Basketball: Magpies down Pheonix

Superior shooting from Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade premiers the Magpies has guided them to their second win from as many matches, defeating Phoenix by 35 points last Friday.

Picture by Dave Polette: Phoenix's Kathyrn Jennings drives past Magpies' Sharni Kittow.

In a repeat of last year’s season decider, Phoenix were no match for the Magpies.

The winners shot at 62 per cent from the field in the second half on their way to the 53-18 blitz.

State player Parris Laurie was at her damaging best, collecting 22 points for the Magpies, while forward Sharni Kittow finished with 18 points and was a constant threat.

Phoenix started well but shot poorly and were made to pay by the Magpies, who nailed five of their 13 three-point attempts compared to Phoenix, who were none from four from outside the arch.

Magpies spokeswoman Whitney Benson said it was great to have a winning start to their title defence.

“We are always happy with a win and we are happy with our start,” she said.

“It was very much a team effort.”

Benson, who finished with six points and plenty of rebounds, said the Magpies were determined to go back-to-back.

“We want to defend our title as premiers for sure,” Benson said.

“Hopefully we can keep playing like we are at the moment.”

Laurie was in foul trouble early in the match but shrugged that aside to score 18 second-half points while the only worry for the premiers was an injury to Rhiannan Lloyd-Deeley.

Phoenix coach Greg Cowie said his team fell away badly and admitted they did not shoot well.

“It was a hard night at the office, we got out of the blocks well but fell in a hole,” he said.

Kangas recorded a 31-17 win over Flying Ladies while Rebels held off the Raiders under-18 develop

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