Match Reports Round 12 v Eltham Wildcats

Match Report: Wildcats Pull Away Late to Defeat Chargers in Hobart

The Hobart Chargers battled hard for four quarters but were unable to overcome a highly efficient Eltham Wildcats outfit, falling 89-79 at The Hutchins School on Friday night in Round 12 NBL1 South Women’s action.

After a tightly contested opening half, Eltham used its advantage inside the paint and on the boards to gradually create separation before closing out a 10-point victory.

The Chargers matched the Wildcats early, led by captain Sharna Thompson, who was outstanding from the outset. Hobart traded baskets throughout the opening quarter before Eltham edged ahead 26-23 at quarter time behind the scoring of Lil Dart and Rebecca Pizzey.

The second period proved critical as Eltham was able to increase their lead to take a six-point halftime lead. Despite three-point shooting from Thompson and strong work from Tyia Singleton, the Wildcats won the quarter 19-17 and headed to the main break leading 45-40.

Hobart remained within striking distance throughout the third quarter. Singleton attacked the basket effectively, Chloe Broomhall provided important scoring and defensive pressure, and Portia Chopping generated opportunities in transition. However, Eltham continued to find answers through Dart, Pizzey, and Sara-Rose Smith, extending the margin to 66-57 at three-quarter time.

The Chargers pushed in the final quarter, cutting the deficit on several occasions through Thompson and Broomhall. Emerson Wells hit a pair of important three-pointers and Thompson continued to carry the offensive load, but Eltham’s dominance on the glass and second-chance opportunities prevented Hobart from mounting a complete comeback. The Wildcats won the final quarter 23-22 to secure the 89-79 result.

Thompson produced an outstanding performance for the Chargers with 26 points, four rebounds, three assists and five made three-pointers while shooting 52.6 percent from the field. Singleton added 14 points on 6-of-13 shooting, while Broomhall contributed 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and four steals in an all-round performance.

Portia Chopping finished with eight points and five assists, Tishara Morehouse added eight points, three assists and three steals, while Emerson Wells chipped in eight points, including two three-pointers.

Eltham was led by Lil Dart, who poured in a game-high 27 points, hitting six three-pointers and shooting better than 52 percent from the field. Sara-Rose Smith recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Rebecca Pizzey added 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Sarah Elsworthy controlled much of the Wildcats’ offence with six assists to go with nine points.

The Wildcats’ superiority inside ultimately proved decisive. Eltham shot an impressive 65.1 percent on two-point attempts and outscored Hobart 50-34 in the paint. They also held a commanding 49-30 rebounding advantage and generated 15 second-chance points compared to Hobart’s seven.

Despite the loss, Hobart showed resilience throughout the contest, particularly through Thompson’s leadership and offensive production, but Eltham’s efficiency around the basket and control of the boards allowed the visitors to pull away late and claim the win.

Match Report: Richards’ 36 Not Enough as Wildcats Pull Away Late

The Hobart Chargers produced a spirited effort at home but were unable to contain a red-hot Eltham Wildcats outfit, falling 97-87 at The Hutchins School on Friday night in Round 12 NBL1 South Men’s action.

Despite a brilliant 36-point performance from captain Jacob Richards, the Chargers were undone by Eltham’s outstanding perimeter shooting and balanced offensive attack, with the visitors shooting 48.3 percent from beyond the arc and placing six players in double figures.

The game was tightly contested throughout the opening half. Richards helped Hobart establish an early lead with his aggressive scoring around the basket and from long range, but Eltham responded through TJ Weeks and Harrison Hornery to edge in front 29-28 at quarter time.

The Wildcats slowly gained control during the second period. Leonardo Colimerio provided a spark off the bench and Zak Cunningham controlled the glass, helping Eltham take a 55-50 advantage into halftime despite Richards already pouring in 20 points.

The decisive stretch came after the main break. Eltham shot a scorching 70 percent from inside the arc and 66.7 percent from three-point range in the third quarter. Weeks, Cunningham and Mitchell McCarron orchestrated a blistering offensive period, extending the lead to 78-71 heading into the final break.

Hobart refused to go away and stormed back during the opening stages of the fourth quarter. A three-pointer from Noah Clarke and baskets from Joe Chilcott and Jasper Hay tied the game at 78-78 with just over eight minutes remaining.

However, Eltham answered immediately. Consecutive triples from Hornery and Sam Short restored control, before Cunningham and Weeks delivered key baskets down the stretch. The Wildcats outscored Hobart 19-16 in the final term to secure the 10-point victory.

Richards was magnificent for Hobart, finishing with a game-high 36 points, five rebounds and shooting 12-of-20 from the field while converting 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. He carried much of the offensive burden and repeatedly kept the Chargers within striking distance.

Luke Rosendale added 12 points and three assists, Joe Chilcott scored eight points off the bench, while Noah Clarke contributed eight points and six rebounds. Anthony Drmic added nine points, four rebounds and two assists, and Nicholas Paul provided valuable interior work with six points, six rebounds and two steals.

Eltham’s offensive balance proved the difference. TJ Weeks led the Wildcats with 25 points, including four three-pointers and 9-of-10 free throws. Harrison Hornery added 24 points and seven rebounds, knocking down five triples, while Zak Cunningham recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Leonardo Colimerio contributed 12 points on 71 percent shooting, Sam Short added nine points and five assists, and former NBL veteran Mitchell McCarron controlled the game with seven points, six assists and five rebounds.

The numbers highlighted Eltham’s efficiency. The Wildcats shot 51.6 percent overall, 54.6 percent on two-point attempts and an outstanding 48.3 percent from three-point range. Hobart struggled from deep, connecting on just 10-of-37 attempts (27.0 percent).

While rebounding was evenly shared overall, Eltham’s superior shooting and deeper scoring production proved decisive. The Wildcats received 30 bench points compared with Hobart’s 22 and led for more than 29 minutes of game time.

Despite the loss, the Chargers showed resilience by erasing a second-half deficit and briefly drawing level in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, Eltham’s shot-making and offensive execution in key moments allowed the visitors to leave Hobart with a valuable 97-87 victory.