WNBA-bound Maley has 30-REBOUND triple double

• Superstar Anneli Maley delivers one of the most dominant performances in NBL1 history
• WNBL MVP and champion Sami Whitcomb has 20-7-7 in 52-point win
• American Sasha Goodlett has solid double-double in East Perth's 17-point win

Los Angeles Sparks-bound Anneli Maley delivered one of the most dominant performances in NBL1 history to power Perth Redbacks to a 113–89 win over Joondalup in West Conference season opener on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre.

The athletic Perth Lynx forward was EVERYWHERE, finishing with monster triple double — 29 points, an extraordinary 30 rebounds and 10 assists in just under 33 minutes.

Maley's 30 rebounds were half the team's total of 60.

Her relentless energy and physicality on the glass set the tone early, helping Perth establish control from the opening tip. Maley grabbed 14 offensive boards alone, constantly creating second-chance opportunities that Joondalup simply couldn’t contain.

Offensively, Maley was highly efficient, shooting 14-from-21 from the field — mostly inside, where she imposed her size and strength. Whether crashing the glass, running the floor, or facilitating, Maley was the focal point of Perth’s attack and the key reason the team built a 15-point halftime lead and never looked back.

Her effort on both ends lifted the entire Perth squad, and her +21 efficiency rating was a reflection of the all-around dominance she brought to the floor. It was a statement game from one of the league’s premier forwards and a strong early sign of the impact she will have in the WNBA in season 2025.

Redbacks teammate Natalie Chou was equally impressive, contributing a game-high 33 points, six assists, and five made threes. Perth’s starting five all contributed offensively, with Alaska Rhebok and Georgia Denehey combining for 21 points and strong defensive pressure. The bench added solid depth, with Raya Thompson and Sophie Doran chipping in key buckets and rebounds to keep the tempo high.

Rockingham Flames @ East Perth Eagles

East Perth’s 87–70 win against Rockingham was driven by American Sasha Goodlett and the all-around contributions of Awatea Leach and Abby Cubilo.

Goodlett was a force inside, finishing with 23 points and 10 rebounds on 10-of-20 shooting. Her size, touch around the rim, and ability to control the paint gave East Perth a reliable interior anchor on both ends of the floor. Leach was equally impressive, stuffing the stat sheet with 15 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

Cubilo added 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists, playing a key role in keeping East Perth’s offense flowing. She shot an efficient 5-from-10 from the field and was perfect from beyond the arc (2-from-2). Captain Tessa Stewart Morrison also played her part, contributing nine points, five rebounds, and three assists in limited minutes, while Taylor Roberts and Madison Torresin added scoring punch and rebounding support, rounding out a deep and balanced team effort.

For Rockingham, Alexandra Sharp was the standout, delivering a monster 14-point, 23-rebound performance, including nine offensive boards.

Alexandra Ciabattoni was Rockingham’s top scorer with 19 points, shooting 50% from the field. Emily Steven chipped in 16 points, including four three-pointers, but the rest of the roster couldn’t match East Perth’s consistency or physical presence over four quarters.

Willetton Tigers @ Mandurah Magic

Mandurah put on a clinic in their dominant 104–52 win over Willetton, powered by standout performances across a deep and efficient rotation. McKenna Dale led the charge with 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, showing off her versatility as both a scorer and facilitator.

She knocked down five threes and brought energy on both ends, setting the tone for Mandurah’s up-tempo and high-pressure style. Alex Wilson also had a superb outing with 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, dictating play with poise and efficiency while shooting 50% from deep.

Grace Berg and Rachel Halleen brought scoring punch and toughness, with Berg finishing with 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting and Halleen dropping 12 points in just 16 minutes, hitting both of her three-point attempts. Veteran captain Casey Mihovilovich contributed seven assists in a team-first role, while forward Tiana Palmer added 11 points off the bench in a well-rounded effort. Mandurah shared the ball — 29 assists on 33 field goals — and forced 31 Willetton turnovers with their aggressive defense and full-court pressure.

