MVP Nicole Munger is star among WNBL stars

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WNBL stars Nicole Munger, Chantel Horvat, Unique Thompson, Lauren Nicholson and Jaz Shelley showed class is permanent in round 1 of the 2026 NBL1 East Women's Conference as all five delivered standout performances for their clubs.

The East is loaded with talent but it was reigning MVP Munger whose 30 points, 17 boards and six steals against Hills Hornets that was the performance of the round.

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NBL1 East Women — Top 5 Performances

1. Nicole Munger (Newcastle Falcons) — vs Hills Hornets (Win 76–64)

30 pts │ 17 reb │ 4 ast │ 6 stl

Most complete and dominant performance of the round. Controlled scoring, glass and defensive activity in a double-digit win.

2. Chantel Horvat (Sydney Comets) — vs Sutherland Sharks (Loss 60–78)

37 pts │ 13 reb

Highest scoring output of the round with strong efficiency. Carried the offensive load in a tough matchup, accounting for the majority of team production.

3. Unique Thompson (Albury-Wodonga Bandits) — vs Bankstown Bruins (Loss 60–74)

30 pts │ 16 reb

Elite interior production and rebounding presence. High-volume scoring and control on the glass despite limited team support.

4. Lauren Nicholson (Sutherland Sharks) — vs Sydney Comets (Win 78–60)

29 pts │ 8 reb │ 7 ast

Efficient scoring with near all-around production. Drove control in a wire-to-wire win with strong shot-making and playmaking.

5. Jaz Shelley (Norths Bears) — vs Central Coast Crusaders (Win 112–39)

29 pts │ 6 ast │ 5 stl │ 8 3PM

Explosive perimeter shooting performance in a dominant win. High efficiency and defensive impact in a one-sided contest.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 81, Canberra Nationals 61 (Final)

Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Manly Warringah 42–22

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Manly Warringah 24–13, 18–9, 11–16, 28–23
• Manly Warringah built separation early with a 42–22 first half and never gave Canberra a path back into the game.
• The Sea Eagles finished with 43 rebounds, 20 assists, 11 steals and five blocks.
• Canberra stayed competitive on the glass, but Manly’s free-throw volume and defensive activity created the margin.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles controlled the game from the opening quarter to defeat Canberra Nationals 81–61 at Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre on March 28. The Sea Eagles led by 20 at halftime, absorbed Canberra’s best stretch in the third quarter, then pulled away again with a 28-point final term.

Alex Delaney led Manly Warringah with 25 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Josie Radan added 20 points and 10 rebounds on 8-from-9 shooting. Jayda Jansen scored 11 points, Kimberley Dickinson had 11 points and seven rebounds, and Zoey Miller contributed five points, five rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks.

Carlie McAlister led Canberra with 23 points and 18 rebounds, while Zara Funnell and Emily Sampson each scored nine points. Callie Bourne added five points, five rebounds and eight assists in the loss.

Top Performers

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles: Alex Delaney – 25 points, five rebounds, six assists
Canberra Nationals: Carlie McAlister – 23 points, 18 rebounds, four assists

By the Numbers

• Manly Warringah: FG 22-from-56 (39.3%) | 3PT 6-from-27 (22.2%) | FT 31-of-39 (79.5%) | Rebounds 43 | Assists 20 | Turnovers 9
• Canberra: FG 26-from-74 (35.1%) | 3PT 5-from-23 (21.7%) | FT 4-of-8 (50.0%) | Rebounds 43 | Assists 21 | Turnovers 13

BA Centre of Excellence 112, Penrith Panthers 42 (Final)

BA Centre of Excellence (AIS) – March 28, 2026

Halftime: BA Centre of Excellence 61–15

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: BA CoE 37–9, 24–6, 20–12, 31–15
• Centre of Excellence established control immediately with a 37–9 opening quarter and extended the margin to 46 points by halftime.
• The CoE dominated across all phases with 61 rebounds, 32 assists and 21 steals, generating consistent transition opportunities.
• Penrith struggled to contain ball movement and shot just 28.3% from the field with 36 turnovers.

The BA Centre of Excellence overwhelmed Penrith Panthers 112–42 at the AIS, setting the tone early and maintaining pressure across all four quarters. The CoE’s defensive activity and pace forced turnovers and created repeated scoring runs, with the margin steadily building throughout the contest.

