CROSS OVER DRIBBLE

Photo Credit – Adelaide Uni

6-Minute Read

The Waatu Men put up the brave fight against UTAS but a Jack out of the pack proved to be the difference as UTAS progressed at the expense of AU 91-74 at the Hobart Netball & Sports Centre.

The UTAS juggernaut rolled on early with an 8-0 start to the home side before Matt Thomson (Project Management) made an important tip in play to open the account for the Waatu. It was all control from Jack Stanwix and Jordan Straastma but after nearly seven minutes of play Curtis Scott (Health) finally got the heartbeat going from the free throw line then proceeding to complete the strong finish off the glass to cut it back to 18-12. Stratsmaa, Stanwix and Archie Stewart (11 points) delivered the SSSlashing plays to give UTAS the advantage 25-12 at the first change.

As has been the case in 2025 – Scott Freer’s men rallied out of the slow start led by a Bailey Nathan (Computer Science) calculate triples and Thomson glass work keeping them in touch 35-22. Up rose Ayual Garang (Architectural Design) who’s form against UTAS has been consistent the last few seasons as he made big plays in the second half term to finish with 10 points. Ahmed Nawasany (Computer Science) completed the comeback with the buzzer beating jump shot to amazingly level the scores 36-36 at the main break.

Scott started the third well with an early tip in off the offensive glass but the son of the gun Mark Nash in Caleb (11 points and nine rebounds) reeled off some triples but was also answered by Isaac Hampel (Electrical Engineering) with his electric energy from outside. The threes continued to flow for the UTAS side as Garang, Scott (11 points and five rebounds) and co tried to keep pace with the high scoring nature of the home side. Stanwix’s thunderous dunk started the opening of the margin however as he took it on himself with 11 for the term to have his team in front 69-60 with one huge quarter ahead to play.

A 16-4 run to start the fourth earmarked by another Stanwix slam saw the hopes of the Waatu begin to fade down 82-64 with a timeout needed to see if that hope could be regained. A quick five points from Nathan (13 points) and Nawasany (Eight points) wrestled the momentum back temporarily but Izach Collins (5 triples at 41 percent) deadly from outside all evening and pushed it back out to beyond reach again as UTAS sealed their home final win. The Waatu exited the finals series in the quarter finals for the third straight year but with it’s highest finish of fifth overall in its history.

Garang led the way again against UTAS with 15 points and six rebounds with Matt Thomson producing his best game for the season with 10 point and 11 rebound double double with five assists.

The damage from Stanwix was too much though with 35 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists along with Straatsma with 13 points, nine rebounds.               

Men – UTAS 91 (Stanwix 35, I Collins 15, Straatsma 13) defeated AU Waatu 74 (Garang 15, Nathan 13, Scott 11)

Season Summary 2025

5th – 5-4

Ultimately a third straight finals exit occurred however the five wins this season is the most number of wins in a season for the AU Waatu – they unfortunately ran into the red hot UTAS team on a mission to get it done in season 2025.

Team Highlights

• 16 triples against UNISC
• Strong three quarters against LTU
• Away win against UNISC
• Upset win over UTAS at Home

Individual Highlights

• Emil Kourani 20 points with 6 triples versus UNISC
• Isaac Hampel 24 points versus LTU
• Thomas Mestrov 19 points and 12 rebounds vs FED
• Curtis Scott 31 point debut versus VU
• Second and third highest individual score for Waatu of 39 points, nine assists and seven rebounds from Curtis Scott vs UWA then 41 points vs USYD
• Ayual Garang 23 points, nine rebounds versus UTAS

Surprise Packet

At the start of the season it looked like a lot of the front court responsibility would fall to Thomas Mestrov. The forward/centre was highly consistent on the glass only dropping below five rebounds once in his ten games and with the late addition of Matthew Thomson formed a strong one-two punch in the front court with 10 points and eight rebounds per game.  

Most Improved

This was a tough one this season given a large amount of this roster was relatively new with the access to new players at this stage of the calender year. I felt the improvement from the three regulars from last season came from Isaac Hampel off the back of a strong winter with the Southern Tigers NBL1 Reserves. Hampel averaged 10 points compared to 2024 with seven points and several times in games lit a spark under the Waatu for some key points with his 13 points and 15 points versus FED and UTAS telling in victories.

Player of the Season

He might have arrived later than expected and only played six games but he was clearly the front runner for the MVP this season. Curtis Scott off the back of a fast finishing NBL1 Central season with the South Adelaide Panthers including 26 points against his now new club the Eastern Mavericks – burst onto the UBL scene with 31 points to nearly drag the Waatu across the line against VU before backing it up over UWA Maali with the second highest score of the Waatu’s short history of 39 points. Add the curtailed but crucial 22 points against UTAS he then came out an backed it up with a 41 points performance against USYD in an incredible double header performance at home.