For Willetton, Ajulu Thatha was the lone bright spot, scoring 13 points and grabbing 5 rebounds while going 7-of-10 from the line. Eva Langton chipped in with 12 points on efficient shooting, and Ashlin Ramsay added 9 off the bench. However, Willetton struggled to match Mandurah’s tempo and depth, shooting just 34% from the field and committing a costly 31 turnovers. Despite a few strong individual efforts, Willetton had no answer for Mandurah’s relentless pace and sharp execution.

Lakeside Lightning @ Perry Lakes Hawks

Perry Lakes secured a convincing 75–50 win over Lakeside, driven by standout performances from key starters and efficient team play at both ends of the court. WNBL25 MVP Sami Whitcomb was central to the victory, leading the way with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

The veteran WNBA Phoenix Mercury and WNBL Bendigo Spirit guard showcased her scoring range with four three-pointers and added stability as a playmaker and defender. Alex Fowler made a significant impact in just 19 minutes, scoring 17 points on 7-from-11 shooting while adding four rebounds and three assists, giving Perry Lakes a strong interior presence and smart decision-making in transition.

Captain Maddy Dennis was also instrumental, contributing 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Ellie Newman added 14 points and two triples, while Amy Jacobs played a quiet but valuable role with six rebounds and five assists. Off the bench, Rachel Halleen and Tiana Palmer brought spark and scoring punch, helping Perry Lakes maintain momentum throughout.

For Lakeside, captain Teige Morrell was a lone bright spot, registering a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 66.7% from the field. Samantha Lubcke added six points and 11 boards, and Sarah Allen chipped in nine points, but Lakeside struggled to generate consistent offense. The team shot just 30% from the field and a dismal 5.3% from three-point range, managing only one triple all game. Turnovers (26) and cold perimeter shooting hurt any chance of a comeback, as Perry Lakes tightened defensively and closed the game with a dominant fourth quarter.

SW Slammers @ Eastern Suns

The South West Slammers dominated the Eastern Suns 84-66 at Eaton Recreation Centre in the NBL1 West Women's Round 1 opener.

Mykea Gray delivered an outstanding performance with 24 points, seven steals and four assists while shooting an efficient 63.6% from the field.

Cayla King provided excellent support with 21 points including five three-pointers, while Nyidier Riak contributed 14 points on 75% shooting with eight rebounds.

The Slammers built their lead with exceptional outside shooting, converting 10-from-24 from beyond the arc (41.7%), compared to the Suns' dismal 2-from-15 (13.3%).

Eastern Suns' Olivia Berry led all scorers with 23 points but struggled with six turnovers. The visitors capitalized on 23 Suns turnovers and maintained control throughout, leading by as many as 20 points during their impressive season-opening victory.

Warwick @ Lakeside

Warwick secured a hard-fought 83-81 win against Lakeside at Lakeside Recreation Centre.

Chloe Forster was exceptional for Warwick with 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, shooting efficiently from the field and converting 10-from-13 free throws. Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard provided outstanding support with 22 points, including a stellar 6-from-8 from three-point range, while adding nine rebounds and four assists.

Lakeside fought valiantly behind Oceane Kounkou's 21 points and Kennedi Williams' 17 points, but ultimately fell short despite leading for over 30 minutes of game time.

The visitors' superior three-point shooting proved decisive, as Warwick connected on 16-from-36 attempts (44.4%) compared to Lakeside's 10-from-28 (35.7%). Teige Morrell recorded a double-double for Lakeside with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the narrow defeat.

Cockburn @ Goldfields

The Cockburn Cougars crushed the Goldfields Giants 92-54 at Niels Hansen Basketball Stadium, securing a dominant season-opening victory.

Daniel Raber led the Cougars with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Jaya Scafidi posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Stephanie Gorman added 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in an impressive all-around display.

Cockburn's defence overwhelmed Goldfields, forcing 27 turnovers while committing just 10 themselves. Kate Sidebottom recorded a double-double for the Giants with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Nici Gilday added 15 points and seven assists, but Goldfields struggled mightily from the field, shooting just 31.25% overall and a poor 20.8% from three-point range.

The Cougars built a lead as large as 43 points in the comprehensive victory.