Zara Russell led the Centre of Excellence with 25 points, six rebounds and eight assists, shooting 6-from-10 from three. Jay Sebasio added 17 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Isabel Smith contributed 18 points and four assists. Aspen Crase (14 points, six rebounds) and Olivia Olechnowicz (11 points, nine rebounds, eight assists) added further production in a balanced performance.

Tatiana Beaumont led Penrith with 12 points and six rebounds, while Chloe Williams added 11 points and four rebounds. Sofia Hunt contributed 10 points and six assists.

Top Performers

BA Centre of Excellence: Zara Russell – 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists
Penrith Panthers: Tatiana Beaumont – 12 points, six rebounds

By the Numbers

• BA Centre of Excellence: FG 45-from-96 (46.9%) | 3PT 12-from-36 (33.3%) | FT 10-of-19 (52.6%) | Rebounds 61 | Assists 32 | Turnovers 11
• Penrith: FG 15-from-53 (28.3%) | 3PT 6-from-25 (24.0%) | FT 6-of-11 (54.5%) | Rebounds 34 | Assists 11 | Turnovers 36

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 113, Central Coast Crusaders 35 (Final)

The Brickpit – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Hornsby Ku-ring-gai 62–16

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Hornsby Ku-ring-gai 30–8, 32–8, 23–12, 28–7
• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai set the tone early with a 22-point first quarter and extended the margin to 46 by halftime.
• The Spiders controlled all areas with 57 rebounds, 27 assists and 22 steals, generating consistent scoring opportunities.
• Central Coast struggled offensively, shooting 18.2% from the field and committing 32 turnovers.

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders dominated from the outset to defeat Central Coast Crusaders 113–35 at The Brickpit on March 28. The Spiders built separation immediately and maintained pressure across all four quarters, with defensive activity and ball movement driving a one-sided result.

Jessie-May Hall led Hornsby Ku-ring-gai with 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Ruby Perkins added 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists on efficient shooting. Ay’Anna Bey contributed 14 points, Lucy Mead had 13 points, and Lola Gralton added 13 points off the bench in a balanced scoring performance.

Jess Stone led Central Coast with seven points, while Kizzah Maltezo and Cushla Alpen each added six. Tristan Black contributed four points and eight rebounds.

Top Performers

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders: Jessie-May Hall – 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists
Central Coast Crusaders: Jess Stone – seven points

By the Numbers

• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai: FG 40-from-81 (49.4%) | 3PT 11-from-28 (39.3%) | FT 22-of-30 (73.3%) | Rebounds 57 | Assists 27 | Turnovers 13
• Central Coast: FG 12-from-66 (18.2%) | 3PT 3-from-24 (12.5%) | FT 8-of-9 (88.9%) | Rebounds 42 | Assists 9 | Turnovers 32

Illawarra Hawks 71, Maitland Mustangs 67 (Final)

Mojo Homes Centre – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Maitland 40–33

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Maitland 25–14, 15–19, 12–20, 15–18
• Maitland controlled the first half, building a seven-point halftime lead before Illawarra flipped momentum after the break.
• Illawarra won the second half 38–27, driven by improved defensive pressure and shot creation.
• The Hawks held a 48–38 rebounding edge and generated key stops late to close out the game.

Illawarra Hawks rallied in the second half to defeat Maitland Mustangs 71–67 at Mojo Homes Centre on March 28. After trailing at halftime, the Hawks took control in the third quarter and executed down the stretch to secure the four-point win.

Una Jovanovich led Illawarra with 21 points and nine rebounds, hitting four three-pointers, while Asha Phillips added 15 points and Emerson McCrea contributed 12 points on efficient shooting. Ruby MacDonald added 11 points and nine rebounds in a balanced team effort.

Shakera Reilly led Maitland with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Kasey Neubert added 15 points and nine rebounds. Sara Matthews contributed 14 points and five rebounds in the loss.

Top Performers

Illawarra Hawks: Una Jovanovich – 21 points, nine rebounds
Maitland Mustangs: Shakera Reilly – 20 points, eight rebounds

By the Numbers

• Illawarra: FG 24-from-68 (35.3%) | 3PT 10-from-26 (38.5%) | FT 13-of-20 (65.0%) | Rebounds 48 | Assists 13 | Turnovers 20
• Maitland: FG 20-from-58 (34.5%) | 3PT 6-from-22 (27.3%) | FT 21-of-30 (70.0%) | Rebounds 38 | Assists 11 | Turnovers 21

Norths Bears 66, Newcastle Falcons 65 (Final)

Newcastle Basketball Stadium – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Newcastle 34–31

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Newcastle 13–14, 21–17, 16–20, 15–15
• Newcastle led at halftime before Norths responded with a 20–16 third quarter to take control.
• The game remained within one possession throughout the fourth quarter, with Norths holding on late.
• Norths generated 15 steals and 21 free throws, creating enough scoring opportunities to edge the result.

