Infernos win battle of new kids on the block against Sonics in round one of the ABA men’s A-grade competition

A 21-point haul from Tyler Willmore helped Infernos cruise to an 11-point win in their debut game in Albany basketball Association men’s A-grade competition on Tuesday night. Infernos are a new club to the top-tier competition and took on fellow newcomers Sonics in round one. Willmore set up the victory in the first half with 14 points to help Infernos lead by nine points at the break. Scores were close early in the first half before Infernos pulled away to open up a double figure advantage just before half time. Eight of the first 12 points of the second half from Sonics reduced the margin to five and that would be as close as they got with Infernos taking control on their way to an impressive 50-39 win. Willmore ended up with a game-high 21 points to guide his side to victory and Jeff Fitzpatrick added 12. Youngster Liam Murdock ended up with 13 points for Sonics and tall duo Kye Griffiths and Xavier Brenton-Reed chipped in with seven each. A dominant second half from the Sharks helped them to a first-up victory over Tigers. The Sharks, also on debut in the competition, trailed by 13 points at the half before outscoring their opponents by 17 points in the second half to finish four point winners. Jack Adams and Jake Louthean finished with 13 points each for The Sharks who won 45-41 and for Tigers Zac Pearson top scored with 11. Denmark Magpies recorded an impressive four-point win in their first appearance in the men’s A-grade competition against Barking Owls. Scores were level at half-time but Denmark skipped clear in the second half to triumph 43-39. Luke Wilson top scored with 14 and was well supported by Reagan Hutchinson (12 points). Justin Benson starred for Owls with 10 points. Railways Tigers’ new recruit Angus Brampton ensured his side chalked up a hard-fought four-point win over Ambassadors. Railways continued on from their impressive debut season and led by six points at half-time and extended their lead to nine with 10 minutes left in the game before holding on to win 49-45. Brampton was electric with 18 points and Kane Shephard added nine. Ryan Barber and Caleb Carman finished with nine points each for Ambassadors.