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
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Despite the absence of some key players the Forestville Eagles have managed to hold off the late charge of the Eastern Mavericks 74-79 at St Francis De Sales.
Photo provided by CS Photographicaus
3-Minute Read
In shades of Carmen Tyson-Thomas of past seasons – the women got a great first up impression from new US import Antigonie “Tiggie” Sanabria & recently graduated Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine college import Brooklyn Rewers as they just sat behind the Eagles 23-25 after the first quarter.
Getting “Tiggie” with it in 2026 – This looks like it won’t be the first time either as Antigonie “Tiggie” Sanabria showed shades of former Mavs import Carmen Tyson-Thomas and we know what happened that year – Photo by CS Photgraphicaus
The game remained tight in the second with the Mavs extending their lead to double digits before the Simons sisters of Sam and Jess cut it to 44-39 at the main change. After an even third term 59-61 – the Mavs chance to beat the Eagles for the first time since 2019 was there as Sanabria cut it back to a two basket margin with only a few plays left.
Despite whittling it back the Eagles prevailed 74-79 with some close out plays and makes in the final minute.
Sam Simons was the player of the game with 28 points, nine rebounds, fours steals & three assists and in a sister act with Jess (14 points & six rebounds) got the job done for the Eagles to give new coach Matt Paps a first up win. Rewers (21 points & seven rebounds) & Sanabria (20 points & nine rebounds) led from the front for the home side.
The numbers that mattered
While the pair of Sanabria and Rewers had 41 between them the Mavs did get another 33 points from the rest of their lineup compared to the Eagles
Olivia Tredrea with Sydney Hunter not quite ready to go collected a career high Seven points, six rebounds and assists in a strong 31 minute showing.
The Eagles had 18 offensive rebounds and forced the Mavericks into 15 turnovers to create an additional 15 scoring opportunities
The Mavericks took all of their 2pt shots inside the paint except for one for the match
The Three Takeaways
The Mavericks new import need to stay healthy for them to stay competitive
The Eagles are still working out a new system including using heavier rotations through the bench
It was a missed chance by the Mavericks with the Eagles missing a few key personnel and in the same breath a huge step forward for the cellar dwellers of 2025.
FORESTVILLE EAGLES 79 (S SIMONS 28, J SIMONS 14, R KING 12, VIDMAR 9, O TREDREA 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 weekfrom 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.
Its Euro-Trip to SA as several names arrive from Europe and interstate including Osk Siguardardottir, the SA version of the Greek freak and the number one scorer from the East. Plenty of teams starting to make moves despite negative records throws intrigue and suspense into the Round 8 of NBL1 Central action this weekend…
BJ and the Bandit - Branden Jenkins comes to the league as no joke having topped the scoring averages in NBL1 East already this season to join Bijan Johnson at the Lions. Photo by James Wiltshire
5-Minute Read
Saturday 28/05/2022
Forestville Eagles vs Norwood Flames – (Wayville – The Nest)
Women (6:15pm)
Former teammates will come to clash as a game that looks to separate the table apart in the middle finally comes to the league. The Eagles are coming off a long break since their last game (against Sturt Sunday May 8) while the Flames won both their games back-to-back last weekend. Don’t be surprised to see an unlikely but also logical matchup with Wilson and Simons taking on each other. Both sides probably realise they are the match-winners and Stratford can take Basham in what looms as a battle worth the price of admission. It might come down to Genna Anderson who caused all sorts of problems for the Eagles last season with 17 points and 11 rebounds and 18 points and 10 rebounds in their fixtures. The Flames were one of my early favourites for the titles and I think they are getting on their rool now and the Eagles are next in the firing line.
Key Stat – The Eagles are shooting 34 percent from beyond the arc and are number one in the competition; The Flames have launched an average of 21.6 from there compared to the Eagles 23.16. Might come down to who can hit the target from their 20 odd attempts best.