Norths Bears held off Newcastle Falcons 66–65 in a one-point finish at Newcastle Basketball Stadium on March 28. After trailing at halftime, Norths gained momentum in the third quarter and executed in key moments late to secure the narrow win.

Jaz Shelley led Norths with 19 points, five assists and seven steals, going 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. Caitlyn Martin added 16 points, while Emma Donnelly contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds. Peggy Schell finished with 10 points and six rebounds.

Nicole Munger led Newcastle with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Meg Jefferson added 18 points on efficient shooting. Kate Kingham contributed 10 points and five rebounds in the loss.

Top Performers

Norths Bears: Jaz Shelley – 19 points, five assists, seven steals
Newcastle Falcons: Nicole Munger – 21 points, 10 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Norths Bears: FG 19-from-63 (30.2%) | 3PT 7-from-29 (24.1%) | FT 21-of-26 (80.8%) | Rebounds 40 | Assists 11 | Turnovers 15
• Newcastle: FG 23-from-59 (39.0%) | 3PT 7-from-18 (38.9%) | FT 12-of-21 (57.1%) | Rebounds 46 | Assists 12 | Turnovers 20

Hills Hornets 89, Inner West Bulls 50 (Final)

Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatics Centre – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Hills 43–28

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Hills 32–12, 11–16, 28–10, 18–12
• Hills set the tone with a dominant 32–12 opening quarter and maintained control throughout.
• The Hornets controlled the glass 60–30 and generated efficient offence across all four quarters.
• Inner West struggled offensively, shooting 23.8% from the field and 16% from three.

Hills Hornets controlled the game from the opening period to defeat Inner West Bulls 89–50 at Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatics Centre on March 28. A 20-point first-quarter lead set the foundation, with Hills extending the margin through consistent scoring and defensive pressure.

Ella Gale led Hills with 22 points and 16 rebounds, while Jade Kirisome added 18 points and seven assists. Lucy Corke contributed 14 points on efficient shooting, and Kennedy Johnson added 13 points in a balanced team performance.

Taylah Levy led Inner West with 27 points and six rebounds, accounting for more than half of the team’s scoring. Llianna Jacob added seven points, while Ai Matsumoto contributed six.

Top Performers

Hills Hornets: Ella Gale – 22 points, 16 rebounds
Inner West Bulls: Taylah Levy – 27 points, six rebounds

By the Numbers

• Hills: FG 35-from-74 (47.3%) | 3PT 8-from-28 (28.6%) | FT 11-of-17 (64.7%) | Rebounds 60 | Assists 22 | Turnovers 17
• Inner West: FG 15-from-63 (23.8%) | 3PT 4-from-25 (16.0%) | FT 16-of-22 (72.7%) | Rebounds 30 | Assists 11 | Turnovers 12

Sutherland Sharks 78, Sydney Comets 60 (Final)

Sutherland Basketball Stadium – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Sutherland 47–22

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Sutherland 26–9, 21–13, 14–23, 17–15
• Sutherland built a 25-point halftime lead behind strong offensive execution and control of tempo.
• Sydney responded in the third quarter but could not sustain momentum into the final period.
• The Sharks shot 44.6% from the field and 39.3% from three, creating efficient scoring throughout.

Sutherland Sharks controlled the opening half and held firm late to defeat Sydney Comets 78–60 at Sutherland Basketball Stadium on March 28. A dominant first half created separation, with the Sharks maintaining composure despite a third-quarter push from Sydney.

Lauren Nicholson led Sutherland with 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Madeleine Norris added 16 points and five assists. Abigail Curtin contributed 13 points, and the Sharks’ balanced offence ensured control across all four quarters.

Chantel Horvat led Sydney with 37 points and 13 rebounds on efficient shooting, accounting for the majority of the Comets’ offence. Alexandra Kayrouz added eight points, while Eryn Fisher contributed four points and seven rebounds.