With 29.33 points to his name along with 6.83 rebounds and five assists to his name – the Eastern Hills have plenty to look forward to next NBL1 Central season no doubt.

You can catch all the games from the season past on the UBL website and stay tuned to the crossoverdribble for more match reports and features in season 2026.

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Photo Credit – Adelaide Uni

6-Minute Read

Women

The Waatu Women played in their first final in the short history of the UBL and gave another strong account of themselves – however a returning Caitlyn Martin inspired the home side USYD to a solid 79-71 win to secure their place in the semi-finals at the USYD Sports and Aquatics Centre.   

After defeat in Adelaide – both teams made a strong start particularly Madi Dalmeida whose size and strength would not reduce throughout the afternoon. Caitlin Shillabeer (Physiotherapy) however kept the scoreboard moving back in the away sides favour with multiple triples and ten first term points. Enter Martin however with the next seven points with her strength guiding USYD to the lead before the Waatu snatched it back through captain Jemima Whitton for a 17-19 edge.

Yvette Volk for USYD began the second better than anyone with multiple makes – but the scores remained tied throughout the second quarter. It took a little planning from Annika Uzcategui-Montenegro (Project Management) from beyond the arc and inside to give the Waatu the lead back with Madi Hughes (Occupational Therapy) putting in place the Waatu up by seven 32-39. Alex Kayrouz however slashed the margin back to a single basket at the half 36-39.

The Waatu made the most of their momentum prior to the half extending out to seven points again and that’s when the Martin flicked the switch. She proceeded to score 12 points to haul the lead back from the Waatu as USYD produced a 25-16 term – the Waatu however were only down 61-55 with one to play.

A quick fire opening to the fourth dented the Waatu’s chances with USYD through Kayrouz and Lauryn Walker 8-0 before Whitton (Viticulture & Oenology) picked the steal for a layup then a triple off the next play thanks to a Hughes block and assist to break the run. USYD with their experience however steadied again to get out to a game high 16 points 78-62 with Waatu needing answers with 4:27 to go. The fightback ensured with a 0-9 run led by Shillabeer and AUM was bold a valiant but ultimately time ran short with USYD progressing to the semi-final, but the seventh placed finish still ended up being the best in the Women’s history for the Waatu.

Whitton capped off a consistent season with a near triple double of 17 points, eight assists and seven rebounds which Uzcategui-Montenegro producing arguably her best game of the season with 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Martin however with 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists proved the difference along with Alex Kayrouz finishing with 14 points, five rebounds and four steals.                 

Women – USYD 79 (Martin 31, Kayrouz 14, Dalmeida 11) defeated AU Waatu 71 (Whitton 17, Uzcategui-Montenegro 16, Shillabeer 13)

Season Summary 2025

6th – 5-4 (7th after Finals series due to Melbourne Uni upset of LTU)

You can’t compare the previous seasons for the Womens to this one – it was easily the most successful led by a strong recruitment drive of highly talented players from NBL1 Central sides.

Team Highlights

• Opening match against UON
• Pushing LTU in match away from home
• Away win against UWA
• Upset win against USYD at Home

Individual Highlights

• Caitlin Shillabeer 25 points versus LTU
• Meaza Otto 24 points versus FED
• Jemima Whitton near triple double versus UWA
• Jemma Tredrea debut versus UWA
• Alice Sabine double double versus UNSW

Surprise Packet

It was a surprise debut but a pleasant one from Jemma Tredrea becoming an important player to the foil of Shillabeer, Whitton and Woosnam – 16 points against UWA showed the talent the Forestville Eagles NBL1 Central backup. She continued to play a consistent brand across the remainder of the season to finish with 12.25 points and 9.25 rebounds in four games.

Most Improved

Taking large steps forward this season was the captain of the team in Jemima Whitton. She took on the most important defensive jobs but also produced ultra consistent numbers. The Norwood Flames NBL1 Central with 11.22 points, 6.11 rebounds and 4.56 assists along with 2.8 steals certainly should see more minutes in her side this season you would hope.

Player of the Season

The evenness of this side makes choosing an MVP tough however it has to go to newcomer Caitlin Shillabeer who historically has a strong record in big games. She finished the NBL1 Central season with the Norwood Flames with a bang and that showed in her first outing against UON with 14 points and had pivotal roles in wins over VU and USYD (17 points). She finished her first season with 15.86 points and 6.86 rebounds as we certainly hope of more from her in 2026.

You can catch all the games from the season past on the UBL website and stay tuned to the crossoverdribble for more match reports and features in season 2026.

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3-Minute Read

Women

The Waatu have secured one of arguably their greatest ever victories taking out powerhouse of the competition USYD in a convincing 74-56 win at the State Basketball Centre.