ESPN Prediction: Flames by 7 points
Men (8:00pm)
The Eagles will be looking to put the pain on the team that knocked them out of the finals in 2022. Coming off a confident boosting victory over the COE, the Eagles machine is starting to click into place but the other confident group have also found their groove. After knocking off the undefeated Rockets perhaps Tim Odell has found the formula for his Flames. The Flames have some useful assets that could trouble many of the Eagles players, but I think it’s a case of just one too many to stop for this team. I think this one is likely to be a shootout with the Eagles getting home in a much closer contest than maybe we thought a few rounds ago.
Key Stat – Both teams are miserly with ball in hand with the Flames equal number 2 and the Eagles number 4 for turnovers in the competition.
ESPN Prediction: Eagles by 5 points
Woodville Warriors vs Southern Tigers – (St Clair – The Castle)
Women (6:30pm)
The Warriors look mis-matched in this one against the in-form Tigers who took out the top of the table Panthers last weekend. If the Warriors are to cause a major upset, they are going to need to hold the Tigers to a score if 50-60 for the game and force everyone but Yaeger, Skinner and McKendrick to beat them. I simply can’t see how they can hold all three that quiet and the Tigers should continue their strong run against the Warriors women in recent years.
Key Stat – The Warriors will need more scoring production off their steals only averaging 59.9 points per game this season.
ESPN Prediction: Tigers by 33 points
Men (8:15pm)
The Warriors are rolling for 2022 but have to continue the momentum going after starting 3-1 in 2021 they came up short of the finals with a 8-10 record. Now they are 6-1 and, in the territory, where they dropped games, they should’ve won. The young talented Tigers may prove a challenge with Olbrich in scintillating form having scored 17, 29 and 23 points and the two imports Martin and Daniels starting to find their niche. Overall, the Warriors are so potent and defensively locked in for 2022; can’t see them dropping this one and keeping a hold on the top of the table for now…
Key Stat – The Warriors offence has been incredible this season number one in the league with an average of 98 points per game and 22.7 assists per game; they are a legit contender in 2022.
ESPN Prediction: Warriors by 18 points
South Adelaide Panthers vs Sturt Sabres (Marion – Michael Ahmatt Court)
Women (6:30pm)
The top of the table clash sees once again the Panthers who have struggled against the Sturt Sabres defensive sets traditionally attempting to inflict their first loss of the season on the double blues. Last season the Panthers beat the Sabres in the qualifying final 79-93 with Ash “Splash” Spencer incredible in the final quarter to break the hoodoo; each side has one key difference with Jade Johnson now on the other side and the Sabres finding a key import fit in Williams. The Panthers however have a player that can counteract the impact of Williams in new import from Iceland Izzy Osk Siguardardottir who with a high arching jump shot should be a treat to watch for NBL1 Central fans. As good as the Sabres have been this season I think this time with Johnson in the blue and white corner; this match is going the way of South just…
Key Stat – The coach that masterminded the Panthers downfall numerous times for the Sabres is now a key assistant at South in John Turnbull; he knows the scout so he’s the difference from a strategic viewpoint…
ESPN Prediction: Panthers by 8 points
Siguardardottir and delivered: Keep an eye out for the arching shot of Icelandic national centre new Panthers import Isabella Osk Siguardardottir
Men (8:15pm)
It a big moment for the Panthers as they continue to win the close ones, this is a stern test against Rigoni’s Sabres. The Sabres can get you in so many ways at both the offensive end and the defensive end. The son of coach Rigoni Jacob is emerging as a star of the league averaging 17 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3 assists per game but he’s got a long way to go to catch the “mid-range marvel” in Smith who towers above both line-ups with 27 points at consistently 55 percent, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists. I think Ninnis’s men despite the close wins might be the real deal and a win over the Sabres proves they are a contender for the final five.
Key Stat – The Panthers have two of the top ten league scorers compared to the Sabres who have four in the top 50.
