ABA 2023: North Albany Kangaroos make early statement with strong win over Griffins in men’s A-grade debut

North Albany Kangaroos have made an immediate impact in the Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade competition, storming to a 23-point win over Griffins Crusaders on Tuesday night.

The newly-formed Kangaroos wasted no time in declaring themselves as a contender in the top competition, coasting to a 47-24 triumph in round one.

Beauden East was automatic from outside the arc, draining three triples on his way to 13 points while Calum Dixon finished on nine points.

The Kangaroos also had solid contributions from Dawid Spangenberg (seven points) and Drew Willcocks (eight).

Samuel Holmes was the highest scorer for the Crusaders with seven points while Jack Gleeson (five), Luke Harvey (four) and Corey Ward (four) also contributed.

Ambassadors also made a successful return to the A-grade competition with a narrow 37-34 win over Railways Tigers.

Caleb Carman netted three triples on his way to 10 points and his side had a wide spread of scorers as Zac Beeck (seven), Natale Trichilo (seven), Jesse Carman (six) and Todd Knuiman (five) all hit the score sheet.

Aiden Clothier toiled hard for the Tigers in a losing affair, burying three triples on his way to nine points in the three point loss.

Meanwhile State gun Evan Delbene was outstanding as Barking Owls claimed a 12-point win over reigning premiers Denmark.

Owls’ Delbene shot the lights out with four three-pointers to finish with a game-high 22 points in the 54-42 result while teammate Harry Watters also drained four triples on his way to 14 points and James Watters chipped in with nine.

New recruit Kye Griffiths was Denmark’s highest scorer on 13 while Reagan Hutchinson (11), Jackson Shaw (nine) and Luke Wilson (eight) were solid.

Sonics recorded a crushing 30-point win over the Albany Raiders squad as David Arthur netted 16 points, including one three-pointer.

Dillan Gadean (14) was also damaging on offence while Mark Elentorio (nine) and Kayden Collins (seven) provided great drive for the winners.