ABA 2023-24: Kayden Collins explodes in second half to lift Sonics to impressive win against North Albany

An electric shooting display from Kayden Collins guided Sonics to their second win of the 2023-24 Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade season on Tuesday night. Collins had not scored at half-time but he found his rhythm in the second period, breaking the game open as Sonics went on to win by 14 points against North Albany Kangaroos. In a physical and foul heavy game it was Sonics that led by eight points at the main break before Collins drained three vital three-pointers to put even further space between his side and the Kangaroos. The Kangaroos had fought back early in the second half to keep themselves in the game but sloppy defence again put them on the back foot. Collins was allowed too much space outside the arc and he made his rivals pay, draining a long-range basket to keep the margin at eight with 12 minutes to play. The Kangaroos did not help themselves, shooting poorly and committing silly fouls which played into Sonics’ hands. David Arthur finished with 13 points, six of which came at the line while Riley Robertson (10 points) was also pivotal for the winners. But there was no mistaking the match winner, with Collins clearly the most influential player. He nailed three triples in his 14 points that came in the decisive last period as Sonics claimed a 54-40 win. Every time the Kangaroos mounted a challenge it was matched by a swift Sonics response. Kangaroos big man Drew Willcocks worked tirelessly under the glass and hit 13 points but Sonics were able to still win their fair share of rebounds at both ends of the floor. Daniel van der Merwe (9) and Beauden East (8) were also solid for the Kangaroos but they were left to lament poor field goal shooting and plenty of turnovers. Barking Owls also remain unbeaten after two rounds as young star Evan Delbene dominated in their clash with Raiders under-18 development squad. Delbene was sensational with 22 points and he had strong contributions from teammates James Watters (15) and Tristan Mackenzie (12) in the 63-41 triumph. Benjamin Queay was superb in a losing affair, pouring in 20 points for the young Raiders outfit. The athletic Griffins Crusaders were too strong for Railways Tigers in their round two encounter. The Crusaders were well led by Jayden-Paul Devenish (19) and Sam Holmes (11) as they won by 19 points at the final whistle, bouncing back from a round one defeat. Ambassadors and reigning premiers Denmark played out the first draw of the season, the two sides could not be separated at 46 apiece. Reagan Hutchinson was the star for Denmark with 25 points while Ambassadors has a more even spread in offence with Caleb Carmen (12), Natale Trichilo (9), Khenneth Manalo (7) and Todd Kniuman (7) all having impact.