Open AI Basketball Round 1 Report
Open AI Basketball Round 1 – Report Prepared by Gordon Armstrong
St Peter’s 62 d Pembroke School 49
A strong third quarter was the key to St Peter’s College home 13-point victory against Pembroke School to kick-start the beginning of the Open AI season.
Both teams had good moments in the first half with Pembroke leading 20-10 at the first break, while the Saints had the slight edge in the second to lead 31-29 at the main break.
Saints tightened their defence in the third to lead 48-36 before both teams finished relatively even in the final quarter.
Saints coach Wurm said it was a strong effort from both teams.
“We knew from the first jump ball we were in for a tough, physical game against a much taller Pembroke team,’’ Wurm said.
“Charlie Bruce started the second quarter with five points and Ned White kept working hard to create opportunities and we went into half time two points ups.
“Aidan Fitzpatrick took his opportunity early in the third and Ben Northcote hit two important threes late in the quarter to advance us into the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead. Ethan Herbert continued to rebound strong and Wei Hong showed his brilliance in moving the ball around. It was a great team effort and a fantastic win against a very good side.’’
Best for the Saints were Charlie Bruce (18 points), Ned White (18 points) and Wei-Hong Khool (13 points).
Pembroke’s leaders were Enoch Osei-Tutu (15 points), Oscar Sabine (14 points) and S Cooper (seven points).
Sacred Heart College 57 d Concordia College 56.
A thrilling finish to the game was decided in Sacred Heart’s favour when Koby Moir delivered a top clutch shot in the late seconds of the match to secure his team a 57-56 win.
Hearts’ team spokesman Gavin Pinnington said it was a fantastic game from both sides.
“It was a great effort by the teams and a great win for us,’’ Pinnington said.
“All players player their roles beautifully, the team played with awesome effort and energy.’’
Best for Hearts were Patrick Noell (19 points), Koby Moir (24 points), Callum Wilson and Hugh Strachan (nine points).
Concordia’s best included Paddy D’Arcy (18 points), Fergus Venning, Ronan Morris (12 points) and Luke Pfitzner (14 points).
Prince Alfred College 61 d Nazareth College 60
Another nail biter had spectators on edge when home team Prince Alfred College held on to beat Nazareth College 61-60.
PAC coach Brad Haydon said his side was terrific in a tight match.
“A gutsy character-revealing one point by our firsts, showcasing a never-give-up attitude which should give these young men plenty of confidence for the rest of the season,’’ Haydon said.
PAC’s best were Cody Corbett (19 points), Kale Matthews-Hampton (18 points), Bryce Sanders, Lucas Jones (seven points) and Henry Pedler (seven points).
Nazareth coach Matt Fisher said it was an outstanding game.
“Both sides displayed some high level skill and execution of basketball talent,’’ Fisher said.
“Blake Robinson and Jordan Grandall showed some excellent shooting displays hitting five threes between them. Charlie Costello and Tino Paraiwa had some excellent finishing and playmaking ability.
“Ultimately PAC came out on top as they consistently hunted the offensive boards and finished through some tough contact with numerous late game one on ones. Great game with a devastating loss. Will be an exciting match up later in the year.’’
Best for Nazareth were Charlie Costello (12 points), Tino Paraiwa (15 points) and Blake Robinson (11 points).
Trinity College 70 d St Michael’s 56
Trinity College and St Michael’s produced a goal scoring fest with Trinity standing tall at the finish to win 70-56.
The home side jumped to a flier with Deng Manyang netting the first five points for his team which saw the team lead by eight points at the first break. The second quarter saw Trinity’s tight zone defence stifling St Michael’s offensive flow.
But St Micks had an ace up the sleeve when star player James McKenzie rose to the occasion, carving out space to score seven crucial points which kept his side in the hunt.
Into the third quarter Trinity’s defence got on top, capitalising on St Micks’ errors, turning defensive stops and rebounds into fast-break opportunities.
Trinity coach Chris Clausen said the team played well all game but its last quarter was especially good under pressure.
“As the final quarter unfolded St Michaels made a spirited run, attempting to close the gap,’’ Clausen said.
“However Jordan Durant and Deng Manyang responded under pressure, sinking timely three pointers that ultimately quelled St Michael’s resurgence. These clutch plays ensured that Trinity not only maintained but extended its lead.’’
Best for Trinity were Shabani Kuyomba (23 points), Talon Bomford (14 points) and Deng Manyang (13 points).
No details were supplied by St Michael’s.