Open A1 Basketball – Round 1 Match Reports
🏀 Open AI Basketball – Round 1 Match Reports
Written by Gordon Armstrong
🟦 Sacred Heart College 60 – 44 Prince Alfred College
Sacred Heart pulled away in the second half to claim a 16-point win over Prince Alfred in the season opener.
The teams were tied at 14-all at quarter time, with Sacred Heart edging ahead 23-21 by halftime. A dominant third quarter, scoring 24 points to Prince’s 12, set up the victory. Scoring remained relatively even in the final term.
“Displaying a well-rounded performance, Hearts controlled the game on both ends of the floor and came away with a pleasing victory,” said SHC sport coordinator Gavin Pinnington.
“Hugh Strachan set the tone with his energy and intensity, while captain Mitch Reichelt showed strong leadership throughout. Will Brooks made a big impact off the bench and helped boost the team’s momentum. After a competitive first half, key defensive adjustments helped us finish strong. It was a well-earned win.”
Best for Sacred Heart: Hugh Strachan (16 points), Mitch Reichelt (13), Will Brooks (12), Ollie Clarke (12)
“We came up against a quality opposition with good depth off the bench,” said Prince Alfred coach Jack Harford.
“We created good chances early but couldn’t convert. SHC made a run in the third, and while we fought back early in the fourth, they pulled away late.”
Best for Prince Alfred: Kale Matthews-Hampton, Josh Dartnall, James Matthias
🟥 Rostrevor College 56 – 44 St Peter’s College
Rostrevor College broke an eight-year drought against St Peter’s with a strong 12-point win in a game that stayed tight until the final quarter.
Rostrevor led narrowly 12-11 at quarter time and extended that to 30-22 at halftime. Saints closed the gap to 36-33 at three-quarter time before Rostrevor powered away with a 20-11 final quarter.
“Our 12-point win broke an eight-year losing streak,” said coach Carla Saponari. “The boys executed the defensive game plan perfectly and delivered in key moments. A strong start to the season.”
Top performers for Rostrevor: Frazer Lawrie (13 points), Archer McNamara (12), Noah Sampson, Jack Isaac (9), Seb Zealand (9)
“We matched Rostrevor in intensity and execution most of the game,” said Saints coach Nick Wurm. “Their final-quarter shooting made the difference. I’m proud of the fight and unity our players showed.”
Best for St Peter’s: Ned White (16 points), Charlie Bruce (9), Ethan Howes (9)
🟨 St Michael’s College 100 – 44 Immanuel College
St Michael’s delivered a dominant 56-point win over Immanuel College, reaching triple figures in a commanding performance.
Best for St Michael’s: Hugh Romaniuk (13 points), Jai Applebee (10), Sam Upton (dominant small forward), Hudson Davis (centre), Aidan Grieger (point guard)
🟫 Trinity College 54 – 41 Modbury High School
Trinity College held off a strong early challenge from Modbury to secure a 13-point road win against the newly promoted side.
“Modbury made us work for every possession,” said Trinity coach Chris Clausen. “Deng Manyang was instrumental, while Modbury’s Noah Zaltron kept them in the game with his scoring bursts. We held our nerve and finished well.”
Top performers for Trinity: Deng Manyang (18 points), David Jaja (8), Talon Bomford, Shabani Kuyomba (8)
Best for Modbury: Noah Zaltron (12 points), Kade Monteleon, Cooper Mugford
🟪 Concordia College 79 – 60 Nazareth Catholic College
Concordia College opened its season with a 19-point win over Nazareth, fuelled by an explosive 44-point performance from Luke Pfitzner.
“Our defensive effort and communication were key,” said Concordia coach James Adcock. “The boys stuck to the game plan and shared the ball well on offense.”
Best for Concordia: Luke Pfitzner (44 points), Darcy Wyman (11), Ronan Morris (9)
“It was a high-level, fast-paced battle,” said Nazareth coach Matt Fisher. “Luke Pfitzner proved his scoring versatility despite strong defense. Our guys competed hard and showed great promise.”
Best for Nazareth: Jordan Aldridge, Hudson Hynes, Blake Robinson