Bearing fruit: Shelley one assist shy of triple double

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NBL1 East Conference women's team Sydney Comets suffered a major injury blow with Townsville Fire WNBL26 Grand Final hero Chantel Horvat injuring her right ring finger at practice last Tuesday night.

Horvat, 27, poured in 37 points in her first game for the Comets in round one against the stacked Sutherland Sharks but is expected to miss about two months after a minor surgery.

Her absence was telling against reigning MVP Nicole Munger's Newcastle on Saturday while the Comets bounced back against the Central Coast on Sunday.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 85, Hills Hornets 52 – Watch the Replay

Hills Basketball Stadium — April 10, 2026
Halftime: Manly Warringah 48–30

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles controlled the contest from the opening quarter, defeating Hills Hornets 85–52 with a dominant all-round performance at Hills Basketball Stadium.

The Sea Eagles built a 18-point halftime lead and extended it with a strong third quarter, holding Hills to just eight points in the period.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Hills 15–23, 15–25, 8–18, 14–19
• Largest lead: Manly Warringah +33
• Game context: Manly’s defence and depth overwhelmed Hills across four quarters

Sari Mowbray led Manly Warringah with 19 points, while Zoey Miller added 16 points and 8 assists.

Freya Bijkerk provided scoring punch with 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting, and Olivia Johnston was efficient with 8 points on 3-of-3 shooting.

Ella Gale led Hills with 10 points and 8 rebounds, while Kennedy Johnson and Jade Kirisome added 9 points each.

Hills shot just 28.6% from the field, struggling to generate consistent offence against Manly’s defensive pressure.

By the Numbers

• Sari Mowbray (MAN): 19 pts
• Zoey Miller (MAN): 16 pts | 8 ast
• Ella Gale (HIL): 10 pts | 8 reb

Albury-Wodonga Bandits 107, Central Coast Crusaders 64 – Watch the Replay

Guzman y Gomez Stadium — April 11, 2026
Halftime: Albury-Wodonga 57–29

Albury-Wodonga Bandits dominated from the outset, defeating Central Coast Crusaders 107–64 with a high-powered offensive display at Guzman y Gomez Stadium.

The Bandits blew the game open early with a 31-point first quarter and never relinquished control.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Central Coast 12–31, 17–26, 13–29, 22–21
• Largest lead: Albury-Wodonga +48
• Game context: A first-half blowout set the tone for a one-sided result

Emily Lyttle led all scorers with 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting, adding 9 rebounds in a dominant performance.

Kijana McCowan contributed 17 points and 5 steals, while Unique Thompson recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Claudia Hocking added 15 points, rounding out a balanced offensive effort.

Kizzah Maltezo led Central Coast with 19 points, while Jess Stone added 12 points.

Central Coast struggled offensively, shooting 34.4% from the field and committing 28 turnovers under sustained pressure.

By the Numbers

• Emily Lyttle (ALB): 26 pts | 9 reb
• Kijana McCowan (ALB): 17 pts | 5 stl
• Kizzah Maltezo (CC): 19 pts

Sutherland Sharks 73, Maitland Mustangs 54 – Watch the Replay

Sutherland Basketball Stadium — April 11, 2026
Halftime: Sutherland 35–27

Sutherland Sharks set the tone early and controlled the contest throughout, defeating Maitland Mustangs 73–54 with a defensive-first performance at home.

A dominant opening quarter created separation, and Sutherland never allowed Maitland back into the game.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Sutherland 26–12, 9–15, 16–14, 22–13
• Largest lead: Sutherland +22
• Game context: First-quarter surge and sustained defensive pressure secured the result

Madeleine Norris led Sutherland with 17 points and 10 rebounds, adding 4 assists in a strong all-round performance.

Aliza Fabbro contributed 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, while Ella Dent added 12 points and 7 rebounds.

Olivia Douglas provided a major presence on the glass with 11 rebounds.

Kasey Neubert led Maitland with 19 points and 11 rebounds, the only Mustang to find consistent offensive rhythm.

Jessalyn Finney added 13 points, but Maitland shot just 26.4% from the field and 15.6% from three, limiting scoring opportunities.

By the Numbers

• Madeleine Norris (SUT): 17 pts | 10 reb | 4 ast
• Kasey Neubert (MAI): 19 pts | 11 reb
• Team FG%: Sutherland 39.3% │ Maitland 26.4%

Norths Bears 113, Bankstown Bruins 61 – Watch the Replay

North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre — April 11, 2026
Halftime: Norths 58–32

Norths Bears delivered one of the most dominant performances of the round, overwhelming Bankstown 113–61 with elite shooting and relentless pressure across all four quarters.