Caitlin Shillabeer (Physiotherapy) sparked the early 8-0 run with some quick points to gain the early ascendancy with Bella Woosnam (Exercise and Sports Science) active in another 7-0 run. Despite no Caitlyn Martin for USYD and Tom Garlepp absent on coaching duties with the U16 Gems – USYD pulled it back with a quick six points thanks to captain Lauryn Walker 19-15 at the first change.

The defence of the Waatu however was keeping Alex Kayrouz and many of her Sydney Comets teammates quiet while Shillabeer kept ticking the scoreboard over as did Jemima Whitton (Viticulture and Oenology) with a pair triples. Both were dishing the damage to keep the Waatu in front 39-30 at the main break.

After a quiet first half Kayrouz rose to the challenge hitting the scoreboard hard for USYD but it was all on the Waatu’s terms with the grinding nature of the game in the home sides favour. Every challenge from USYD was answered by the Waatu and although Kayrouz grabbed 10 points for the quarter- the Waatu still held firm 60-42 with one to play but not quite out of range.

USYD made one final push the start of the fourth with Kayrouz carrying them through the fourth but a string of triples to Meaza Otto (Health & Medical Science) and some strong finishes to Jemma Tredrea (Physiotherapy) helped secure the huge win with now results likely to draw the Waatu to face their opponents once again in the first week of the finals.            

Tredrea once again came up big in the match with 11 points, 12 rebounds while Shillabeer had a huge three terms to finish with 17 points and five rebounds. Jemima Whitton’s leadership and influence on the game defensively couldn’t be underestimated either with 10 points, six rebounds and three steals. In the absence of Martin – Kayrouz collated 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the finish.

Men

The Waatu Men gave second place a scare but a third term fightback setup the eventual win for the powerful USYD unit 85-92 at the State Basketball Centre.

Ayual Garang (Architectural Design) burst out of the blocks with some big time plays and a huge dunk in the opening for 10 points as both teams traded blows. Matthew Wacher also showed his form of the past NBL1 East season with the North Bears grabbed a quick 10 points of his own to hand the lead back to USYD 20-29 at the first change.

The most potent second term of the season came to be led by Garang again, but soon foul trouble engulfed the mismatch for USYD. Curtis Scott (Health & Medical Science) however overtook him with several of his own as the Waatu grabbed a surprise halftime lead of 43-35.

A 0-9 run out of halftime lead by Robert Moore and Harrison Evans who USYD identified as their own mismatch wiped out the halftime lead quickly for the Waatu. Needing a solution Scott provided the antidote with 14 points of his own to keep the Waatu in touch 57-60 with one to play.

Jake Weinstein who stuck triples in the third hurt again from outside while Scott tried to carry the Waatu home. The longer the final term went on the bigger Evans grew as a target for USYD – Moore on target one too many times for his final 12 points to guide the away side home to end the regular season for the Waatu.                   

Scott tried hard to get the Waatu across the line with 41 points and three assists producing the second highest individual total for the Waatu in their history. Garang was impactful but hampered by foul trouble with 19 points, five rebounds and three steals. Moore was superb across the full match for USYD with 25 points, 10 rebounds and three assists while Evans second half proved to be pivotal with 18 points, 16 rebounds with 10 offensive boards.

The Waatu Women and Men finish sixth and fifth and will face USYD and UTAS respectively in their quarter finals interstate Tuesday 7 October

Women – AU Waatu 74 (Shillabeer 17, Tredrea 11, Whitton 10) defeated USYD 56 (Kayrouz 21, Walker 13, Oliver 9)

Men – AU Waatu 85 (Scott 41, Garang 19, Mestrov, Thomson 10) defeated by USYD 92 (Moore 25, Evans 18, Jake Weinstein 16)

Finals have arrived for both our teams – Catch all the action against UTAS & USYD from this Tuesday October 7 on the UBL website and stay tuned to the crossoverdribble for match reports and features throughout the season.

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3-Minute Read

Women

The Waatu stuck thick and thin with UTAS but eventually lost touch with them late as the UBL powerhouse got the job done on the road 59-76 in a gritty encounter at the State Basketball Centre.

It was tight opening to the match between the two teams with an enthralling battle between Sharna Thompson and Jemima Whitton (Viticulture & Oenology – 10 points, four steals and three rebounds) – two championship teammates with the Norwood Flames going toe-to-toe in the same barrel. Leah Bartlett however with seven opening term points led all from the front as UTAS took the lead 12-17 at the first change.

Quiet in the first term Thompson got rolling with plenty of solid makes with Waatu coach Lachlan Coppick trying to stifle the momentum with a timeout down 18-29. Enter Alice Sabine (Medical Studies) as she met the challenge with multiple makes helping keep the margin to a reasonable 26-35 at the main break.

