By James Woite

 

MEN: Creek, Warriors too athletic for bigger Bearcats

The Woodville Warriors were in no mood for another thriller at St Clair on Saturday, dominating the West Adelaide Bearcats in the first half, before settling for a 96-62 win.

The Warriors’ intensity rattled the Bearcats as they build a 57-19 half-time lead. Although not playing an obvious press, they trapped the Bearcats’ guards smartly, and played the passing lanes aggressively, resulting in steals and fast-break layups.

Fans of a traditional containment defence would not have been thrilled by the Warriors’ constant gambling, but this style of basketball totally put the Bearcats’ offence out of rhythm. Even when the Bearcats were able to get out of trouble and move into a position to score, an energetic Warrior would rotate over and force another tough pass or a tough shot.

The Warriors worked so well as a team, forcing Bearcats Coach Brendan Mann into two time-outs with not even eight minutes played. It was only after they backed off that the Bearcats began to get the scoreboard ticking.

Mitch Creek produced his own highlight reel en route to 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, particularly impressive numbers given he played only slightly more than 25 minutes. Ian Nixson added 16 points with 6 rebounds, as all but one Warrior hit the scoreboard.

Tristan Braithwaite looked the most likely Bearcat to break through the stifling Warrior defence, ending the night on 13 points. Blake Truslove eventually worked his way to 18 points, but was only able to do some damage once the pace slowed down. In an up-tempo first half, Truslove and fellow Bearcat big David Sturner (8 points) were a constant source of fouls and turnovers, as their smaller, faster opponents got the better of them.

Despite their major size advantage, the Bearcats were outrebounded 29-50, had 22 fewer points in the paint, and were outscored 0-13 on second chance points. They shot just 31 per cent for the field and were 3-19 on threes, after hitting 11-23 in their previous game against Sturt. The Warriors went at 54 per cent from the field, including 5-10 3FG.

The Warriors’ next game is against the 1-3 Tigers at Morphett Vale on April 19. The Warriors are now 3-1.

The Bearcats (3-2) are back at Port Adelaide on April 17 against the league’s only unbeaten team thus far, the North Adelaide Rockets.

 

 

WOMEN: Perkas, Warriors seize command at expense of Bearcats

After being held to 8 points against the Bearcats earlier this season, Katherine Perkas could not be restricted a second time, as the Warriors registered an 89-58 victory.

Perkas put as 23 points and 7 rebounds, as the Warriors produced a 44 point turnaround from when they lost to the Bearcats on March 15. It was a frustrating night for the Bearcats and, in particular, Coach Glenn Shaw, as they struggled to compete with their opponents’ superior speed and strength.

The Warriors moved the ball with precision, and each player understood when to set screens and make cuts, and how to use them. As a result, they got a lot of good shots and made the most of them, finishing the night with 51 per cent shooting.

In contrast, the Bearcats looked lost offensively, forcing up many contested shots off the dribble late in the shot clock. They made 16 less field goals, despite taking one more attempt – their field goal shooting efficiency was just 29 per cent.

The Bearcats were able to stay with the Warriors early, trailing by just three at the end of the first quarter. It was during the second and third quarters where the Warriors got away, piling on 47 points to 24 during that 20 minute period. The Warriors were focussed until the final siren, keeping the likes of Perkas on the court and refusing to just play the clock.

Perkas was well-assisted offensively by Callan Taylor (16 points), Ashleigh White (15 points), Ursula Richards (10 points), and Tess Keenan (9 assists). Sky Langenbrinck (19 points) and Rachel Herrick (10 points) were the top-scorers for the Bearcats.

The Warriors (2-2) will meet the Tigers at Morphett Vale next. The Tigers are also 2-2.

The Bearcats (1-4) will return home next round to face the 4-0 Rockets.