Infernos take care of Griffins in tune-up for women’s A-grade finals series

A hot shooting display from youngster Jorja Ward guided Infernos to an impressive 16-point win in round 16 of the Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition on Tuesday night. Ward was outstanding from long range and her best points haul of the season was vital as Infernos held off the persistent Griffins. Infernos held a two-point advantage at half-time and Ward scored her second triple early in the last half, but Griffins would not go away. Baskets from Danielle Carne, Lauren Spinks and Summer Stirling quickly turned the tide and Griffins led by five points. However, Infernos responded as Ward and Charlotte Edwards dragged their side to victory. Griffins could manage only two more baskets after Stirling gave them a handy buffer and Infernos got rolling in the dying stages to secure a 43-27 triumph. Ward nailed five triples on her way to 19 points and Edwards played a key role with eight points. Senior pair Carne (8 points) and Stirling (7) led the way for Griffins but the loss summed up their season, with yet another small defeat. In the only other match played in round 16, Sonics Blue tuned up for the finals with a comfortable 25-point win over Raiders’ under-18 development squad. Shianne Arthur hit seven field goals as she amassed 20 points to lead her side to their 12th win of the season. Evangeline Brenton-Reed (13) and Megan Nekel (12) made solid contributions for Sonics Blue, who have a double chance in the finals. For Raiders, Brodie Dixon (13) and Kleo Proudfoot (8) were both impressive. Barking Owls ended the regular season on top of the ladder and won on forfeit on Tuesday night over Railways. In the other final round match, Sonics won by forfeit over Bethel Breakers.