Photo Credit – As supplied by NBL1
5-Minute Read
The Lions in the Womens have some tough competition featuring ex/current WNBL players, long time faces and a couple of SA born known names. They’ll take on the Rockingham Flames (NBL1 West), Waverley Falcons (NBL1 South), Newcastle Falcons (NBL1 East) and call-ups in Southern District Spartans (NBL1 North) who the Lions will play first up this afternoon and last year’s champions the Bendigo Braves (NBL1 South).
Women’s National Champions
Rockingham Flames (NBL1 West)
Coaches: Marcus Wong, Ellyce Ironmonger
Brief History: The Flames while they didn’t have Opals Bronze medallist Sami Whitcomb still managed to torch the Cockburn Cougars for their fourth women’s title in their history. It was 21-2 in the final quarter as the Flames led by NBL1 West Grand Final MVP Alex Sharp finished the job.
Watch out for!!!
The WNBL off season has been great for Robbi Ryan and they brought it home strongly in the fourth for the Flames. Ryan scored five crucial points down the stretch when the game was on the line finishing with 14 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. She has a knack of knowing what role to fill when the game is on the line.
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She’s a superstar, Alex Sharp having another Grand day out with 19 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. The former Tiger and current UC Capitals player continues to breakout like her award in WNBL24 – the cog that continues to turn for the Flames machine.
A familiar face is…
Townsville Fire’s Nes’eya Parker-Williams has grown even further in NBL1 2024. She has upped her numbers by plenty plus in a majority of categories. It’s been a solid move from the Joondalup Wolves following Marcus Wong across to the Flames. She capped it off with 18 points and 12 rebounds in 28 minutes. Just 21 years of age and one to continue watching for further WNBL opportunities.
The Crossover Closer
This team is really deep with the WNBL talent of Sharp, Ryan, Parker-Williams and Emma Gandini and that’s just the start. Throw in a flame thrower performance of Jessie Jakens of 23 points when it counted in the final, Georgia Pineau doing “Pineau” family genes kind of things and you have a serious contender. They are the #1 scoring team, steals which led to points accumulated from turnovers and second chance points. They are also the #1 defensive team conceding just 63.7 per game, a measly 4.6 PTO, 10.8 offensive rebounds allowing just 7.1 2CP and 6.6 steals with 9.9 fast break points. They have it all in every category and that makes them a serious threat to the overall title if they have their full arsenal.
Newcastle Falcons (NBL1 East)
Coaches: Kristy Bultitude, Chloe Mullaney, Bernadette Schmidt
Brief History: The Falcons have picked up their fourth title in the Womens since 2016 in the Waratah league. The team formerly known as the “Hunters” collected titles in 2016, 2019 and shared it in 2021 with the Sharks who they played in the decider with the season cut short due to the Pandemic.
*The following takes into account that Isla Juffermans has already headed off to college at the Louisville Athletics and won’t be avaliable
Watch out for!!!
Hannah Chicken I’ve been told about by my NBL1 East informats has had another solid season. She’s the do it all piece in this team averaging 10.22 points and 6.48 rebounds but to point out finished the season stronger than ever with 13 points on average across her past six matches – Newcastle will definitely do well with Chicken tonight…
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The WNBL sniper of the UC Capitals in Nicole Munger is doing her usual thing. She finished the Grand Final MVP with 22 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and two steals. The finals have been her friend with 23 points on average in her past three matches.
A familiar face is…
Great to see SA born Elissa Brett be the third member of the Brett family to make a Grand Final in 2024. The Geelong United signing did her best work getting the Falcons into the final with a strong set of 22, 20, 22, 14, 16 and 17 points in consecutive games.
The Crossover Closer
The Falcons feature some strong individual players but potentially lack the depth and class of the other contenders of 2024 – however depending on what the others bring you can’t underestimate them whatsoever.
