Author: Tristan Prentice

NBL1 Central Round One Womens – Bearcat Morgan monsters again in opening round over Rockets

Morgan Yaeger returned to the centre stage of NBL1 Central with a commanding West Adelaide Bearcat dance over the North Adelaide Rockets 53-76 at the Lights Community & Sports Centre.

Photo provided by Sonya Connor Photography

3-Minute Read

It was a depleted start from the Rockets under new coach Georgia Crouch as her former counterpart at the Adelaide Lightning in Matthew Clarke returned to take the helm at the West Adelaide Bearcats. The red and black blitzed their way to a 0-17 start with Yaeger kicking things off with nine straight points including her first triple of the night. It took a visit to the free throw line for Jordyn Freer to break the run but the Bearcats already smelt blood in the water as Yaeger added another five for the term to give her 13 points with another Lightning returnee in Ashlee Strawbridge dropping the late finish off the window for a 6-30 start.

An immediate response was called upon by Crouch and she got from Olympian Lauren Mansfield (10 points & three rebounds) as she drained an early triple then managed to get former Eagle Maddy Freer up and running to cut it back to 18-35. Off the back of a strong performance for SA – the U20s brigade led by Coco Hodges with back to back triples resumed order as the Bearcats took a 26-49 handy lead into the halftime break.

New Sister Act – Coco Hodges (pictured) and Chloe Hodges could be the newest of sister acts in NBL1 Central 2026 with an impressive opening round of 22 points, 10 rebounds & steals and 7 assists – Photo by Sonya Connor Photography

The Rockets continued to try and fight back through the Freer sisters but a strong run of 2-11 from the away side had them in a commanding position of 33-60 with one to play. Yaeger shut the door on this one incredibly quick with a triple and a trademark setback three but knowing these two may be there at the end of the season – establishing a strong margin to chase down in their return meeting was clearly on the agenda as the Bearcats did not yield until the final buzzer.

Yaeger produced in Round one yet again with 30 points at 64 percent, five assists, four rebounds and three steals with both Coco Hodges (12 points, five rebounds & steals and four assists) and Chloe Hodges (10 points, five rebounds & steals and three assists) near identical numbers. The Freer’s will be the pair to watch for the Rockets together with Jordyn Freer adding 15 points & seven rebounds and Maddy in her first game for the new colours eight points & rebounds with five steals and three assists.

 The numbers that mattered 

  • Yaeger did her damage in the first term with 13 of her 30 points coming in the quarter 
  • The Rockets registered 10 turnovers with eight missed field goals before Abbey Jones made the first with 58 seconds left in the first
  • 29 steals were registered in the match with the Bearcats 19 of them led by the Hodges
  • Yaeger now has averaged 31.75 points in Round One of the NBL1 Central since 2021 after scores of 15, 35, 47 and now 30 in consecutive matches.  

The Three Takeaways 

  • Yaeger & Clarke are the combo – but we already knew that right?
  • Even though we know this Bearcats team is getting stronger – the quick adjustments under Clarke should have the whole league on full notice
  • The Rockets depth is concerning – health is a premium with plenty of experience but a slow start is looking likely now

NORTH ADELAIDE ROCKETS 53 (J FREER 15, MANSFIELD 10, M FREER, WARNER 8)

WEST ADELAIDE BEARCATS 76 (YAEGER 30, CH HODGES 12, CO HODGES 10)

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO TELL THE STORIES OF THE NBL1 CENTRAL

Every game deserves to be reported on including the history and background of the league – in 20 years time we may find it very difficult to look back at history and find data (as we are finding already in searching for past results and impact) so writing these articles is essential for capturing the essence of the league.

We have 300 plus players on lists of the NBL1 Central – $5 a week from every player and the NBL1 community will help you make sure you get written about by a local who knows the league in and out and has been active in the space the last five years and beyond. We need your support with more so please consider our options or consider sponsoring the website which also has an accompanying podcast and broadcasting of the NBL and WNBL through the Collective group.

Support local writing for nbl1 central

All Episodes of the SA Shotclock now available on Spotify

NBL1 Central Round One Womens – Sabres steady in Nicola of time once again

It took till the second half but the Sturt Sabres finally saw off the South Adelaide Panthers 62-52 in a solid showing at Springbank.

Photo provided by @Picture It Sport Photography

3-Minute Read

The Sabres took control with a dominant 33-14 including a 20-2 stretch across the halftime period. 

It was the Panthers however that jumped out under new coach Scott Rattus on the Sabres missing Paige Padroth. The Panthers missing Argentinian centre Emmy Garcia Leon charged through the play of Kiera and Hannah Gardiner as the sister act went to work with eight points between them in the first term. Aimee Brett in return from the Cairns Dolphins in NBL1 North last season also looked strong in her distribution and attack on the basket despite Sabres skipper Nicola Mathews breaking her ankles with a smooth crossover move.

