Shyla Heal steered Bruins to statement Manly win

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Bankstown Bruins handed Manly Warringah Sea Eagles just their second loss of the season, while Hills Hornets reignited their campaign behind a dominant offensive performance from Kennedy Johnson in NBL1 East Round 6 action.

What the Round Told Us

• Manly are vulnerable when opponents control tempo and physicality
• Hills still have enough scoring power to threaten finals teams
• Bankstown’s balance is becoming one of the league’s biggest strengths
• Norths remain the clear championship benchmark
• The middle of the ladder is tightening rapidly

Game of the Round #1

Bankstown Bruins 82 def. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 65

Bankstown Bruins delivered one of the biggest results of the NBL1 East Women season, overpowering second-placed Manly Warringah Sea Eagles with a relentless four-quarter performance.

The Bruins controlled the game defensively from the opening period, holding Manly to just 28.9% shooting from the field while dominating the glass 53-48.

Shyla Heal orchestrated the offence with 18 points and 10 assists, repeatedly creating breakdowns in transition and early offence, while Tahlia Tupaea added 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals in a complete two-way performance.

Kiahna Davis-White added 14 points on efficient shooting, while Margot De Freitas provided interior scoring and toughness with 13 points and six rebounds.

Bankstown’s collective pressure forced Manly into difficult half-court possessions throughout the night, limiting the Sea Eagles to just 11 second-half points in the fourth quarter.

Alex Delaney battled hard for Manly with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Sari Mowbray added 12 points, but the Sea Eagles never fully recovered after Bankstown’s second-quarter surge.

The win strengthened Bankstown’s position inside the top four while handing Manly only its second defeat of the season.

Game Snapshot

Quarter Scores: Bankstown 23-16, 25-14, 23-24, 11-11
Largest Lead: Bankstown +23
Game Context: Bankstown controlled the game defensively from the second quarter onward

By the Numbers

Shyla Heal: 18 pts – 10 ast
Tahlia Tupaea: 11 pts – 9 reb – 4 stl
Bankstown: 53 rebounds – 12 steals – held Manly to 28.9% FG

Game of the Round #2

Hills Hornets 91 def. Canberra Nationals 78

Kennedy Johnson exploded offensively as Hills Hornets kept their season alive with a critical win against Canberra Nationals.

Johnson was dominant from the opening quarter, finishing with 24 points on 9-from-11 shooting while knocking down three triples and consistently attacking Canberra’s defence in transition.

Hills generated elite offensive efficiency throughout the afternoon, shooting 52.9% from the field and 71.8% on two-point attempts.

Sherrie Calleia controlled the game as the lead playmaker with 16 points and six assists, while Jade Kirisome added 16 points and six rebounds.

Ella Gale provided interior presence with nine points, eight rebounds and two blocks as Hills steadily separated during a decisive third quarter.

Canberra stayed competitive behind Allison Day, who produced 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Katiah-Ann Tait added 13 points on perfect shooting from the field.

But Canberra struggled defensively against Hills’ ball movement and efficient shot creation, conceding 91 points on 37 made field goals.

The victory pushed Hills back to 4-4 and tightened the battle for the middle playoff positions.

Game Snapshot

Quarter Scores: Hills 21-25, 20-19, 26-14, 24-20
Largest Lead: Hills +16
Game Context: Hills broke the game open with a dominant third quarter

By the Numbers

Kennedy Johnson: 24 pts on 81.8% shooting
Sherrie Calleia: 16 pts – 6 ast
Hills: 52.9% FG – 18 assists – 71.8% 2PT shooting

Other Results

• Norths Bears 101 def. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 73
• Centre of Excellence 67 def. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 60
• Bankstown Bruins 81 def. Sutherland Sharks 68
• Norths Bears 93 def. Newcastle Falcons 75
• Illawarra Hawks 96 def. Inner West Bulls 79
• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 92 def. Penrith Panthers 61

Women’s Ladder – After Round 6

1. Norths Bears – 10-0
2. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – 8-1
3. Bankstown Bruins – 7-2
4. Centre of Excellence – 6-2
5. Newcastle Falcons – 6-2

Watchlist – Round 7

• Sydney Comets vs Manly – major response game for the Sea Eagles
• Hills vs Centre of Excellence – massive test for Hills’ momentum
• Canberra vs Bankstown – finals-race implications
• Norths vs Central Coast – can anyone challenge the unbeaten Bears?

Round 6 Questions

• Is Bankstown now a genuine championship contender?
• Can Hills build consistency after its offensive breakout?
• Who can realistically pressure Norths at the top?
• Is Manly’s offence too perimeter dependent against elite defences?
• Which team separates from the crowded middle tier?