Waverley Falcons (NBL1 South)
Coaches: Elias Palioyiannis, Lisa Ewin, Tom Bandilovski
Brief History: The Falcons of NBL1 South scored their second championship in 30 years with their thrilling five point win over Keilor Thunder. They bounced back after going down to the undefeated Bendigo Braves in 2023 who will also feature in this National Finals.
Watch out for!!!
The WNBA draft pick of McKenzie Forbes may not have the most star studded numbers but she is an impact player for sure. Forbes averaged 14.92 points and three rebounds but her back end of the finals was extremely productive.
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Hard to go past Southside Flyer Rebecca Cole who also had a cracking Grand Final and an elite last eight games of the NBL1 South season. Cole averaged 28 points during her side’s run back to the big dance and produced in the final with 21 points, seven assists and six rebounds – she also didn’t shoot below 50 percent in those eight matches.
A familiar face is…
A Carley Ernst special ensured in the decider with a MVP performance of 26 points, four rebounds and three blocks. The one time Adelaide Lightning player is well known across WNBL circles as a multiple championship player.
The Crossover Closer
This Waverley team is one of the deepest of the weekend and that’s just starting with the three above. Add in Amelia Todhunter, Irish recruit Orla O’Reilly, Norwood Flames Championship player Sharna Thompson and veteran Renae Mokrzycki. It’s hard to not see them not make the top two this weekend with this lineup.
Southern Districts Spartans (NBL1 North)*
*Have replaced the Rockhampton Cyclones who are unable to field their team for the finals
Coaches: Peter Crawford, George Robinson, Emma McDonald, Ashleigh Karaitiana
Watch out for!!!
The much travelled veteran of import Ariana Moorer has been all over the world and last appeared at the Rollers in the QBL of 2019, Red City Roar in 2022 and Rollers again in 2023. The Spartans called upon her services to produce 16.56 points, seven rebounds and five assists. A matchup with Jasmin Fejo likely awaits considering her need to be contained.
You would know them…
One of the best sixth women of the WNBL24 season Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard of the Perth Lynx is a star continuously on the rise. Making the journey from the West of the Warwick Senators – with nine points and six rebounds per game her numbers are much more underrated than on paper. A likely matchup with Georgie Garrard could occur here.
A familiar face is…
A Lightning favourite in Abby Cubillo also will make an appearance in this one with a matchup of one of the bench guards like Maddy Curry or Keely Wiseman a likely scenario.
The Crossover Closer
The Spartans who are in by chance have some WNBL experience but also are likely to be missing some as well – the Lions will be a good shot to get over them in the first matchup if it all clicks…
Bendigo Braves (NBL1 National Finals Champions 2023)
Coaches: Mark Alabakov, Michael Gibbins, Nathan Batchelor
*The following takes into account that Amy Atwell and Ally Wilson are not available due to their post Paris Olympics recovery
Watch out for!!!
Without Amy Atwell and Ally Wilson, attention turns to the next gun scoring force in the side in Cassidy McLean. Luckily the WNBL rookie for the Spirit in the past can put the ball in the hole with 15.76 points per game, five rebounds and four assists.
You would know them…
The golden hands of Kelly Wilson were a huge part of the Braves unbeaten season across NBL1. Wilson again leads the league in assists (8.71) and not far behind in steals (2.5) and will be a big problem for the guards she comes up against the weekend.
A familiar face is…
While Ally Wilson won’t likely feature the question is will Megan McKay I can confirm has returned for the Braves. Her last match was May 5th but was mentioned as a possible starter – I guess we’ll find out later today what kind of impact she can have…
The Crossover Closer
The Braves are likely to be right in the middle of the pack due to not having the one two punch of Olympians Atwell and Ally Wilson – but could surprise by flying under the radar.
The Eagles in the Mens have some equally challenging competition featuring ex NBL players, some of the highest quality imports the country has seen, long time faces and a couple of SA born known names. They’ll take on the Mandurah Magic (NBL1 West), Eltham Wildcats (NBL1 South) who the Eagles will play first up this afternoon, Maitland Mustangs (NBL1 East), MacKay Meteors (NBL1 North) and last year’s champions the Knox Raiders (NBL1 South).