Top Performers

Sutherland Sharks: Lauren Nicholson – 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists
Sydney Comets: Chantel Horvat – 37 points, 13 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Sutherland: FG 29-from-65 (44.6%) | 3PT 11-from-28 (39.3%) | FT 9-of-13 (69.2%) | Rebounds 41 | Assists 20 | Turnovers 14
• Sydney: FG 21-from-65 (32.3%) | 3PT 6-from-28 (21.4%) | FT 12-of-13 (92.3%) | Rebounds 40 | Assists 14 | Turnovers 17

Bankstown Bruins 74, Albury-Wodonga Bandits 60 (Final)

Lauren Jackson Sports Centre – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Bankstown 41–32

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Albury-Wodonga 18–19, 14–22, 15–17, 13–16
• Bankstown took control in the second quarter and maintained separation across the second half.
• The Bruins generated balanced offence with five players in double figures.
• Albury-Wodonga struggled from the perimeter, shooting 2-from-22 (9.1%) from three.

Bankstown Bruins pulled away after halftime to defeat Albury-Wodonga Bandits 74–60 at Lauren Jackson Sports Centre on March 28. A strong second quarter created separation, with the Bruins controlling tempo and executing consistently down the stretch.

Davida Dale led Bankstown with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Kiahna Davis-White added 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Tahlia Tupaea contributed 12 points and eight assists, with Jane Dunlop and Shalome Dunlop also adding 12 and 11 points respectively.

Unique Thompson led Albury-Wodonga with 30 points and 16 rebounds, while Emily Lyttle added 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Bandits struggled to generate scoring support beyond their two primary contributors.

Top Performers

Bankstown Bruins: Davida Dale – 21 points, 11 rebounds
Albury-Wodonga Bandits: Unique Thompson – 30 points, 16 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Bankstown: FG 23-from-71 (32.4%) | 3PT 10-from-24 (41.7%) | FT 18-of-21 (85.7%) | Rebounds 47 | Assists 14 | Turnovers 14
• Albury-Wodonga: FG 19-from-66 (28.8%) | 3PT 2-from-22 (9.1%) | FT 20-of-27 (74.1%) | Rebounds 53 | Assists 7 | Turnovers 19

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 107, Illawarra Hawks 52 (Final)

The Brickpit – March 29, 2026

Halftime: Hornsby Ku-ring-gai 58–35

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Hornsby Ku-ring-gai 36–13, 22–22, 21–13, 28–4
• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai set the tone early with a 23-point opening quarter and maintained control throughout.
• The Spiders dominated the paint and glass, finishing with 59 rebounds and 23 assists.
• Illawarra shot 27.7% from the field and managed just four points in the fourth quarter.

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders controlled the contest from the outset to defeat Illawarra Hawks 107–52 at The Brickpit on March 29. After building a strong first-half lead, the Spiders extended the margin with a dominant fourth quarter, holding Illawarra to just four points in the final period.

Jessie-May Hall led Hornsby Ku-ring-gai with 27 points and eight assists, while Ruby Perkins added 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists on efficient shooting. Ay’Anna Bey contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Laya Hartman added 16 points in a balanced team performance.

Asha Phillips led Illawarra with 16 points, while Una Jovanovich added 13. The Hawks struggled to generate consistent offence against Hornsby Ku-ring-gai’s defensive pressure.

Top Performers

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders: Jessie-May Hall – 27 points, eight assists
Illawarra Hawks: Asha Phillips – 16 points

By the Numbers

• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai: FG 40-from-76 (52.6%) | 3PT 8-from-29 (27.6%) | FT 19-of-32 (59.4%) | Rebounds 59 | Assists 23 | Turnovers 14
• Illawarra: FG 18-from-65 (27.7%) | 3PT 6-from-22 (27.3%) | FT 10-of-14 (71.4%) | Rebounds 34 | Assists 11 | Turnovers 21

Newcastle Falcons 76, Hills Hornets 64 (Final)

Newcastle Basketball Stadium – March 29, 2026

Halftime: Newcastle 38–31

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Newcastle 25–12, 13–19, 16–13, 22–20
• Newcastle built an early double-digit lead and maintained control despite a second-quarter response from Hills.
• The Falcons generated offence through ball movement, finishing with 22 assists and 15 steals.
• Hills struggled with turnovers (22) and efficiency, limiting their ability to close the gap.

Newcastle Falcons controlled key stretches to defeat Hills Hornets 76–64 at Newcastle Basketball Stadium on March 29. A strong opening quarter set the tone, and the Falcons maintained separation through the second half to secure the win.