The scoring spread further in the third with UTAS finding answers from their Hobart Chargers in Zoe Banks (Nine points and assists) and Thompson again – keeping touch was Jemma Tredrea (Physiotherapy) and Bella Woosnam (Nutrition & Sports Science – Nine points and three steals) as they muscled the Waatu into the contest with one to play 43-57.

A quick 9-8 run to open the fourth saw the Waatu stretch back into it through Tredrea and Caitlin Shillabeer (Physiotherapy) again 52-65. The answer came for the well balanced UTAS with Emmerson Wells consistent throughout the afternoon and Thompson finishing it off with another eight points in the final term.        

Tredrea continued her strong contributions with 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists backed up well by Shillabeer with 12 points and six rebounds. Thompson player of the game notched 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists while Wells collected 18 points and 11 rebounds, Bartlett superb in the first half particularly finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Men

The Waatu Men kept their faint top four finals hopes alive but also secured their highest finish of the UBL with a thrilling 90-88 win over UTAS at the State Basketball Centre.

The opening saw a tantalising battle between two teammates of the runner up NBL1 Central final Central Districts Lions as Jack Stanwix and Ayual Garang (Architectural Design) found themselves going head-to-head. However difficult to stop going downhill Curtis Scott (Health/Medical Science) opened the first term with eight points but Garang was not far behind with five. A 17-5 run led by those two and Issac Hampel (Electrical Engineering) sparked early impact of Jordan Straatsma to take the 28-21 lead.

The Waatu continued to lead the charge with Garang nailing some big triples to give the Waatu a handy 39-25 advantage. After a quiet opening term Stanwix got busy with some key baskets to push UTAS back into it but a late pair of free throws from Scott saw the Waatu hold a handy 52-38 margin at the half.

The comeback for UTAS after the half was launched by Luke Brown and Stanwix (eight points for the term) as the pair rolled it back to 56-49 with a quick 4-11 run. A pair of key triples to Hampel dropped however kept the margin at a reasonable 70-58 with one to go.

UTAS charged their way back in through Straatsma and his work in the block again while Scott was being curtailed by the away side. Straatsma found his range from outside and paired with Stanwix cut it back to 83-79 – the Waatu calculating their approach through Thomas Mestrov (Banking & Finance) and Ahmed Nawasany (Computer Science) to keep them in front.

The Waatu failed to put the game away as UTAS struck back through Archie Stewart with the easy two-point layup, but UTAS were in the fouling situation needing to send Waatu to the line. Sending Scott the free throw line and after missing the first, made the second hit the front of the rim with Garang (eight in the final term) picking up the scraps dribbling it away and forced to foul. He missed the first and tried to miss the second, but it went in to make it 90-88 with one second left. UTAS turned it off fortunately on the last play and Waatu prevailed with one game to play – still had a slim home final alive depending on results ahead.           

Ayual Garang was the player of the match with 23 points and nine rebounds also containing Stanwix for majority of the game and even though quieter than previous weeks Scott still accumulated 22 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Stanwix led all for UTAS eventually with 25 points, five rebounds, three assists along with arguably the most consistent of the match in Jordan Straatsma with 24 points and eight rebounds with Luke Brown also gathering 21 points and six rebounds.

The Waatu Women and Men are already secure in the top eight but if results go their way plus wins over another powerhouse in USYD – home finals are still open for possibility

Women – AU Waatu 59 (Tredrea 13, Shillabeer 12, Whitton 10) defeated by UTAS 76 (Thompson 24, Wells 18, Bartlett 11)

Men – AU Waatu 90 (Garang 23, Scott 22, Hampel 15) defeated UTAS 88 (Stanwix 25, Straatsma 24, Brown 21)    

Finals have arrived for both our teams – Catch all the action against UTAS & USYD from this Tuesday October 7 on the UBL website and stay tuned to the crossoverdribble for match reports and features throughout the season.

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Photo Credit – UNSW Basketball

3-Minute Read

Men

The Waatu Men put on one of the most impressive first halves in multiple seasons to down UNSW 70-98 at the City of Sydney Basketball Association Stadium to seal their third consecutive finals series appearance in a row.   

It was a pair of Panthers in Curtis Scott (Health and Medical Science) attacking from beyond the perimeter and in transition as him and Matthew Thomson (Project Management) dominated the opening proceedings gifting the Waatu a strong 7-20 start. Thomas Mestrov (Mathematics and Computer Science) from mid-range and Ayual Garang (Architectural Design) with the hook from in close once again made things incredibly difficult for the home side with consistent attack at the rim to leave it 10-26 at quarter time.

Scott continued the damage with contested mid-range makes for the Waatu with little response from UNSW – Garang draining another triple and backed it up with a steal and one-handed throwdown in transition that had UNSW seeing stars at one of the homes of the Comets. Garang kept his scoreboard ticking to record eight for the term but not to be outdone was Isaac Hampel (Electrical Engineering) with his own slam then followed it up with a triple himself to give the Waatu the 21-50 lead at the half.

