Panthers in winning start

Panthers produced a gritty fightback to claim a tense 38-35 win against last season’s grand finalist Magpies in round 1 of the Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition on Tuesday night.

Magpies seized control of the match in the early stages as their height advantage allowed them to shoot out to an 11-2 lead; however, Panthers were able to settle and brought the margin back to a point at half-time. Athletic sisters Narrelle and Nardia Humphries got to work in the second half for Magpies as the pair combined for their side’s opening nine points as they pushed ahead 22-16.

Panthers again mounted a challenge though, and were able to level the score at 33-33 with eight minutes left after centre Nina Smith was fouled on her way to the rim.

Smith converted the foul shot before Jasmyne Jones put Magpies back in front after sinking a free throw.

With two minutes left, guard Ella Scamozzi nailed a three-pointer from the top of the arc to edge Panthers in front for the first time in the match.

Smith then finished a lay-up in the dying stages to seal an impressive victory for last season’s bottom side.

Panthers were led by Smith and Scamozzi, who finished with 13 and 11 points respectively while Narelle (12 points) and Nardia Humphries (8) provided much of Magpies’ offence.

Meanwhile, the Raiders under-18 development squad got their season off to a winning start with a comprehensive 45-31 victory against Flames.

Raiders led from the outset and ran away with a confidence-boosting 14-point win courtesy of 16 points from Ella Scamozzi and 12 points from Jasmyne Jones while Indianna Weeden finished with seven points for Flames.