Super Sam's ultra efficient 29 points leads Eagles

• Samantha Simons exploded for 29 points as Forestville handled Central Districts
• Olivia Levicki posted a double-double in a West Adelaide nail-biter
• Nicola Mathews’ 27 points led Sturt to a thrilling win at Springbank

Round five in the NBL1 Central Women’s delivered standout individual performances and thrilling contests. Samantha Simons’ 29-point outburst for Forestville and Olivia Levicki’s double-double for West Adelaide stood out, while Sturt’s Nicola Mathews and Woodville’s Jasmin Fejo put in exceptional all-round games.

Central Districts vs Forestville

Samantha Simons detonated for 29 points on an outstanding 12-from-22 shooting, including 5-from-9 from outside, as Forestville overwhelmed Central Districts 86-45 at State Basketball Centre (Wayville). Maddy Freer added 21 points and seven boards, while Ella Sawyer dished out nine dimes. For Central Districts, Tiahna Sears was impressive with 21 points, nine rebounds and five steals.

Forestville’s all-round effort saw five players with 5+ boards and the team finished with 26 assists, 17 steals and 10 blocks. Central Districts struggled to control the ball, committing 24 turnovers and shooting a lacklustre 28.3% from the field. The result keeps Forestville in strong contention atop the ladder, while Central Districts will look to regroup ahead of their Sunday clash.

Norwood vs Woodville

Jasmin Fejo delivered a stellar double-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and five assists as Woodville secured a 76-60 win against Norwood at The ARC Campbelltown. Ida Andersson contributed 13 points, while Genna Anderson added 12 points and nine boards for the Warriors. Norwood’s Amanda Paschal led her side with 15 points and seven rebounds.

Woodville’s frontcourt dominated the paint, outscoring Norwood 32-14 inside and winning the rebound battle. Despite 27 turnovers, Norwood kept the contest close through bench production but ultimately shot just 29.7% from the field. Woodville’s solid defensive effort and points from second chances (15) proved decisive, lifting them to a key win in a tight mid-table race.

Mavericks vs South Adelaide

Morgan Yaeger was outstanding with 24 points (9-from-18 FG), nine rebounds and two steals, but Mavericks fell 61-53 to South Adelaide at Mitchell Park Sports and Community Centre. South’s Keira Gardiner was dominant inside, posting a double-double with 14 points and 14 boards, while Hatti Cox and Isabella Stratford each chipped in 12.

South Adelaide’s defense held Mavericks to 28.2% shooting and forced 17 turnovers. The Panthers controlled the glass with 52 rebounds, including 13 offensive boards, and outscored Mavericks 34-24 in the paint. The result strengthens South Adelaide’s hold on a top-four spot, while Mavericks search for answers on offense.

Sturt vs North Adelaide

Nicola Mathews erupted for 27 points on 10-from-17 shooting, including 3-from-5 from outside, powering Sturt to a 57-54 win against North Adelaide at Springbank Secondary College. Katia Stamatelopoulos added 12 points and eight rebounds for the Sabres. North’s Jordyn Freer delivered a superb double-double with 23 points and 15 boards.

The game featured 19 lead changes and was decided in the final minutes, with Sturt’s defense forcing 19 turnovers. Both sides struggled from the field, but Sturt’s ability to convert from deep (41.7%) and capitalise on North’s mistakes proved the difference. The win keeps Sturt in the finals conversation, while North Adelaide’s playoff hopes take a hit.

Southern Tigers vs West Adelaide

Olivia Levicki was dominant for West Adelaide with 29 points (11-from-21 FG) and 14 rebounds, but Southern Tigers closed out a 66-64 thriller at Port Adelaide Recreation Centre. Iva Belosevic led Tigers with 20 points and six rebounds, while McKenzie Johnston added 15 points and eight boards.

The contest saw 17 lead changes, with Southern Tigers shooting an efficient 48.3% from the field and controlling the paint (42 points). Despite 29 turnovers, Tigers’ balanced attack and late defensive stops sealed the win. West Adelaide’s 14 steals and Levicki’s double-double kept them in the contest, but the Tigers’ clutch play in the final minutes proved decisive.