The second half was much tighter, but the Panther pair once again put on a show with fancy footwork and work off the glass. Jackson Smyth kept the points coming for the home side but Hampel extended the Waatu’s lead with only a half court buzzer beater from Smyth falling for UNSW 43-76 with one to play.

The last term saw the margin stay even with Thomson getting some more burn time on the floor with multiple makes and the ability to make up for missing earlier part of the season. The comprehensive win finishing with a customary Everett Webb triple to put the Waatu into sixth place one game clear of ninth and with a home double header to finish the regular season.  

Scott rained in another 32 points with seven rebounds, four assists, three steals with Garang hitting form at the right time of the UBL season with 14 points. Newcomer in the last round Matt Thomson brought 12 points, nine rebounds and two blocks to partner well with Thomas Mestrov with nine points and 10 rebounds. Smyth was the clear best for the home side with 31 points with three steals and five rebounds while Jacob Corry grabbed 17 points, and 11 rebounds.             

Everything from a home final to eight place is on the table at the mercy of the UBL – the saving grace is UNSW, UWA Maali and Curtin Uni Carnaby’s are all locked on four to three wins meaning their spot is secure in the eight.

Two wins over UTAS in third and USYD in second sets up a potential second to fourth place finish giving the Waatu an inaugural home final.

Women

The Waatu women have precariously left themselves at the mercy of the UBL draw after going down in a thriller to top eight contender UNSW 72-69 at the City of Sydney Basketball Association Stadium.

Pippa Davis and Gabi Neal got the home side off to a roaring start 12-3 before Caitlin Shillabeer (Physiotherapy) stuck the much-needed triple. Needing response it took the Norwood Flames quadrant of Annika Uzcategui-Montenegro, Alice Sabine and Jemima Whitton along with Shillabeer to bring the margin back a manageable 21-14 at the first change.

Bella Woosnam (Exercise and Sports Science) was the catalyst for the comeback with triples and multiple plays helping the Waatu back into the contest. Woosnam collated 10 points for the stanza while Chloe Gray had some large impact with nine points while the paint presence of AUM at the defensive end of the floor was being felt by the guards of UNSW as they margin closed to 34-37 with the Waatu taking the lead at the half

Third term did not go to plan for the Waatu out of the halftime break as the physicality increased with Jasinta Haydar dealing out plenty of pain in the paint. Her nine in a row for the home side before splashing another triple was complemented nicely by the work under the basket of Emily Nguyen (13 in last year’s win for UNSW). Xanthe Fitzgerald also came good after the half for UNSW as they won the quarter 20-8 to take the 54-45 solid lead into the last change – the Waatu in trouble.

Jemima Whitton (Viticulture/Oenology) has played with flow all season and hit the early floater with her teammate Sabine (Medical Science) providing the cure for the anxious moments with six offensive boards for the match. Shillabeer inspired upped the defence with the block as Sabine got out in transition for the finish to force timeout to UNSW 58-52 as the Waatu charged back.

Maddie Coman however had other ideas as she put some key points on the Waatu to push it to double figures. The Waatu answered back with big plays, but the offense was becoming sticky and stagnant in the circumstances with Shillabeer refusing to let this one slip still. The home side however answered each challenge with a timely make to keep the fifth to eighth race interesting.

In an even spread for the Waatu – Shillabeer finished top scorer with 13 points, nine rebounds while Alice Sabine produced her best effort of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Bella Woosnam kept them in the game with a triple on the full-time buzzer giving her 13 points with three steals with Whitton producing eight points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals. Four players for UNSW contributed 14 or more with Neal leading the way with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Despite the loss due to other results the Waatu Women will play finals for the first time in their history – the scenario becomes intriguing with the Curtin Uni Carnaby’s locked on five wins in sixth, UNSW on four wins in seventh and MUBC in eighth locked on three wins (Fed Uni are in ninth with one game left can snare the last spot)

A home final is possible with two wins this last round over second placed UTAS and third placed USYD – the lowest two losses and percentage slips them to seventh.                       

Men – UNSW 70 (Smyth 31, Corry 17, Yi Tian Zou 8) defeated by AU Waatu 98 (C Scott 32, Garang 12, Thomson 12)

Women – UNSW 72 (Neal 16, Coman, Fitgerald, Haydar 14, Nguyen 7) defeated AU Waatu 69 (Shillabeer, Woosnam 13, Sabine 10, Otto, Uzcategui-Montenegro Whitton 8)           

It’s all on the line for the final two matches of the UBL season as they aim to claim dual home finals – Catch all the action against UTAS from this Tuesday September 23 and USYD Wednesday from 11:00am ACDT on the UBL website and stay tuned to the crossoverdribble for match reports and features throughout the season.

