MOUNT ISA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

8/3/11 – ROUND 1 RECAP – OFF TO A FLYING START

The new season of Mount Isa Basketball tipped off this past Tuesday night at MIBA Stadium, with an exceptional display of terrific basketball across all divisions. If the first round was any indication, then we are in for one of the most thrilling and hotly contested seasons in recent memory.

It all started with the Ladies Division A defending premiers Blazers kicking off their title defense in style, accounting for the newly revived Livewires, to the tune of 53-13. Krystal Chong showed why she was the MVP of the league last season, providing a consistent force at both ends of the floor. Sarah Burke stood out for the Livewires, who are back in the competition after a brief absence and looking to recapture that Livewire spark. In other Ladies Div-A action, the Celtics defeated the Pumas by 5 points (31-26), in a see-sawing affair that saw the lead change hands several times. Jordynn & Shannon Ward provided a strong 1-2 pairing for last season’s runners-up, while Katti-Ann Batty lead a gallant Pumas outfit from the front.

Ladies Division B offered up some quality action as well, with Blazers 2 and Half Stars scoring wins over Sub Please and the Highlanders respectively. Chonny George showcased Usain Bolt-like speed on offense, running her way to an 18-point haul in Blazers 2’s 30-14 defeat of Sub Please. Liz Armstrong was a stand out for Sub Please, showcasing a balanced display of offense and defense, while her team showed that they will be able to match it with their competition this season. Half Stars had to work hard to grind out a close fought 16-12 victory over the resurgent Highlanders. Stephanie Vermeersca provided the Half Stars with a reliable defence effort, while young Highlanders guard Hayley Caldwell will be looking to carry her good form into a meeting with Blazers 2 next week. The Kangas came to play, but were unfortunately met with a forfeit against the Dribblers in the late timeslot.

Ladies Division C wasn’t to be outdone, with both games going right down to the wire. Matariki opened their account for the season, defeating Kinetic by 20-17. Ree Kukutai added 6 points for the Matariki ladies, while Teresa Hodgetts lead her team by example, with 8 points. After watching their club mates triumph earlier in the evening, Blazers 3 put in a solid effort, but fell 5 points short to Semi Pro, 17-12. Mia Alexander led the way for Semi Pro, while Shaqeigha George put on 6 points for Blazers 3, in what was a well contested of basketball from both sides.

In the Men’s competition, Tsunamis started the night with a convincing 38-31 victory over an under strength Blazers. Luke Dargan was hitting the target from beyond the arc, knocking down 3 shots from 3-point land, but new Tsunami guard Luke Thornton made an impressive debut, scoring 13 points and regularly troubling the Blazers defence. The Meteors made it a night to forget for the Matariki men’s side, running away comfortable winners by 80-6. Shane Wilkie was a stand out for the Meteors side, while Kieran Martin stepped up for the Matariki men, in what was always going to be a tough ask for the fledgling side. The Meteors victory seemed to be the proverbial throwing down of the gauntlet to perennial competition standouts the Celtics, who will have to wait until next week to start their season proper after recording a forfeit victory over the Pumas. Rumours have begun to circulate over the immediate future of the defending champion Pumas, with many of their key players from last season as yet unseen at MIBA Stadium in 2011. Does this spell the end of the proud Pumas team, or are they biding their time, preparing for a spectacular comeback?

Games recommence next Tuesday, 15 March at 5:45pm, for Round 2 of what is sure to be a high spirited, yet highly competitive season of basketball in all divisions. Until then, yours in basketball, 

David Klich
Senior Competition Chair
Mount Isa Basketball Association