ABA 2023-24: Denmark record first win of new season after withstanding strong last-half Valkyries challenge

Denmark held off a late challenge from Valkyries to record their first win of the 2023-24 Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition on Tuesday night. A second-half masterclass from Valkyries centre Angelina De Giambattista nearly powered her side to an unlikely victory. Denmark were in control for the majority of the opening half, the experience of Danielle Carne and Rebecca Goodliffe telling while guard Emma Henderson was also causing problems for the Valkyries defence. With a 15-6 half-time lead the game appeared to be well on Denmark’s terms going into the second period. That margin got to double figures early in the last half as Denmark controlled possession and employed a full court trap that produced a number of turnovers. However Valkyries mustered a terrific comeback on the back of De Giambattista’s efforts. She caught fire in the second half as Valkyries stormed back into the contest and got within one shot. A triple from her sister Isabella De Giambattisa reduced the margin to a single point but Denmark rallied as Jayde McHenry hit a free throw and her missed second attempted was pulled in by Carne who made an easy bucket to give her side breathing space again. Denmark did enough in final two minutes to hold out their determined rivals, going on to win by six points at the finish. Angelina De Giambattista was brilliant in a losing affair, her game-high 16 points all coming in a dominant last half as Valkyries nearly stole the game. Shanaya Weeden hit one long range basket in the first half and Isabella De Giambattisa (five points) worked hard at both ends. Carne led the way for Denmark in the 31-25 victory, scoring 11 points and winning a stack of rebounds. She was well supported by Emma Henderson (six), Ashlee Kerr (five) and the defensive showing from Goodliffe. Barking Owls made it two straight wins to start the new season, coasting to a 26-point win over Raiders under-18 development squad. Rebecca Benson (17), Casey Gabriel (14) and Keely Berry (10) all reached double figures in the 62-36 triumph. Two triples from youngster Milla Trichilo helped her to 10 points for Raiders. In the battle between the two Sonics teams, a strong scoring spread from Sonics 2 guided them to an eight-point win. Amber Nekel (9), Aleesha Narkle (8) and Dakota Dimer (6) were vital for the winners while Telikah Collins led the way for Sonics 3 with 12 points.