Men’s National Champions
Mandurah Magic (NBL1 West)
Coaches: Mark Utley, David Groten
Brief History: The Magic (formerly known as the Kanyana and Mandurah Kings) have won their first title in 35 years in the SBL/NBL1 West. Much like the Lions in the Women’s in SA this was their first and only appearance in a grand final. They rolled home to win by a single basket off the back of a 14-28 final term to win 89-91 in the finish.
Watch out for!!!
The Joel Murray show is rolling into the Sunshine Coast and you better be ready for it!!! The Grand Final and League MVP has been outstanding. The West Texas Buffaloes and Long Beach State product is in his first season as a NBL1 player leading the Magic charge from the front. He’s dropped five 40 plus games including a 52 point outing against the Lakeside Lightning and averaged 33.25 points, seven assists, 4.71 rebounds and 2.33 steals.
You would know them…
A change of scenery for Julian Pesava a well known person to those who were involved for SA across the Australian Baptist Basketball Carnival Championships in the early 2010s – resulted in a chip for the champion. Julian had a huge final term in the Grand Final to finish with 24 points and seven rebounds.
A familiar face is…
I’ve been tracking the progress of young guard Lachlan Bertram who has now taken out the NBL1 West Youth Player of the Year. He’s shown up in Adelaide over the last few seasons of the New Balance University Basketball League for the Curtin Uni Carnabys where he was named League MVP for 2024. The former Perth Redback finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and four steals – it matches up with what I’ve seen over the last few years when he’s played Adelaide Waatu.
The Crossover Closer
The Magic are a serious chance to take out the whole thing with plenty of ingredients in the mix. With Murray the focal point of the next tier of Pesava, Defensive Player of the Year Michael Durr (21 and 19 in the decider), Jarrod Molnar and Bertram. Add in veteran Corey Easley and you have the #1 scoring team. Their chink by the looks is they give up the most points in the paint and second chance points but they have enough winners to overcome those potential gaps at the defensive end of the floor.
Maitland Mustangs (NBL1 East)
Coaches: Luke Boyle, Callum Wade, Trevor Gallacher
Brief History: They’ve finally done it the Mustangs – in their third consecutive grand final appearance they got over the line against the Canberra Gunners 67-86 after going down to the Gunners in 2022 and Sharks in 2023. Led by the unassuming Will Cranston-Lown and import Christian Little they broke their drought of multiple seasons.
Watch out for!!!
If you don’t know who Grand Final MVP William Cranston-Lown you will know by the end of the weekend. The dynamic guard is a star of the NBL1 East averaging 21.17 points, six assists and five rebounds and nearly doubled his numbers since last season. The Grand Final was his stamp of authority with 28 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
You would know them…
There’s not too many familiar names but perhaps the sole import in Christian Little – Will Cranston Lown’s teammate at college at the Regis Rangers. Little has been a fantastic addition to the NBL1 and finished the season strong with 23 points and 16 points in the preliminary and grand finals.
A familiar face is…
A former NBL rookie from 2017-2018 in James Hunter features in this roster makeup for the Mustangs. Hunter has played all over Australia including Ballarat in the SEABL and played in the NZNBL with Southland Sharks. He played minimal minutes in the past matches but he’s still someone to watch out for.
The Crossover Closer
The names may not be as star studded but they have that finals pressure experience. They became also the #1 scoring team, points in the paint, second chance points, offensive rebounds, rebounds and steals. It’s hard to see them taking out the whole thing but you never know…
Eltham Wildcats (NBL1 South)
Coaches: Craig Stratford, Chris Cameron, Stephen Smith
Brief History: The Wildcats won their first title at the top level (SEABL/NBL1) in their history in remarkable circumstances. They had to win their last six games to get into the finals and the giant killers from there knocked off all in their path including Geelong, Mt Gambier then Frankston.