The Bears built control early and extended the margin every period, finishing with a 52-point win.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Norths 29–13, 29–19, 22–11, 33–18
• Largest lead: Norths +52
• Game context: Offensive efficiency and depth overwhelmed Bankstown from the opening tip

Jaz Shelley orchestrated the performance with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, adding 4 steals and 3 blocks in a dominant all-round showing.

Emma Donnelly added 19 points, while Rebecca Donnelly chipped in 20 points on efficient shooting.

Emily Simons contributed 13 points, as Norths showcased scoring depth with six players in double figures.

Margot De Freitas led Bankstown with 16 points, while Kiahna Davis-White added 14 points.

However, Bankstown committed 24 turnovers and struggled to contain Norths’ perimeter shooting, conceding 25 made threes.

By the Numbers

• Jaz Shelley (NOR): 27 pts | 9 reb | 10 ast
• Margot De Freitas (BAN): 16 pts
• Team 3PT: Norths 25/44 (56.8%) │ Bankstown 4/13 (30.8%)

Penrith Panthers 58, Inner West Bulls 49 – Watch the Replay

Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatics Centre — April 11, 2026
Halftime: Penrith 24–27

Penrith Panthers ground out a low-scoring win over Inner West Bulls, using a decisive third quarter to flip the game and secure a 58–49 result.

After trailing at halftime, Penrith took control with a 21–12 third period and closed it out defensively.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Inner West 12–14, 15–10, 12–21, 10–13
• Largest lead: Penrith +9
• Game context: Third-quarter swing and rebounding dominance proved the difference

Chanel Bastin led Penrith with 18 points and 9 rebounds, providing the primary scoring option in a defensive contest.

Sofia Hunt added 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Chloe Williams contributed 10 points.

Penrith controlled the glass 59–40, creating second-chance opportunities throughout.

Taylah Levy finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Ai Matsumoto added 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

However, Inner West shot just 22.9% from the field and 14.3% from three, limiting scoring output across all four quarters.

By the Numbers

• Chanel Bastin (PEN): 18 pts | 9 reb
• Taylah Levy (IW): 15 pts | 7 reb
• Team FG%: Penrith 29.4% │ Inner West 23.0%

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 80, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 67 – Watch the Replay

The Brickpit — April 11, 2026
Halftime: Manly Warringah 44–27

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles controlled the first half and kept Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders at arm’s length to secure an 80–67 road win at The Brickpit.

A 21–8 second quarter created the separation, and while Hornsby responded after halftime, Manly held firm through the final two periods.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Hornsby 19–23, 8–21, 22–18, 18–18
• Largest lead: Manly Warringah +17
• Game context: Sea Eagles’ second-quarter burst proved decisive

Jayda Jansen led Manly Warringah with 21 points, knocking down 5-of-6 from three-point range in an efficient offensive display.

Zoey Miller added 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Alex Delaney contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds in a strong all-round effort.

Ruby Perkins led Hornsby Ku-ring-gai with 26 points and 6 assists, accounting for much of the home side’s offence.

Ay’Anna Bey added 12 points and 9 rebounds, while Jessie-May Hall scored 10 points, though Hornsby shot just 31.4% from the field overall.

By the Numbers

• Jayda Jansen (MAN): 21 pts | 5 3PT
• Alex Delaney (MAN): 16 pts | 10 reb
• Ruby Perkins (HOR): 26 pts | 6 ast

Newcastle Falcons 94, Sydney Comets 60 – Watch the Replay

Comets Stadium — April 11, 2026
Halftime: Newcastle 60–28

Newcastle Falcons delivered a dominant road performance, blowing the game open in the first half to defeat Sydney Comets 94–60.

A 32–15 opening quarter followed by a 28–13 second term put the result beyond doubt early.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Sydney 15–32, 13–28, 23–20, 9–14
• Largest lead: Newcastle +36
• Game context: First-half dominance set the tone in a one-sided contest

Meg Jefferson led Newcastle with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists, anchoring a complete offensive performance.

Nicole Munger added a standout all-round effort with 13 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Kate Kingham contributed 17 points, hitting 5 threes.

Newcastle shot 50% from the field and controlled the boards 52–32.

Eryn Fisher led Sydney with 16 points, while Alexandra Kayrouz added 15 points and 10 rebounds.

However, Sydney shot just 34.4% from the field and committed 20 turnovers, limiting their ability to stay competitive.