Nicole Munger led Newcastle with 30 points and 17 rebounds, adding four assists and six steals in a dominant performance. Kate Kingham contributed 15 points and seven assists, while Meg Jefferson added 13 points.

Jade Kirisome and Kennedy Johnson led Hills with 15 points each, while Brooke Bjelko added 14 points and nine rebounds. Ella Gale contributed six points and 12 rebounds.

Top Performers

Newcastle Falcons: Nicole Munger – 30 points, 17 rebounds
Hills Hornets: Jade Kirisome – 15 points, seven assists

By the Numbers

• Newcastle: FG 28-from-68 (41.2%) | 3PT 7-from-24 (29.2%) | FT 13-of-18 (72.2%) | Rebounds 44 | Assists 22 | Turnovers 16
• Hills: FG 24-from-67 (35.8%) | 3PT 6-from-23 (26.1%) | FT 10-of-14 (71.4%) | Rebounds 43 | Assists 17 | Turnovers 22

BA Centre of Excellence 89, Bankstown Bruins 63 (Final)

BA Centre of Excellence (AIS) – March 29, 2026

Halftime: BA Centre of Excellence 48–31

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: BA CoE 23–13, 25–18, 14–16, 27–16
• Centre of Excellence built a 17-point halftime lead and controlled the game throughout.
• The CoE dominated the glass 55–42 and generated consistent scoring through ball movement.
• Bankstown struggled to convert efficiently, shooting 34.3% from the field.

BA Centre of Excellence controlled the contest from the opening quarter to defeat Bankstown Bruins 89–63 at the AIS on March 29. A strong first half created separation, with the CoE maintaining control through defensive pressure and balanced offence.

Isabel Smith and Zara Russell led the Centre of Excellence with 21 points each, with Smith adding eight assists and Russell contributing four steals. Jay Sebasio added 19 points, while Lily Mapp provided 13 points and nine rebounds off the bench.

Kiahna Davis-White led Bankstown with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Tahlia Tupaea added 14 points. Jane Dunlop contributed 11 points in the loss.

Top Performers

BA Centre of Excellence: Isabel Smith – 21 points, eight assists
Bankstown Bruins: Kiahna Davis-White – 17 points, eight rebounds

By the Numbers

• BA Centre of Excellence: FG 36-from-80 (45.0%) | 3PT 6-from-22 (27.3%) | FT 11-of-18 (61.1%) | Rebounds 55 | Assists 18 | Turnovers 13
• Bankstown: FG 25-from-73 (34.3%) | 3PT 7-from-23 (30.4%) | FT 6-of-10 (60.0%) | Rebounds 42 | Assists 15 | Turnovers 15

Norths Bears 112, Central Coast Crusaders 39 (Final)

Guzman y Gomez Stadium – March 29, 2026

Halftime: Norths Bears 62–25

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Norths Bears 33–11, 29–14, 21–9, 29–5
• Norths established control immediately with a 22-point first quarter and extended the lead to 37 by halftime.
• The Bears dominated offensively, shooting 50.6% from the field and 50.0% from three (21-from-42).
• Central Coast struggled to generate offence, shooting 23.2% from the field with 25 turnovers.

Norths Bears controlled the contest from start to finish to defeat Central Coast Crusaders 112–39 at Guzman y Gomez Stadium on March 29. The Bears built separation early and continued to extend the margin each quarter, with defensive pressure and efficient shooting driving the result.

Jaz Shelley led Norths with 29 points, six assists and five steals, hitting eight three-pointers. Emma Donnelly added 17 points and eight rebounds, while Peggy Schell and Caitlyn Martin each contributed 13 points. The Bears produced a balanced scoring effort with multiple contributors.

Kizzah Maltezo led Central Coast with 15 points, while Bronte Moore added 13. The Crusaders were unable to find consistent scoring options against Norths’ defensive pressure.

Top Performers

Norths Bears: Jaz Shelley – 29 points, six assists, five steals
Central Coast Crusaders: Kizzah Maltezo – 15 points

By the Numbers

• Norths Bears: FG 40-from-79 (50.6%) | 3PT 21-from-42 (50.0%) | FT 11-of-16 (68.8%) | Rebounds 57 | Assists 27 | Turnovers 13
• Central Coast: FG 13-from-56 (23.2%) | 3PT 4-from-16 (25.0%) | FT 9-of-11 (81.8%) | Rebounds 26 | Assists 7 | Turnovers 25