Spirited second-half performance led by Casey Griffiths and Telikah Collins guides Sonics Blue to narrow win

A spirited second-half performance from Sonics Blue helped them hand Infernos their first loss of the Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition on Tuesday night. Casey Griffiths and Telikah Collins were vital in steering Sonics Blue to a narrow three-point victory in round six. After trailing by three points at the main break, Sonics Blue wore Infernos down in the final 25 minutes to secure the 44-41 victory. Infernos won their opening five games of the season but their winning streak came to an end at the hands of Sonics Blue who moved within two points of top spot. Scores were level for much of the first half before Sonics Blue shot clear by five but, through sisters Angelina and Isabella De Giambattista, Infernos netted six straight points to take back the lead. Both sides traded blows from there on, but Indi Weeden hit seven of the last 14 points to ensure Infernos took a narrow three-point advantage at the main break. However Collins and Griffiths combined for 21 points in the last half to complete the Sonics Blue comeback. Collins netted six points in the opening five minutes of the second half but Angelina De Giambattista added the same amount in the same period to keep her side ahead. Weeden hit back-to-back long range attempts to extend Infernos’ margin to seven before Griffiths knocked down back-to-back baskets, however Weeden hit an answering three pointer. Sonics Blue scored four straight points only for Angelina De Giambattista to halt their momentum momentarily before Sonics Blue came again. Collins reduced the deficit before Megan Nekel tied the game with five minutes left before Collins put her side up by two and then a calm free throw inside the final minutes sealed the terrific victory for Sonics Blue. Griffiths top scored in the win with 19 points and Collins knocked down 11 points in the second half on her way to 17 for the game. Weeden was impressive in defeat with four triples on her way to 18 points while Angelina De Giambattista was a strong support act with 13. Bethel Breakers got back on the winners’ list, prevailing 58-21 over the Raiders under-18 development squad. Brodie Dixon led the way with two triples on her way to 15 points while Phoenix Woods added 12. Barking Owls leapfrogged Griffins into the top four on the back of their 13-point win led by 15 points from guard Kayla Thomas. Danielle Carne top scored with 10 for Griffins but they went down 21-34. Sonics won their second game of the season as they defeated Railways 36-22.