ABA 2023-24: Sonics, Denmark and Valkyries to face off in highly anticipated preliminary finals

The Albany Basketball Association is gearing up for the men’s and women’s A-grade preliminary final matches on Tuesday night.

After suffering their first loss of the season in last week’s shocking qualifying final loss to Barking Owls, Sonics will take on Denmark at 6pm on court seven.

Sonics boast superstar calibre players in 2023-24 all-star David Arthur and competition most valuable player Mark Elentorio, while Denmark have all-star Kye Griffiths.

The two play very different styles, with the Sonics driven by finding open looks from the perimeter with staunch, aggressive defence at both ends of the floor.

Denmark traditionally dominate the paint with their powerful presence, often muscling their opponents under the hoop and aggressively using their strength to crash the boards to create high-percentage scoring opportunities.

The last time the two sides met was in round 14 when Sonics prevailed 49-42, led by Kayden Collins with 18 points.

In the women’s A-grade, Denmark will lock horns with Valkyries at 6pm on court six, with the winner booking a spot in the decider against the Owls.

Denmark were handed an eight-point defeat by the Owls in last week’s qualifying final before Valkyries kept their season alive with a seven-point triumph over Sonics 2 in the elimination final.

Denmark will be led strongly by 2023-24 MVP Danielle Carne, while Valkyries possess the athleticism of fellow all-star Narelle Humphries.

The last time the two met was in round 12, when Valkyries prevailed 34-30.