Falcons Dominate Glass to Crush Tornadoes

The Waverley Falcons outclassed the Launceston Tornadoes 76-55 on Saturday at Waverley Basketball Centre, riding a commanding rebounding advantage to a comfortable home win. The Falcons were led by Katelyn Shumate's outstanding double-double performance with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Shumate shot an efficient 62.5 percent from the field and dominated in the paint with 16 points. Waverley controlled the glass all night, outrebounding Launceston by a massive 67-35 margin, including 26 offensive boards which led to 18 second-chance points. The Falcons also moved the ball effectively, recording 14 assists compared to just five for Launceston. The Tornadoes struggled to find their shooting touch, hitting just 31.25 percent from the field and a dismal 5 percent from beyond the arc, making only one triple on 20 attempts. Sarah O'Neill and Bailey Flavell each contributed 14 points, while Megan Mullings added 11 points and five steals in the losing effort. Launceston's inability to secure defensive rebounds proved costly throughout the contest. **WAVERLEY FALCONS 76 (Katelyn Shumate 27, Carley Ernst 14, Sophia Locandro 8).** **LAUNCESTON TORNADOES 55 (Sarah O'Neill 14, Bailey Flavell 14, Megan Mullings 11).** #NBL1East #AussieHoops