Hoops Capital off-season wrap (August 5)
It was NBL1 finals fever over the weekend and numerous Hoops Capital stars were in action around Australia.
In Sydney, Flame #133 Lauren Nicholson powered her Sutherland Sharks into the NBL1 East grand final by defeating Norths – coached by Sydney Flames assistant Renae Garlepp – 96-77 on Saturday.
In the preliminary final victory, Nicholson had 25 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists, while Flame #144 Vanessa Panousis chipped in with 10 points, six dimes and three boards.
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In the loss, Future Flames duo Carla Pitman (30 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block) and Caitlyn Martin (10 points and three boards) did all they could.
All three of those Norths individuals have been shortlisted for NBL1 East awards, with the winners being unveiled over the coming week.
Sutherland are headed to the NBL1 East Grand Final 🦈🏆
Here are some of the top plays from a clinical display 👊
Watch the NBL1 East Finals live via https://t.co/NEk1I7kaV8 or the NBL1 App 💻 & 📲 pic.twitter.com/fQUnlMKM81
— NBL1 (@NBL1) August 3, 2024
The Sharks will now face the Newcastle Falcons in the decider, after the latter – featuring Flame #222 Isla Juffermans – downed Manly-Warringah 88-72.
In the win, Juffermans produced 19 points, 17 rebounds, two dimes and one steal.
The decider will be played on Saturday, August 10 from 2pm at the Penrith Valley Regional Basketball Centre.
Moving south and Flames’ Sherrie Calleia’s Mt Gambier lost 92-73 to Waverley in the NBL1 South preliminary final.
In the defeat, the Flames recruit had 17 points, seven boards, two assists, one steal and one block.
Stay up to date with all the harbour city club’s off-season news here.