ABA 2023-24: Two draws in round four as Raiders fight back to share points with Valkyries in tense finish

It was a thrilling round of women’s A-grade action in the Albany Basketball Association on Tuesday night as two games ended in draws. Raiders under-18 development squad and Valkyries could not be separated in their round four clash while later Sonics 2 and Denmark also finished locked together. Valkyries were ahead in the second half, but a determined Raiders fought back strongly to pinch a draw. Tatum Walley hit two long-range baskets in her 10-point haul for Raiders while Dakota Bremner added nine points for the young side. Raiders had lost their first three games of the new season but the 35-all draw leaves them just 0.5 behind Sonics 2 and Valkyries on points average. Valkyries’ Narelle Humphries was everywhere for her side, scoring 10 points and pulling in a stack of rebounds. Isabella De Giambattista (eight points) and Angelina De Giambattista (eight) also worked hard for Valkyries. Sonics 2 and Denmark shared the spoils in their game, the two sides finishing locked on 29 points. Phoenix Woods was terrific with 12 points for Sonics 2, who have had an indifferent start to the season with one win, two losses and now a draw. Denmark struggled at times in their offence, but Amy Dominiak hit two three pointers on her way to nine points and Summer Stirling added six of her own. Meanwhile reigning premiers Barking Owls continued their strong start to the season, recording a fourth straight win. The Owls were far too strong for Sonics 3, claiming a 40-point triumph on the back of a team total of 72 points. Star Rebecca Benson was again superb with 28 points, including four from outside the arc, while Whalley (16) and Ava Marmion (10) also reached double figures as Owls remain unbeaten in the 2023-24 competition. In a losing affair Shianne Arthur was a shining light with 16 points as Sonics 3 suffered their second loss of the season.