*The following takes into account that Angus Glover and Owen Foxwell were not named in yesterday’s squad on the club’s social media page.
Watch out for!!!
The Josh Sykes slam show is in town for the National Finals for the first time and without the other two above – he becomes the focal point of the offence. Sykes is a highlights machine this season once again and a matchup first up for Greg Mays looms immediately off the bat.
You would know them…
Former Melbourne United rookie Sam Short can still play this game no doubt. The guard is the Wildcats mister fix-it averaging 7.54 points, four assists and rebounds and has a likely matchup with Adam Doyle.
A familiar face is…
Freshly back from Paris watching his sister Ezi – Ovie Magbegor would be well known to Adelaide Waatu followers as a UBL player for the La Trobe Eagles. The experienced forward averages four points and three rebounds but could unleash in the finals this weekend. A matchup with Daniel Johnson is likely given his size in the block defensively.
The Crossover Closer
The Wildcats minus Glover and Foxwell look a lot thinner than then others on second glance. However the standard of the South conference far outweighs the others – if the Wildcats follow their formula of balance across all statistical categories they may still make a splash on the sunshine.
MacKay Meteors (NBL1 North)
Coaches: Joel Khalu, Adam Jurd, Nathan Arousi
Brief History: MacKay are a powerhouse of the NBL1 North having won the first title in the NBL1 era in 2021 then taking out this year’s title in a 2-0 sweep over the Brisbane Capitals. It’s their fourth overall title in the club’s history.
Watch out for!!!
You know at the NBL1 level that Grand Final MVP Todd Blanchfield can turn it on at the right time of the season. He’s enjoyed a rich run of form with 26.4 points in his past five matches
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The forgotten man of the NBL with an elite junior career has been a big stat sheet stuffer in Emmett Naar. He went very near a triple double in game two of the finals series with 19 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds and surely an NBL team is still looking to acquire his services if a spot opens up.
A familiar face is…
The one we wish was home but is Captain of this side and a Brisbane Bullet locked in Isaac White. White had an electric finals series with 27.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists on average across his games and will be a player to watch if he suits for the Meteors.
The Crossover Closer
The Meteors if Blanchfield, Naar and White suit up will be a top contender. Add in Jerron Jamerson, Aiden Krause and Luca Yates it will be a top lineup for the home side in the National Finals.
Knox Raiders (NBL1 National Finals Champions 2023)
Coaches: Matthew Nunn, Kaleb Foster, Brenton O’Brien
Watch out for!!!
KJ Feagin proved a problem for all in the National Finals of 2023 in the West and no doubt he’s high on the list again. Back for a second year – Feagin brings 17.52 points per game, 5 assists and three rebounds.
You would know them…
My co-host on the SA Shotclock Kerry’s favourite Anzac Rissetto should provide some highlights as well for last year’s defending champions. The big young centre had a solid year for the Raiders with 10.96 points and five rebounds.
A familiar face is…
Could a former Eagle come up against the Forestville Eagles this weekend? It could happen in Malith Machar who has upped his game while in Raiders colours. Machar has averaged 15.79 points per game and five rebounds.
The Crossover Closer
The reigning national champions can absolutely bring it with the squad which includes newly signed Jackjumper Brody Nunn, SE Melbourne Phoenix rookie Austin Rapp and Melbourne United’s Kyle Bowen (12 points and 10 rebounds per game) – they are a good chance of going back to back…
I’m obviously hoping for the SA double with the Centrals Districts Lions and Forestville Eagles
But if you truly ask me, in the Women I feel it’s between the Rockingham Flames and Waverley Falcons with their WNBL experience and likelihood of squad available and expect them to be playing off on Sunday. In the Men’s the Eagles are a genuine shot of taking it out but I’ve been impressed by the Magic over in the West and the Meteors while the Raiders may have not had the NBL1 South season they’ve liked their team on paper could take out this whole thing still. I think maybe it’ll be between Magic and Meteors.
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