We want to continue our work telling the stories of SA Basketball this winter and beyond with world championships, local legends, NBL and WNBL previews, reviews and NBL1 off season news and predictions – Can you PLEASE HELP US with a shotclock sub of $14 or $24 a year to help us do this?

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“All about Ability – the last five year’s of the Men’s Ivor Burge Program”

“The all-time Adelaide Lightning All-Stars Team – Naming the team of the past 30 years of Adelaide Lightning players”

Eight new $24 Shotclock subscribers will have the remaining of piece produced on the topic of

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Photo Credit – Adelaide University Sports

3-Minute Read

Women

It took till deep into the fourth term, but the Waatu Women secured their fourth win of the season and are on the doorstep of the UBL finals for the first time with a close out of the UWA Maali 62-69 at the UWA Sport and Recreation Centre.

The Waatu women took on one of the teams they’ve had recent success against across their years in the UBL but a much-improved UWA Maali hit the floor hard in the opening term. Captain Jenna Teasdale for the home side who scored 22 points in their 2024 meeting in Adelaide was strong early with scoring the first few points with Sydney Meares looking dangerous (10 points, six rebounds and five steals) with both teams trading blows to leave it tight after one term 16-19.

Both teams missed plenty of long-range attempts to open the second term, but Teasdale once again kept the Maali in the contest with nine points in the quarter. Not to be outdone was the up and down court work of Jemima Whitton with six points but a lack of scoreboard contribution saw the Waatu down courtesy of Zoe Shanahan (Eight points, four assists and rebounds) with a fancy turn around seeing them out 35-28 at the main break.

Bella Woosnam came out of halftime with a triple despite the trailing margin for the away side sparking a three-point frenzy with Meaza Otto (11 points and three assists), Claire Hunter (11 points and three assists) hitting from deep to cut it right back in the third term. Hunter continued to gather the points in the stanza causing matchup problems and slashing the margin back to 49-46 with one to play.

With Waatu looking to make the finals with three games remaining including two home fixtures to close the regular season – a new face flew in with impact. Forestville Eagle Jemma Tredrea edged them in front and became a focal point for the Waatu with a quick seven points in a row. Whitton and her denting the confidence of the home side with Otto and Tredrea stretching it beyond a two-basket lead.

Tredrea extended it to double figures with another two points as the home side looked done, but Teasdale and Shanahan make saw coach Lachlan Coppick call for timeout to settle the nerves on the road. A turnover for the Waatu saw the Maali call for time with the after time out play seeing Keisha Chng’s triple force another timeout as the margin sat at four points.

Sending Whitton to the free throw line for one of two the Maali had several opportunities to cut the margin again but misses from beyond the arc to Chng, Ari Creighton and Chng off conceded offensive rebounds by the Waatu eventually ended with the ball in Tredrea’s hands who sealed the Waatu’s fourth win of the season and fifth place on the ladder – two wins clear of eight with three to play.

Tredrea’s debut was strong in the absence of Caitlin Shillabeer with 16 points and 11 rebounds backed up by a strong all-round game from a near triple double to Jemima Whitton with 14 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Jemma Teasdale notched 18 points, 11 rebounds and five assists to lead all for the Waatu with Keisha Chng strong from outside with 13 points on four triples with five rebounds.                

Men

The Waatu Men kept their place in the top eight with a gunslinging matchup in the West against the UWA Maali 80-88 – a game filled with plenty of one-on-one showdowns of various degrees throughout the afternoon at the UWA Sport and Recreation Centre.

The opening term began as usual with two guns in Joe Harwood who scored 21 points last meeting in Adelaide and Curtis Scott coming to play for the Waatu keeping things entertaining early. A Damian Zhang triple however sparked a strong response of 0-11 from the Waatu as they seized into the lead 11-17. Keegan Schrick returned order to the home side with Lachlan Oakley hitting the buzzer beating triple to bring it back to 19-27 after one.

Curtis Scott was unstoppable as the great one produced eight points, and three assists enabled the Waatu to jump out but the triples from Oakley and Zhang kept raining in with Hardwood even flushing one down off the left hand dribble into two handed takeoff to spark the 7-3 run with a huge block to Schrick and Zhang’s triple forcing the timeout to Scott Freer. Riley Eves and Schrick helped snare back to the lead as momentum swung the Maali’s way and to a 46-43 lead at the half.

Waatu not impressed with the back end of the second term came out strong in the third renewed via Thomas Mestrov and Scott as the Waatu edged their way back in front. While drying up other sources Harwood continued to keep the Maali in the contest making timely baskets. A final minute push from Ahmed Nawsany with the turnaround jumper breaking the ankles of his opponent and Scott however fouled attempting the triple saw him go three from three from charity and gifting the Waatu a 63-70 lead with one to play.