The Sabres however were off target from beyond the arc early were rushed into error as the Panthers took a 12-21 first quarter lead. 

The grind was real early in the second with both teams struggling to find scoring opportunities. Despite a welcome return of WNBL Betty Watson Breakout Player of the Year Tayla Brazel to the fold – the Panthers held a commanding 15 point lead with some great assistance from Bianca Stasinowsky and Woodville Warriors recruit Sophie Evans. Stasinowsky and Evans’ length troubled the Sabres, holding a 21-36 with 2:30 left in the second. That’s when the Sabres struck back through defensive maestro Zoe Walker-Roberts and Brazel as they edged the Sabres back into the contest with a quick 7-2 run to trail 29-38 at the main change. 

South Adelaide Panthers Sophie Evans provided a spark in Round One with a career high night in extended minutes – photo provided by @Picture It Sport Photography

ZWR and Brazel led the Sabres out of the break as the Sabres brought their colellective nature back to the fore with a stout 14-2 run. Brazel made one of the first triples from the night and it opened the gates as Nicola Mathews saw her opportunity to seize. With a young group and newish combination the Panthers spark in the first half looked to have gone out as last year’s runner ups grinded the game back in their favour. The Sabres took the lead back late in the fourth and held a 48-45 lead with one to play.

It was the Sabres turn to jump out of the blocks in the fourth with a 6-0 start as Katia Stamatelopoulos took control of the point position between the sides. In her second year the long guard was active with her hands and positional outworking her opponent on the floor. Given space to operate late however was Nicola Mathews as she drained a triple then made the tip in off the offensive rebound as the Sabres took game one of the season in a controlled and calm manner. 

In the Nicola of Time: Sturt Sabres Captain Nicola Mathews had a strong four quarter match with 19 points including an important triple in the final term – Photo provided by @Picture It Sport Photography

Mathews emerged as the player of the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, backed up by Brazel with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists in a solid all-round return to the league. Zoe Walker-Roberts started on the pine but had her usual influence with 11 points and 7 rebounds with Stamatelopoulos churning out a handy nine points, four rebounds and two assists with two steals.

It was a bright start from Merv Harris medallist of 2025 Kiera Gardiner with ten points in the first half but finished with 12 points and eight rebounds as her influence was shut down in the second half. Stasinowsky had one of her best games in a long time with 7 points and 8 rebounds and the young core of Daisy Hocking (six points and nine rebounds) and Sophie Evans (Career high 7 points and four rebounds with expanded opportunity) showed some spark for South.

 The numbers that mattered 

  • This was the Sturt Sabres fourth win in a row against the South Adelaide Panthers since 2024
  • The Sabres took 34 attempts from beyond the perimeter but only made two for the night 
  • The Sabres trailed by 15 points but turned the game with a 20-2 stretch across the halftime break
  • The Panthers won the rebound count 50-36 including 11 offensive rebounds 
  • The Panthers had 26 turnovers compared to the Sabres 13 in the contest – the Panthers guards had 18 between     

The Three Takeaways 

  • Nicola Mathews timing is still and always impeccable when needed
  • Sophie Evans is a handy pickup for the Panthers
  • Panthers downhill style will be fun to watch but will take some time to put together over four quarters in terms of motoring management

STURT SABRES 62 (N MATTHEWS 19, BRAZEL 11, Z WALKER-ROBERTS 10, STAMATELOPOULOS 9, M WALKER-ROBERTS 7)

SOUTH ADELAIDE PANTHERS 52 (K GARDINER 12, COX 8, STASINOWSKY 7)

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO TELL THE STORIES OF THE NBL1 CENTRAL

Every game deserves to be reported on including the history and background of the league – in 20 years time we may find it very difficult to look back at history and find data (as we are finding already in searching for past results and impact) so writing these articles is essential for capturing the essence of the league.

We have 300 plus players on lists of the NBL1 Central – $5 a week from every player and the NBL1 community will help you make sure you get written about by a local who knows the league in and out and has been active in the space the last five years and beyond. We need your support with more so please consider our options or consider sponsoring the website which also has an accompanying podcast and broadcasting of the NBL and WNBL through the Collective group.

Support local writing for nbl1 central

All Episodes of the SA Shotclock now available on Spotify

TOP 5 NBL1 Central Mens Games to watch for in 2026

The new season is less than 50 days away – with a finals defining set of clashes, historic rivalries with additional presence and the Grand Final rematch that might define the outcome of two contenders…

4-Minute Read

It’s time to have a look at the Top 5 NBL1 Central Mens Games to watch for in 2026

#5 – Round 16 – Sturt Sabres vs Eastern Mavericks (Springbank 3:00pm)

Feature images supplied via NBL1.com.au /  @snapshotphotography3 / Snap Shot Photography

This could very much be the moment of truth for both these sides after just missing the finals in 2025.

