Knox's Alicia Froling foils Casey in 11-point win

• Gemma Potter and Abbey Ellis explode for 26 points each in standout wins
• Double-doubles from Alicia Froling, Rebecca Pizzey, and Haliegh Reinoehl highlight frontcourt ability
• Waverley’s bench and rebounding overwhelm Mt Gambier in a wire-to-wire win

Casey vs Knox

Knox secured a decisive 82-71 win against Casey at State Basketball Centre. Alicia Froling led all scorers with 23 points and 11 rebounds, going 7-from-13 from the field and 9-from-12 at the foul line. Paige Bradley chipped in 16 points and five dimes, while Paige Burrows was outstanding from outside, finishing with 15 points on 5-from-8 shooting and a perfect 3-from-3 from deep. For Casey, Sabrina Haines was a bright spot, scoring 21 points and hitting five triples at an impressive 71.4%. Ahlise Hurst added 12, but Casey struggled inside, managing just 16 points in the paint and shooting 36.6% from the field.

Knox’s ability to control the paint (44 points inside) and efficient team shooting (46%) proved the difference, especially as they closed out the game with a 14-point swing in the fourth. Casey’s 18 turnovers and a significant free-throw deficit (5-of-10 vs Knox’s 19-of-22) hampered their comeback hopes. The win keeps Knox in the upper tier of the standings, while Casey look to regroup for their next outing.

Eltham vs Nunawading

Eltham edged Nunawading 77-76 in a nail-biter at Nunawading Basketball Centre. Taylah Short detonated for 23 points, including six triples at a stellar 60% clip, while Rebecca Pizzey posted a double-double with 13 points, 12 boards, five assists, and three swats. Lil Dart added 20 points and seven rebounds, driving Eltham’s all-round effort. Nunawading’s Rachel Antoniadou led her side with 17 points and four assists, while Rachel Brewster contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds.

This contest featured 12 lead changes and four ties, with Eltham holding a 15-point lead before Nunawading’s late surge. Both teams struggled to control the ball (22 and 21 turnovers). Eltham’s superior free-throw shooting (87.5%) and clutch play down the stretch proved decisive, keeping them in the hunt in a competitive conference.

Geelong vs Launceston

Geelong dominated Launceston 85-60 at Elphin Sports Stadium, sparked by Gemma Potter’s explosive 26-point, 14-rebound double-double on 9-from-19 shooting (47.4%). Dakota Crichton added 21 points at an outstanding 61.5% from the field, and Jaz Shelley was everywhere with 23 points, five assists, and five steals. Keely Froling led Launceston with 15 points and 12 boards, but her nine turnovers underscored the Tornadoes’ struggles.

Geelong’s relentless fastbreak (24 points) and pressure defense (17 steals, forcing 27 turnovers) overwhelmed Launceston, who never found rhythm from outside (26.7% from three). The Supercats’ bench contributed just five points, but their starters’ all-round effort and dominance in the paint (48 points) ensured a comfortable margin wire-to-wire.

Keilor vs Hobart

Keilor powered past Hobart 76-50 at South East Stadium, led by Isobelle Wightman’s 21 points on 8-from-12 shooting, including five triples at 55.6%. Maddison Rocci notched a triple-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, controlling the tempo throughout. Nikki Metcalfe was efficient inside, tallying 13 points at 50% from the field. For Hobart, Chloe Broomhall finished with 13 points and seven boards, while Ellie Collins recorded a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Keilor’s dominance on the glass (60 rebounds to 44), strong bench play (18 points), and solid three-point shooting (33.3%) proved too much for Hobart, who shot a poor 25.4% from the field and 21.9% from outside. The Thunder’s wire-to-wire control cements their status as a top contender.

Diamond Valley vs Ringwood

Diamond Valley dismantled Ringwood 93-61 at Diamond Valley Sports & Fitness Centre behind a dominant all-round effort. Abbey Ellis posted 26 points and 12 boards for a double-double, while Orla O’Reilly was perfect from the field (5-from-5) for 11 points and eight rebounds. Lara McSpadden was outstanding inside, finishing with 15 points on 58.3% shooting and two swats. For Ringwood, Sarah Elsworthy scored 14 points at an efficient 50% from the field, but the Hawks shot just 30.9% overall and a cold 14.3% from deep.

Diamond Valley’s 21 assists and 11 triples (36.7%) highlighted their ball movement and perimeter ability. The Eagles’ 48 points in the paint and 51 rebounds overwhelmed a Ringwood side that struggled to generate offense and protect the rim.

Waverley vs Mt Gambier

Waverley controlled the contest from start to finish, defeating Mt Gambier 73-47 at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre. Rebecca Cole was superb, tallying 23 points on 9-from-14 shooting (64.3%) with nine rebounds and two blocks. Sophia Locandro added eight points and nine boards, while the Falcons’ bench poured in 25 points. Mt Gambier’s Haliegh Reinoehl battled for 18 points and 10 rebounds, but the Pioneers shot just 20.6% from the field and a dismal 11.8% from three.

Waverley’s size and depth (55 rebounds, including 43 defensive) stifled Mt Gambier, who never led after the opening minutes. The Falcons’ 8-from-24 from outside and 17-of-22 at the charity stripe underscored their balanced attack, keeping them firmly in the finals race.