The Harwood/Scott battle continued on the floor as the gunslingers in the west fired shot after shot in the fourth. Mestrov however was becoming a factor as he made multiple paint plays and grabbed plenty of glass as they stayed out by a healthy lead. The Maali had a last push at the margin with Harwood slamming another one down and Schrick trying to rain in more triples, but Scott closed it out with and1 play in a comprehensive finish to take the Waatu’s third win and sit in the top eight with three games to play.

Scott was sensational through four quarters with his 39 points, coupled with nine assists, seven rebounds the second highest ever individual total by a Waatu player just short of Men’s Darcy McNamara’s 42 points versus USYD. Thomas Mestrov was strong in the second half to finish with 10 points and nine rebounds with several other players making handy contributions. Joe Harwood was dominant again with 21 points, eight rebounds while Keegan Schrick was potent with 19 points, 15 rebounds and three assists in the finish.                                             

Women – UWA Maali 62 (Teasdale 18, Chng 13, Meares 10) defeated by AU Waatu 69 (J Tredrea 16, Whitton 14, Hunter, Otto 11)

Men – UWA Maali 80 (Harwood 21, Schrick 19, Oakley, Zhang 13) defeated by AU Waatu 88 (C Scott 39, Mestrov 10, Nawasany, Thomas 8)          

Catch all the action against UNSW from this Tuesday September 16 from 11:30am ACDT on the UBL website and stay tuned to the crossoverdribble for match reports and features throughout the season.

We want to continue our work telling the stories of SA Basketball this winter and beyond with world championships, local legends, NBL and WNBL previews, reviews and NBL1 off season news and predictions – Can you PLEASE HELP US with a shotclock sub of $14 or $24 a year to help us do this?

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Photo Credit – Anthony Furina (Via Adelaide University)

3-Minute Read

The Adelaide Waatu have been around in the UBL since 2022 and have progressively made strides year in year out. The league shifting to a August-October calendar for the first time in it’s existence will lengthen then talent pool sitting in the sweet spot between the end of the NBL1 season and beginning of district preseason and other basketball opportunities.

Coach of the previous teams in 2024 Scott Freer shared on the SA Shotclock earlier this week it’s an opportunity for those who don’t take the college route to still play in a high quality competition. “UBL is designed for this – a lot of major universities got together and said we may have a lot of kids who don’t get the opportunity to go overseas to play college in the US – effectively it’s a elite level league designed to cater for the experience on both sides of the floor.” Freer shared with the podcast this week.

“It’s a stepping stone to elite basketball with all the important aspects included – it’s a great league and getting stronger every year.”

Here’s the run down of what to look forward to from our teams this season in the 2025 season including all our home games at the State Basketball Centre this season.

Round 1 – Tuesday August 5 vs University of Newcastle [NU] (Home)

Round 1 – Wednesday August 6 vs University of Sunshine Coast [USC] (Home)

Round 2 – Wednesday August 13 vs La Trobe University [LTU] (Away)

Round 3 – Wednesday August 20 vs Federation University [FED] (Away)

Round 4 – Wednesday August 27 vs Victoria University [VU] (Away)

Round 5 – Bye

Round 6 – Tuesday 11 September vs UWA Maali (Away)

Round 7 – Tuesday 16 September vs UNSW (Away)

Round 8 – Tuesday 23 September vs UTAS (Home)

Round 8 – Wednesday 24 September vs University of Sydney (Home)

Quarter Finals – Week of October 6

Semi-Finals – Week of October 13

Grand Finals – Week of October 20

Women

History

The Women grabbed their first home win in UBL history last year in their home game at the State Basketball Centre marking a turning point in overall competitiveness – then putting in solid showings against powerhouses such as Sydney Uni. With most of the core returning and some key NBL1 Central pieces added this season under returning coach Lachlan Coppick looks another step in the right direction.

Returning

The Norwood Flames duo of Alice Sabine and Jemima Whitton will return along with experienced Meaza Otto from the Southern Tigers. Sabine coming off the MVP for last season for the Waatu will be another key figure again this season finishing with multiple doubles – all these three have had limited NBL1 Central minutes and will be raring to go for the new season.

“Having the three girls comeback this year really gives a core we can continue to build around for the coming season ahead.” Freer summarised the returning players for the Waatu.

Recruited

With already two Norwood Flames – joining the Waatu will be another two who have been starters for the NBL1 Central 2025 side in Caitlin Shillabeer and Annika Uzcategui Montenegro.

“We still don’t have the combined university players just yet as that comes next year – Caitlin coming into the group is a really talented player as is Annika joining us this year with Scarlett Miles back as well.” Freer shared about the additions to the Womens team.

