By Benito Carbone

North Adelaide 75 | West Adelaide 57

North Adelaide, led by Shannon McKay and Kirsty Williams proved too much for the Bearcats at Hillcrest on Friday. The Rockets put in a solid performance from start to finish with MAC Adelaide Lightning recruit, McKay putting up 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists and Williams with 17 points, 6 rebounds.

West Adelaide, who remain without their American import Teonna Campbell were helped by Sky Langenbrinck who was the team’s top scorer with 16 points, while Stana Zecevic also chipped in with 11 points. It was erratic shooting that ultimately cost the Bearcats in the end though, finishing with 21 from 69 from the field against the Rockets’ 26 from 58.

In the opening stages, Williams put up 8 points and North were up 12-4, continuing to pile on the pressure offensively and finishing the quarter 15 points ahead at 27-12. West Adelaide came out in the second term with more energy but they failed to take their chances as the Rockets continued to hit their marks pushing the lead out to 20 at the half.

Shannon McKay continued to hit shots for the home team, pushing their lead out to 59-34 before the Bearcats started to shoot with more accuracy. Tahlia Fejo downed a clean 3-pointer as the team made up some ground but the final whistle was fast approaching. Jo Hill grabbed 10 rebounds for the Rockets, while Opal Mader also impressed with a smashing rejection as the clock ticked below 30 seconds in the fourth quarter.

The win leaves North Adelaide in a great position heading into the next round against Woodville at St Clair.

Round 2: Friday, 18 March at 6.30pm

North Adelaide VS Woodville Warriors at St Clair
West Adelaide VS Eastern Mavericks at Adelaide Hills