Frankston Blues NBL1 South 2023 Round 6 Recap

Original Piece: NBL1 South Recap | Saturday Round 6

Bibby helps Frankston make a statement in win over Hawks

The Frankston Blues made if five wins in-a-row and made quite the statement by beating the defeating champion Ringwood Hawks who had Marena Whittle back in their line-up.

Ringwood was back at home and welcomed back last year's Grand Final MVP Whittle who was fresh off representing Australia at the 3x3 World Cup Qualifiers.

It presented a chance for Frankston to make a statement with the Blues coming in with a four-game winning streak, and they started promisingly with 18 points to 12 in the opening period.

However, the Hawks hit back with 26 points to 19 in the second quarter to set up a thrilling second half.

It was the Blues who worked their way on top, though, and would outscore the Hawks 40 points to 33 through the second half to end up winning by six points and make it five straight wins to sit on a 6-3 record. The Hawks are now also 6-3.

Chloe Bibby was the star on the night for Frankston delivering 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals but she had plenty of support too.

Louise Brown contributed 19 points, 14 rebounds and three steals, Micaela Cocks 12 points, eight assists and four rebounds, and Ella Batish five points, five boards and five assists.

Marena Whittle returned to put up 28 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals for Ringwood including hitting 4/6 from three-point range.

Ariel Jones added 22 points and three assists, and Toni Farnworth eight points and five assists.

Newley helps Frankston maintain top spot

Brad Newley showed he still has plenty left in the tank by leading the Frankston Blues to the 88-81 victory against the Ringwood Hawks on Saturday night.

Frankston came into the clash at The Rings on top of the NBL1 South while Ringwood was looking to win consecutive matches for the first time this season.

The Hawks started well on their home floor with 24 points to 18 in the opening quarter but for most of the evening it was a tight contest with nothing more than seven points separating the two teams.

However, it was an 8-0 run from the Blues in the fourth quarter that saw them open up the game's first double-figure lead and end up claiming the seven-point victory.

As a result of the win, Frankston remains in top spot with a 7-2 record with Ringwood slipping to 3-6 following the defeat.

As he prepares for another season with Melbourne United to add to his 309-game NBL career, Brad Newley was tremendous for Frankston with 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals on 10/16 field goal shooting.

Daniel Trist added 16 points, 11 rebounds and four assists for the Blues, Lucas Barker 15 points, 13 assists and six rebounds, Igor Hadziomerovic 13 points, eight boards and four assists, and Lachlan Barker 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Jonathan Lawton top-scored for Ringwood with 25 points, seven steals, four assists and three rebounds with Kyle Daggett contributing 15 points, nine boards and four assists, and Matthew Fennell 13 points and seven rebounds.

Original Piece: NBL1 South Recap | Sunday Round 6

Cavs overcome Bibby's 36 for win at home

There was a reversal in fortunes from the previous night for both Casey and Frankston with the Cavs scoring the Sunday 84-80 victory at home to the Blues.

Both teams played on Saturday night with the Cavaliers losing at home to the Nunawading Spectres while the Blues won on the road to the Ringwood Hawks.

The Cavs were then back at Casey Stadium on Sunday to host the visiting Blues with the home team ending up leading by six at quarter-time before stretching that lead out to eight in the second period.

However, Frankston turned the tide with a 9-0 run to head into the half-time break leading narrowly 43-40.

Frankston pushed its advantage out to 12 in the third quarter but the Cavaliers were able to work back into the contest and levelled scores up by three quarter-time.

The Cavs were then able to secure the four-point win from there to see them improve to 2-8 on the season while the Blues are now 6-4 with both teams splitting their two games this weekend.

Esra McGoldrick finished the afternoon with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots for Casey on 9/12 shooting from the floor and a perfect 3/3 from three-point range. 

Rachel Bell added 13 points and two rebounds, Taylah Gillam 12 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals, and Steph Blicavs nine points, four boards and two assists.

Despite the loss, Chloe Bibby produced a monster performance for Frankston with 36 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals while hitting 5/9 from downtown.

Ella Batish added 11 points and five assists for the Blues, and Louise Brown 10 points, 13 rebounds and two steals.