ABA 2023-24: Two big upsets mark triumphant nights for Sonics 3 and Valkyries in women’s A-grade competition

A night of upsets marked Tuesday’s Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade fixtures as Sonics 3 and Valkyries each scored unlikely victories. Sonics 3 claimed derby spoils defeating Sonics 2 by four points while Valkyries triumphed over Denmark by four points on Tuesday night. Telikah Collins was crucial for Sonics 3’s 35-31 victory, converting two three-pointers on her way to a game-high 14 points. Shianne Arthur proved to be a headache to defend under the hoops as she accumulated 11 points with seven coming from the free-throw line. Sonics 2’s Phoenix Woods battled hard for 11 points while Lauren Bracewell scored eight. Sonics 3’s crucial win puts them just one win behind their rivals, who sit fourth in the standings, intensifying the race for a finals berth with only four rounds remaining. Valkyries shared the scoring load across the floor with most of their players getting among the action in their 34-30 victory over Denmark. Angelina De Giambattista and Indianna Weeden each scored eight points with six of Indianna Weeden’s coming from beyond the arc. Narelle Humphries scored six points while Shanaya Weeden contributed five. Denmark’s Danielle Carne was enormous in her side’s defeat, scoring a game-high 14 points with six coming from the line and Rebecca Goodliffe scored seven. Valkyries, who are in third spot, kept their hopes of a top-two finish alive as they now sit four points adrift of second-placed Denmark. In the final game of the round, Barking Owls secured a win over Albany Raiders who forfeited with club commitments taking priority over the development side.