Panthers’ hot run continues

Not even a half-time deficit could stop the Panthers train from rolling on, as the defending women’s A-grade premiers marched to an 11th consecutive win on Tuesday night.

The bottom-placed Flames had plenty of early answers for Panthers as perimeter threat Indianna Weeden and hard-working guard Shianne Arthur combined for 13 points to give Flames a four-point half-time advantage.

Panthers responded, however, as they chipped away at the deficit and, through key trio Ella Scamozzi, Jade Dimer and Aleesha Narkle, were able to regain control.

The lead changed hands several times in an entertaining second half, but Panthers were able to break clear inside the final eight minutes as they went on to record a hard-fought five-point win.

Jade Dimer finished with a game-high 13 points, while Savannah Hill (8 points) and Narkle (12) were central to their side coming from behind to snatch an impressive 49-44 win and extend their unbeaten streak.

Alyssa Ward was busy throughout the match for Flames with 12 points, the same amount as was scored by Indianna Weeden.

Arthur was huge on the defensive end for Flames as well, stopping numerous Panthers offensive moves while adding eight points herself at the other end.

A brilliant second half from Raiders under-18 development squad helped them defeat Magpies for the first time this season.

In their two previous encounters, Magpies had won convincingly — 52-23 in round 3 and 53-24 in round 8 — but they surrendered a three-point half-time lead on their way to a round 13 loss.

Narelle Humphries had seven points at the break for Magpies but Raiders knocked down 18 second-half points to cause a three-point upset.

Indianna Weeden (7), Enya Marques (6) and Lily Wilsher-Saa (6) were instrumental in the 33-30 win, while Scamozzi hit a three-pointer on the half-time buzzer that gave Raiders plenty of momentum going into the break.

Twins Narelle (11) and Nardia (7) Humphries battled hard for Magpies.