Basketball: Dominant Magpies triumph again

Magpies secured back-to-back Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade premierships with a 17-point victory over Kangas in Saturday’s grand final.

Picture by Dave Polette

The competition’s most dominant team over the past two seasons went into the match as hot favourites and employed their trademark trap early in the match.

Magpies guard Parris Laurie combined brilliantly with forward Sharni Kittow as they went into attack during the first half.

Kittow’s eight first-half points along with solid scoreboard contributions from Laurie and captain Whitney Benson ensured the minor premiers held an eight-point half-time advantage.

Despite the trap causing the Kangas plenty of concern, Veronica Williams (7 points), Anna Roberts (7) and Jo Scott (5) all delivered a better second half to prevent the margin from blowing out.

However, Benson and Kittow’s offensive prowess and Laurie’s hard work at both ends of the court guided the Magpies to a 43-26 success.

Magpies coach Rhiannan Lloyd-Deely was ecstatic her team finished the year with a premiership. “We held it together this week, we had all our players which helped,” she said.

“The girls played great defence and our trap, that was what won it for us.”

Lloyd-Deely quickly praised the trio of Benson, Laurie and Kittow, who scored 37 of their team’s 43 points. Kangas captain Tamara Button was happy with her team’s display and their season overall.

“From where Kangas were last year, as a team we have come along way,” Button said. “I don’t think the score reflected the game, it was still pretty tough.”

Laurie was rewarded for her excellent individual game by winning the grand final most valuable player award.

cameron.newbold@albanyadvertiser.com