Denmark Magpies made an early season statement in the Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition, handing the reigning premiers their first loss of the season on Tuesday night.
Barking Owls’ last loss in the competition came back in the 2023-24 grand final at the hands of the Magpies and they went through last season undefeated, with a round five draw the only blemish on a near-perfect campaign.
Entering the contest on a 20-game winning streak, the Owls were finally taken down as a determined Magpies side emerged two-point winners.
Ali Judd put the Magpies four points up late in the contest before the hard-working Dakota Bremner hit consecutive free throws.
Judd stood tall again, stretching the deficit back to four and despite a late basket from Maddy Graham it was the Magpies who clung on in a frantic few moments to win 31-29.
The Owls led by three points at halftime but the Magpies were not going to be denied early in the second half, hitting the first seven points after the break to establish a handy buffer.
Danielle Carne was at her damaging best in the victory, knocking down 12 points, and had great support from Judd (nine points) and Lauren Bracewell (six).
In an Owls side that didn’t have key offensive weapon Rebecca Benson, Graham top-scored with eight and Bremner managed six.
Sonics were too strong for Railways Tigers in the other women’s A-grade contest, as Shianne and Kaylee Arthur enjoyed a strong night.
That pair combined for 21 of Sonics’ 36 points to help them down the Tigers by 10 at the final whistle.
Kaylee Arthur nailed two long range baskets in her 11 points while Aleesha Narkle also scored a three-pointer in her seven points.
Railways Tigers, Denmark Magies and Sonics Blue were round four winners in the men’s A-grade competition.
Sonics Blue made it four wins on the trot, edging out Barking Owls by 14 points.
The Owls were unable to stop their rivals’ offensive flow, David Arthur contributing a game-high 22 points while Mason Tion was also a handful with 11.
Evan Delbene (10) and Harrison Sedgwick (13) led the way for the Owls, both scoring two long range buckets.
The Tigers had a strong scoring spread in their 65-40 win over the Raiders under-18 development squad.
Eli Eaton (14), Jesse Carman (14) and Drew Willcocks (10) were busy as the Tigers notched a third win of the season.
The young Raiders side again showed promise with Marley Cox (10) and Sam O’Toole-Gardner (11) both reaching double figures.
Tall duo Kye Griffiths and Luke Wilson along with talented guard Ryan Hick powered the Magpies to a dominant 22-point win over Sonics Grey.
Hick was successful twice from long range in his 14 points while Griffiths added 12 and Wilson knocked down seven field goals to also finish with 14.
