2023 NBL1 West - Round 8 Recap

The Wolves improve to 10-1 ahead of a highly anticipated re-match against Cockburn.

May 20^th was the date the Chambers Franklyn City of Joondalup Wolves took on defending NBL1 national champions, the Warwick Senators. From tip off both teams brought the fire in a scrappy battle for the lead.

The game began with a quick bucket from Emma Klasztorny after a successful jump ball by Teige Morrell, who herself was dominant, scoring inside and rebounding on the other end. Chelsea Belcher hit her first of five threes for the game in the final seconds of the first, opening a 3-point margin.

The second quarter came in threes with baskets made beyond the arc from Chelsea Belcher, Laniesha Paddon and, “and-1” baskets inside from Teige Morrell. The Senators were able to gain an edge in the closing minutes of the half, scoring 9 points in two minutes spurred by 2022 MVP Stacey Barr and Natalie Burton.

Tia Ucich, although missing on the floor was rallying the team during time-outs and breaks with Head Coach Marcus Wong. Although quiet in scoring, Robbi Ryan contributed valuable possessions on both ends, assisting on big baskets.

Led by the defensive efforts of Shani Amos and Izzy Miotti in the third quarter, the Wolves levelled out the score. On offence huge threes were made from Chelsea Belcher stretched the floor as Teige Morrell and Emma Klasztorny continued to provide points inside and converting at the free throw line.

The fourth quarter was an improvement on the third with even more scoring and continued defensive team effort, which opened a double-digit margin against the defending champs. Ultimately winning the game 79-68 to improve to a 10-1 record.

The Wolves men put on a show on the road.

Five players scored in double figures against the Warwick Senators on the road, contributing to a dominant team win for the Wolves on the road. The game was dominated by shots from deep, where the Wolves converted an impressive 17/33 attempts from that range.

The first quarter opened with a hard-fought tip in by Bryan Michaels after a series of offensive rebounds, which was then quickly followed up by a transition dunk from Quintin Dove after a defensive stop by Bryan Michaels. Big threes by CJ Turnage, Bryan Michaels, Brody England and Mathiang Muo capped off the first quarter, now leading by 2.

The second quarter was the biggest of the night for the Wolves, distancing themselves from the Senators with more threes made by the trio of Bryan Michaels, Mathiang Muo and Brody England who had 2 each for the quarter. Quintin Dove and CJ Turnage contributed points inside the paint combining for 12 in the second quarter.

Unselfish play led the way for the Wolves as players moved the ball fluidly to open teammates. Bryan Michaels, Christian Jurlina, Jordan Wellsteed and CJ Turnage led the way in that category. Quintin Dove iced the game with a huge 3 from the car park to end the third.

The fourth quarter saw contributions from the whole team including a pair of steals from Gabe Chadinha, a corner 3 from Ben Geel and assists from Luca O’Brien and Archie Hall. The squad was led by Christian Jurlina to close the game, winning 107-77.

This Saturday we take on the Cockburn Cougars for a very special Van Kailis tribute night. If you haven’t yet purchased tickets, you can visit bit.ly/Wolvestickets to secure yours!