The Sturt Sabres will be looking to return back to the finals race under coach Jacob Dorricott and recruits Jarryd Hoppo, Josh Tomasi, Joel Spear and of course having a fit and firing Jacob Rigoni and Sam Daly return to the pack. They have made the Cave at Springbank a fortress for some teams that have not been able to usurp – including the Eastern Mavericks

The squad assembled this year is a finals or bust group for the Mavs with a core of returning players in BJ Symons, Lachlan Hunter, Jackson Bowden and Noah D’Arcy. The additions however really make a case with Curtis Scott, Dylan Marshall, Harry Morris, Mack Schaftenaar and Christian Peevy strengthening this roster the whole way through in what should be a genuine finals contender.

With only two games to go after this match-up – the result could determine who is back in the top five by seasons end or back in it for the first time in two decades…

#4 – Round 3 – West Adelaide Bearcats vs Forestville Eagles (Port Adelaide 6:30pm)

Jordan Forbes suiting for the Forestville Eagles in 2026 has a knack of being a force on the Bearcats home floor and the blockbuster stage could see emotions high again – Feature images supplied via NBL1.com.au /  @imagesby_dan

The battle of wiles on a Good Friday at the Bearcat cave will carry even more note in season 2026.

While you know both Dean Nyberg and Andy Simons will keep their cards close to their chest this stage of the season – the talent that will roll out on the floor without even knowing the final make-up of both rosters will put on a high scoring show.

The Bearcats quiet as usual at this time on the recruitment announcement side of things still have their core secondary unit mostly intact and if history is anything to go by expect some high quality NBL and athletic exciting talent at that to take the floor.

The Eagles bring back a majority of their starting five including Adam Doyle, Daniel Johnson, Alex Starling and Greg Mays plus Fiston Ipassou. The big change is the signing of the 2023 MVP and two time all-star five selection Sturt Sabres guard Jordan Forbes.

And we know what’s happened with Forbes and the Bearcats in the past – plenty to consider in the viewing of this contest

#3 – Round 12 – Sturt Sabres vs Central Districts Lions (Springbank 5:00pm)

The Lions are in their window for the championship after falling agonisingly short in 2025 – a Sunday afternoon against a likely contender looms as pivotal / Feature image from Central Districts Lions

A late Sunday afternoon blockbuster at a pivotal stage of the season for two finals contenders setting the scene for a must watch clash.

The Sabres as we mentioned above will be in the running around this time while the Central Districts Lions are in their window for a championship right now.

The Lions have their starting five core mainly back with both Kalani and Koen Sapwell to help the Lions climb one better under father and coach Rupert Sapwell. Both Deng Manyang and Magok Manyang will be back and while losing Jack Stanwix to NBL1 South Frankston Blues will hurt – the recruitment of sharpshooter Riley Harrap and athletic long week Jaden Seymour helps cover some of the gap in last year’s grand finalist.

The Lions won at Springbank for the first time since 2014 last season – to do it once can be a flash in the pan but to do it twice shows your credentials to the final dance by seasons end…

#2 -Round 17 – West Adelaide Bearcats vs Central Districts Lions (Port Adelaide 8:15pm)

The Lions rematch with their Grand Final opponents late in the season once again has the ability to shape potentially the finals five positions by seasons end – Feature images supplied via NBL1.com.au /  @imagesby_dan

Speaking of games that could shape fate – the second meeting of last year’s grand finalists is definitely that.

This one last year was the game that saw the Bearcats discover their defensive identity holding the Lions to 4 points in the second quarter (19-4) in a place where success has been hard to come by.

In fact the Bearcats have won their last five at the Bearcat Cave and not lost there since 2021 – it’s a place the Lions will possibly need to assert some dominance if they are going to be able to knock off the top teams by season’s end again.

Watching this one with great interest…

#1 – Round 4 – Sturt Sabres vs Forestville Eagles (Springbank 7:45pm)

The rematch of these two will have a lot extra with the famous finish ringing in the background of last season- Feature images supplied via NBL1.com.au /  @snapshotphotography3 / Snap Shot Photography

The Bauer/Newley cup doesn’t need even more drama does it?

We are going to get that though when Jordan Forbes plays his former side and some incredible match-ups between the two we’ve seen the last few seasons. The two historic rivals have had six single point games since 2021 with at least one each season but the Sabres have not seen off the Eagles at home since 2024 dropping their last two to them.

Regardless of personnel both teams always put on the show worth the watch and if last year’s finish was anything to go by – we’ll likely get something similar once again.

We want to continue our work telling the stories of SA Basketball this summer 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

Photo originally supplied by Rachael Sporn for ESPN Australia

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 now available on Spotify