ESPN Prediction: Panthers by 4 points
Central District Lions vs North Adelaide Rockets (Starplex – The Den)
Women (6:30pm)
Rejoice Lions fans that the drought is over and when it rains, it can pour. It was a matter of time before the draw finally showed the Lions are a competitive unit in 2022 and have been led magnificently from the front by Samuels but also we can’t underestimate the impact of championship experience from Washington and a big frame in Tyla Bennett. Rockets fans of course should be appreciating Taylor and watching out for their co-captain DeFrancesco who’s had good history against the Lions and may be one the aways side would need to quell (20 and an 11 point double double last season). Confidence is riding high now for the Lions and the Rockets who are clearly in some “putting games into youth” mode with the release of one of their two imports Thomas and no news of a replacement are being prowled for another kill by a club hungry to have more wins after tasting success once again.
Key Stat – The Lions are capitalising on their offence in 2022 averaging 62 points but surprisingly shooting the same from the field in 37 percent as they did in 2021; Last year’s grand finalist the Rockets have understandly dropped to 32 percent from 37 percent.
ESPN Prediction: Lions by 15 points
Men (8:15pm)
Exciting times for the league and the Lions with the arrival of #1 NBL1 East scoring machine from the Lauren Jackson Albury-Wodonga Bandits in Branden Jenkins who’s had some G-League experience as well gives the Lions a chance. Jenkins instantly will make this game a lot closer with Dowdell playing the team he won a championship with last year. The Lions can match the Rockets in all aspects with Jenkins matching up with Winn, Dowdell on Akoh, Manyang on Dau bound to be one of the highlights of the night and Bijan Johnson against Brad Rathjen. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Lions cause an upset but think the Rockets with homecourt will find a way to get it done.
Key Stat – With Jenkins 25 ppg, the Lions now boost Manyang with 18 ppg, BJ with 17.7 ppg, Dowdell with 17.2 ppg, Nathaniel Koko with 11.7 ppg and Nate Deer off the pine with 10.7 ppg; they are now officially loaded offensively.
ESPN Prediction: Rockets by 5 points
Eastern Mavericks vs West Adelaide Bearcats (St Francis – The Shooting Gallery)
Women (6:30pm)
This one I think is not as straight forward despite the Bearcats looking like a raging favourite in most people’s eyes. Stopping Jaz Fejo will be the key for the Mavs with the task likely falling to Gabriel as I think they’ll be able to contain reasonably Rintala through their import combo who troubled them most last season. The Mavs got the better of the Bearcats in their last home encounter but this unit from the West has stamped itself as a contender. The Mavs matchup well here apart from Fejo and I think that’s the difference in this game.
Key Stat – The Bearcats are extremely efficient in 2022 shooing 42 percent from the field and are number one for dominating the glass through their hardworking guards and forwards with 52 per game.
ESPN Prediction: Bearcats by 9 points
Men (8:15pm)
The SA version of the Greek-Freak has arrived in 7’4 giant Ioannis Dimakopoulos (that’s SA’s version of Giannis) and is the final piece of the Mavs puzzle for 2022. Against a West team struggling for consistency this is where the Mavs launch themselves off the bottom of the table as I predicted at the start of the season but if they are going to make a run from 0-7 eerily similar to the Rockets they must get off the mark tonight. A loss to the Bearcats who despite being 7th are likely to slip from here on in and it could be all over before it started with 0-8. That’s not happening with a team boasting Legan, Cromarty, McCalop, Knibbs and the likely suit up of Dimakopoulos as its potential starting five; they break the duck tonight after coming so close last week…
Key Stat – Since suiting Legan and Cromarty, the Mavs have scored 84, 78 and 94 compared to 80, 60 and 66; that’s an increase in 16 extra points per game…
ESPN Prediction: Mavericks by 10 points
Our very own Giannis: The big 7’4 giant arrives on our shores this week and will need to get hooping straightaway if the Mavs are to compete for the final five…
We are back to doing recaps for the NBL, Catch all the NBL1 Central action today on the NBL1 website, app and game of the week in Round 8 between the South Adelaide Panthers and the Sturt Sabres on Kayo and Kayo Freebies this evening.
CROSS OVER DRIBBLE 