Two weeks shy of her 18^th birthday, Mildura product Denelle Fawcett showed maturity beyond her years, helping Southern to a 50-74 away win over Central Districts.

The Tigers may still have won without Fawcett’s contribution, but her scoring spree in the second half put the result beyond doubt.

In stark contrast to their game the night before, the Tigers raced to an 8-0 lead, triggered by two baskets from Ashleigh Biddell. Centrals eventually scored but couldn’t stop the surging Tigers, Southern extending their lead to 22-3 before the Lions’ defence kicked in. Tamika Dukes blocked a shot to force a shot clock violation, then Centrals forced another to end the quarter, down 23-9 at the first break.

The scoring continued for Southern, first with Deanna Troia hitting a runner, then Stana Zecevic hitting Kelsie Rutland on a backcut.

The offence for the rest of the quarter was excruciating, as both teams struggled to score. Dukes kept Centrals in the game with some strong rebounding, but neither team was able to convert.

Haley Bunce scored a put back on the half time buzzer, sending Southern into the change rooms up 32-16.

Casey Banwell broke the drought for Centrals with a mid range jump shot.

However, the quarter belonged to Fawcett.

Her streak included three three pointers, a steal and a layup, and a three point play, that put the result beyond doubt.

Centrals competed hard for the remainder, with Dukes scoring on a strong drive and Caitlin Arnold hitting a mid range shot. However, the damage was done in two runs – one to start the game and one in the third.

Fawcett was the Best for Southern, finishing with 29 points.

Dukes led the Lions with 18 points and 11 rebounds, and with new coach Kevin Brooks rotating players liberally, other contributions were spread. 

Southern Tigers 74 (Denelle Fawcett 29, Kelsie Rutland 13, Ashley Biddell 12)
Central Districts Lions 50 (Tamika Dukes 18, Casey Banwell 8, Katrina Evitts 8)

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By Paul Arnott