ABA 2023-24: Ravenous Raiders secure second win, Denmark sew up top two and Owls firm up claim as ones to beat

Albany Raiders emerged six-point victors over a depleted Valkyries side to secure their second win of the Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition during Indigenous Round on Tuesday night. Raiders’ ravenous defence was the catalyst to their 32-26 win, running a full-court press for most of the game and applying constant pressure on their weary opponents. Centre Keely Berry starred for the Raiders providing countless options under the basket to score a game-high 12 points. Dakota Bremner (six) and Ava Marmion (five) were the Raiders’ other key avenues to the basket while offensive facilitator Ruby Steele hustled hard at both ends of the floor. Valkyries were without duo Isabella and Angelina De Giambattista and key role player Narelle Humphries in their side’s sixth loss of the season. Shanaya and Indianna Weeden hit seven points each to be Valkyries’ best on the night while Tayeesha Weeden hit two three-pointers in the loss. Denmark scored a six-point victory over Sonics 2 to secure a top-two spot with two rounds left to play. Denmark’s Danielle Carne led the floor with 12 points while Emma Henderson chipped in with six and Jayde McHenry hit one triple. Lauren Bracewell scored a team-high 10 points for Sonics 2. Barking Owls firmed their claim as the title fancies after smashing Sonics 3 by 17 points. Owls’ gun Rebecca Benson flexed her muscles with a game-high 15 points, including three triples, while Tatum Whalley also hit three long-range baskets on her way to 13 points. Berry continued her dominant evening that began with the Raiders to score 13 points for the Owls. Shianne Arthur was the only double-figure score for Sonics 3 with 10 points.