah Magic, producing 20 points, seven rebounds, five dimes and three steals in her side’s 104-52 thrashing of Willetton.
The Magic play Lakeside and East Perth in round two.
Moving overseas and Shaun Bruce’s strong New Zealand NBL season has continued, with him posting 17 points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal as Wellington edged Manawatu 93-92.
The Saints play both Southland and Otago in round five.
Stay up to date with all of Hoops Capital’s off-season news here.