These will be two of the strongest with Shillabeer stringing together four consecutive double figure games for the Flames this past season plus an eight point performance for the club in the 2023 Grand Final. The Eastern Mavericks Claire Hunter joins averaging 5.8 points in NBL1 Reserves as will a host of other faces to support the core of the Women’s squad.

Men

History

The Men have been exceptionally close to progressing to the next stage of the UBL finals falling agonisingly short to UTS and MU after finishing eight in consecutive seasons of the UBL. There best chance to progress was blown on the road up at Alexandria – this season grabbing as many wins at home before pinching a few on the road will be go.

Returning

Hungry for more floor action Harry Bruce of the West Adelaide Bearcats will be back to back up his 26 points per game last season coming off 18 points per game in the NBL1 Reserves. Joining him will be Mitch Cretan (Woodville Warriors), Emil Kourani (Sturt Sabres), Isaac Hampel (Southern Tigers) as well as current finals bound Central Districts Lions Ayual Garang averaging a healthy 13 points per game. Bailey Nathan also makes his return after playing in the England college system with Tottenham after his tremendous finish to last season.

Recruited

An impressive core also sees some new faces for the Waatu this season from several NBL1 Central lists including Woodville Warriors Charlie Knowles, North Adelaide Rockets Angus Crosby and Central Districts Lions Makai Dornford. Adding to that is Under 19 Egypt national Ahmed Nawasany is one to watch with his game style.

Head Coach Scott Freer shared that even though plenty of these players features on NBL1 lists – spots are up for grabs and likely will have to leave out a few during the season.

“Looking going into week one we are going to have to turn around and say to someone who is on an NBL1 roster and say you’re not making our ten this week – we are very privileged position right now.”

The Scout – Who to watch incoming for at our Home Games

Women

Newcastle may be one of the newest editions to the league but they won’t be short on NBL1 East talent including Falcons Charlotte Cougle and Sophie Brennan who averaged 10.8 points per game and scored 20 plus multiple times this NBL1 season. A host of Waratah Youth Stars for the Central Coast Waves are led by Chloe Fraser averaging 17 points per game.

UNISC bring back a couple of familiar names including NBL1 North Sunshine Coast Phoenix Esther Fleming and Ava Nason while bringing in NBL1 North Georgia Berry and Zoe Drane as well from the Phoenix. A homecoming for a familiar face in Forestville Eagle Terran Wright also is on the cards in the squad for this season.

Up the top no doubt once again will be two powerhouses of the competition led by UTAS. Anthony Stewart’s group will be lead by Norwood Flames Championship player of 2023 in Sharna Thompson and Emmerson Wells with a group that’s been together for multiple seasons. The same can be said for USYD led by WNBL DP for the Sydney Flames Caitlyn Martin along with dynamic guard Alex Kayrouz.

Men

Newcastle Mens will be lead by the NBL1 East Central Coast Crusaders Jamal Shoaib with Newcastle Falcons Jude Jennings (28 ppg in WL) and a host of talented Waratah League players involved in their first match in the league.

It’s a fairly new UNISC lineup with the most recognisable Riley Spicer from the NBL1 North Sunshine Coast Phoenix – the team however is filled with talented youth players from the QSL and pair Ola and Oyin Oguntoyinbo.

Again two powerhouses of the competition will feature in the Men’s home fixtures led by Mark Nash’s UTAS. He’ll have Central District Lions 2025 Grand final player in Jack Stanwix and Archie Stewart at his disposal along with several key players that have featured on Tasmanian NBL1 South rosters. USYD make their first appearance in Adelaide led by NBL1 East North Bears Matthew Wacher and former Sydney Kings DP Ignatius Mitchell.

Catch all the action from this Tuesday August 5 from 10:50am ACDT on the UBL website and stay tuned to the crossoverdribble for match reports and features throughout the season.

We want to continue our work telling the stories of SA Basketball this winter and beyond with world championships, local legends, NBL and WNBL previews, reviews and NBL1 off season news and predictions – Can you PLEASE HELP US with a shotclock sub of $14 or $24 a year to help us do this?

NEW – PITCH TO THE PUBLIC 

It takes 4 hours a week to write, research and produce our content but we want to write extra content this next few months so we thought we’d pitch to the public

Here are the next lot of articles up for pitching – subscribe to get these written

“All about Ability – the last five year’s of the Men’s Ivor Burge Program”

“The all-time Adelaide Lightning All-Stars Team – Naming the team of the past 30 years of Adelaide Lightning players”

Eight new $24 Shotclock subscribers will have the remaining of piece produced on the topic of

Another eight new $24 Shotclock subscribers or contributors directly will have both pieces done for production

Please DM if you’d like to support another way than subscription

See if you can provide the assist we need to tell the South Australian Basketball story

All Episodes of the SA Shotclock available on podcasting platforms in the coming months