ABA 2024-25: Denmark Magpies secure first win of the season, North Albany defeat reigning premiers Sonics

Tight team defence and explosive transitions fired Denmark Magpies to their first win of the 2024-25 Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade season.

Magpies cruised to a 36-point win over Albany Raiders on Tuesday night with their impenetrable zone defence making scoring options scarce for the young side.

The tight clamps allowed the Magpies to force frequent turnovers, with lightning-fast counterattacks setting up their dominant offensive game to win 61-25.

Kye Griffiths led the way with a floor-high 18 points, while Adrian Hardy contributed 12 with active hands-on defence to help generate their fast breaks.

Jackson Shaw (10 points) tirelessly crashed the boards in player-coach Luke Wilson’s absence and Saxon Henrickson found himself on the end of numerous fast breaks to score nine points.

Sam O’Toole-Gardner was Raiders’ top-scorer with nine points including a three-pointer and Khenneth Manalo (six points) hit a much-needed treble.

North Albany’s blistering start to the season continued with a stunning nine-point win over reigning premiers Sonics.

The Kangas found numerous scoring options with Drew Willcocks, Ethan Richards (both 12 points) and Beauden East (10) each reaching double-figures in the impressive 40-31 triumph.

Sonics uncharacteristically had no players reach double figures with last season’s most valuable player Mark Elentorio and David Arthur scoring an equal team-high nine points.

In the final match of the round, Barking Owls eased past Ambassadors with a strong 63-43 win.

Owls’ Harry Watters had the hot hand draining three three-pointers for 16 points while Justin Benson scored 12 and slashing guard James Watters chipped in with 11.

Caleb Carman played a lone hand on offence for Ambassadors with a team-high 16 points in a tough outing.