ABA 2023-24: Griffins Crusaders’ fast start sets up second win of men’s A-grade season, Sonics stay unbeaten

A dominant first half guided Griffins Crusaders to their second win of the Albany Basketball Association A-grade competition on Tuesday night. The Crusaders were too strong for a sloppy Raiders under-18 development squad, extending a 13-point half-time advantage into a 17-point triumph. The win came despite a brilliant performance from young star Evan Delbene, who tried to single-handedly drag his side back into the contest in the last half. Delbene had 10 points at half-time but the young squad were left to rue a poor opening and far too many turnovers as forward Jayden-Paul Devenish and talls Blake Panizza and Sam Holmes pushed the Crusaders out to a 29-13 lead. Devenish had nine of his 16 points in the opening half and his side forced plenty of errors with close guarding and plenty of rebounds. The Raiders simply had to get their offence flowing in the second half but a costly first few of minutes after half-time ended any hopes of an upset win. The Crusaders went on a 6-0 run to start the second period and despite a Delbene-inspired fightback the Raiders fell well short. Delbene broke the scoring drought in the last half but in a flash the Crusaders had pushed the deficit beyond 20 points. The Raiders ran most of their offence through the red-hot Delbene and he feasted on the responsibility, penetrating with great effect and knocking down one from outside the arc. He battled away bravely and added 14 points in the second period but the Raiders went down 39-56, falling to a sixth loss of the season. Devenish was electric at the offensive end, leading the way for the winners with 16 points. Luke Harvey (10 points), Panizza (13) and Holmes (nine) provided valuable contributions as their side jumped back to sixth place on the standings, level on points average with the fifth-placed North Albany Kangaroos. Delbene showed why he is so highly rated, with an outstanding display to net 24 points but also tenacious guarding in transition. Sonics extended their winning streak to six games, taking care of Railways Tigers by 27 points. David Arthur and Mark Elentorio were the main destroyers with 16 points each and Kayden Collins chipped in with nine as Sonics marched to a 61-34 result. Only Kobi Doust-Pamplin (10) reached double figures for the Tigers. Harry Watters and Delbene were superb for Barking Owls as they downed Ambassadors by 13 points. Delbene hit 25 points, including two from long range, while Watters was on fire from long range banking five triples in his 17-point haul. Caleb Carmen tried desperately to get Ambassadors back into the contest with 16 points of his own but they went down 51-64. In the final round six fixture Denmark produced a mighty defensive display to keep the Kangaroos to only 21 points. Denmark were 12-point winners on the back of their strong work in defence, as only Kangaroos’ Beauden East (nine) scored multiple baskets for the losing side. Reagan Hutchinson (10), Jackson Shaw (11) and Luke Wilson (nine) all shone in the the 43-21 victory.