Hoops Capital off-season wrap (August 12)
The 2024 NBL1 competition wrapped up over the weekend, with numerous Hoops Capital stars taking the court in grand final action.
In NBL1 East, Lauren Nicholson’s Sutherland Sharks lost a thrilling decider 85-78 to Newcastle at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre.
Lauren Nicholson finds the perfect pass 👌
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In the defeat, Nicholson tallied 33 points, 10 rebounds, five dimes and one steal.
The game also saw Flame #144 Vanessa Panousis out up 15 points, two boards and one assist for the Sharks (who also had Tiana Mangakahia as an assistant coach), while Flame #222 Isla Juffermans was instrumental in the Falcons’ historic win – recording 15 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal.
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Newcastle have now qualified for the 2024 NBL1 National Finals, which will be held on the Sunshine Coast from August 16-18.
Another team that also qualified for this weekend’s nationals is Eltham, led by King #219 Angus Glover.
The Wildcats downed Ballarat 79-70 on Saturday at Dandenong, thanks to grand final MVP Glover’s 30 points (including seven triples), four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
In other NBL1 South news, Flames’ Shaneice Swain was named the competition’s Youth Women’s Player of the Year at their annual awards evening.