Raiders back on winners list after big second half

Raiders’ under-18 development squad has notched its first win in more than a month after a polished second-half helped them beat Panthers by 16 points in round 7 of the Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition on Tuesday night.

After their first win of the season in round 2, the next month was a frustrating one for Raiders after a close loss to Flames and a draw with Sparks, followed by losses to Magpies and Grammar Griffins.

The Panthers looked set to continue the Raiders’ tough run as they raced ahead 12-4 early in the first half, but Raiders dug deep to wrest back momentum as guard Bridgette Latham and Jenna Onions helped turn things around.

A late three-pointer from Onions handed Raiders a six-point half-time advantage and from there, her side never looked back.

Panthers trimmed the margin back to five points as the second half began but that was as close as they would get in the last 25 minutes. Sisters Alyssa and Caitlin Ward were instrumental for Raiders, who won 52-36 after netting 32 points in a productive last half.

The Wards were sensational in offence as Caitlin recorded a game-high 16 points, all of which were field goals, and Alyssa chipped in with 10 points of her own.

Latham worked tirelessly at both ends to continue her strong season with seven points, while Savannah Hill added 6 points.

Ella Scamozzi (9 points) was again the shining light for Panthers, while Aleesha Narkle hit one long-range basket to finish with 7 points.

Meanwhile, Sparks came from two points down at half-time to score their maiden win of the season, downing the Grammar Griffins 29-25.

Erin Hetherington (12), Taylah Orzel (3) and Karlee Anning (6) were important in the win for Sparks, who knocked Gramm-ar from top spot in the process and moved from the foot of the table. Flames thrashed Magpies 52-36 in their clash to improve their win-loss record to 6-1 and leap into the top spot.