By the Numbers

• Meg Jefferson (NEW): 26 pts | 13 reb | 7 ast
• Nicole Munger (NEW): 13 pts | 18 reb | 6 ast
• Team rebounds: Newcastle 52 │ Sydney 32

Canberra Nationals 69, Illawarra Hawks 43 – Watch the Replay

Southern Cross Basketball Stadium, Tuggeranong — April 11, 2026
Halftime: Canberra 27–22

Canberra Nationals locked in defensively and pulled away after halftime, defeating Illawarra Hawks 69–43 in a low-scoring contest.

A 23–9 third quarter created the separation as Canberra’s defence tightened and Illawarra’s offence stalled.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Canberra 10–8, 17–14, 23–9, 19–12
• Largest lead: Canberra +26
• Game context: Third-quarter defensive surge broke the game open

Allison Day led Canberra with 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, while Zara Funnell added 17 points, hitting 5 threes.

Carlie McAlister anchored the interior with 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals, while Callie Bourne contributed 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Canberra finished with 24 assists and 12 steals, reflecting strong ball movement and defensive pressure.

Imogen Thompson led Illawarra with 10 points, while Una Jovanovich added 9 points and 8 rebounds.

Illawarra shot just 23.0% from the field and 15.8% from three, unable to generate consistent offence against Canberra’s defence.

By the Numbers

• Allison Day (CAN): 20 pts | 6 reb
• Zara Funnell (CAN): 17 pts | 5 3PT
• Team FG%: Canberra 33.8% │ Illawarra 23.0%

Norths Bears 91, Albury-Wodonga Bandits 82 – Watch the Replay

North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre — April 12, 2026
Halftime: Norths 43–40

Norths Bears held off a dominant interior performance from Albury-Wodonga to secure a 91–82 win, riding efficiency and balanced scoring at home.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Norths 18–13, 25–27, 24–21, 24–21
• Largest lead: Norths +12
• Game context: Norths’ efficiency and perimeter shooting offset Bandits’ inside dominance

Norths shot 50.0% from the field and 43.5% from three, with multiple contributors stepping up.

Isabelle Morgan led the way with 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting, while Jaz Shelley added 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals in a two-way performance.

Off the bench, Emily Simons delivered 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, and Rebecca Donnelly added 14 points, including four triples.

Albury-Wodonga’s Unique Thompson was outstanding with 33 points and 20 rebounds, controlling the paint throughout.

Emily Lyttle added 18 points and 8 assists, but the Bandits struggled to match Norths’ perimeter scoring, hitting just 7-of-24 from three (29.2%).

By the Numbers

• Unique Thompson (ALB): 33 pts | 20 reb
• Isabelle Morgan (NOR): 21 pts | 53% FG
• Team 3PT: Norths 43.5% │ Albury-Wodonga 29.2%

Maitland Mustangs 83, Inner West Bulls 55 – Watch the Replay

Concord Recreational Centre — April 12, 2026
Halftime: Maitland 40–34

Maitland Mustangs broke the game open in the third quarter to secure a commanding 83–55 win, overwhelming Inner West with scoring depth and rebounding control.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Inner West 16–22, 18–18, 8–29, 13–14
• Largest lead: Maitland +32
• Game context: Maitland’s 29–8 third quarter created separation

Maitland turned the game decisively after halftime, outscoring Inner West by 21 points in the third.

Jessalyn Finney led the charge with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists on 8-of-15 shooting, while Kasey Neubert added a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

The Mustangs dominated the glass (55–29 rebounds) and generated second-chance opportunities with 20 offensive boards.

Inner West relied heavily on Taylah Levy, who produced 27 points and 6 rebounds, accounting for nearly half the team’s scoring.

Beyond Levy, the Bulls struggled offensively, shooting just 33.9% from the field and managing only 8 assists as a team.

By the Numbers

• Rebounds: Maitland 55 │ Inner West 29
• Third Quarter: Maitland 29–8
• Taylah Levy (IW): 27 pts │ 9-21 FG

Sydney Comets 62, Central Coast Crusaders 53 – Watch the Replay

Guzman y Gomez Stadium — April 12, 2026
Halftime: Sydney 31–28

Sydney Comets held off Central Coast Crusaders in a low-scoring contest, using a strong third quarter and enough late execution to secure a 62–53 win at Guzman y Gomez Stadium.

After a tight first half, Sydney outscored Central Coast 18–8 in the third quarter to create the separation.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Central Coast 14–18, 14–13, 8–18, 17–13
• Largest lead: Sydney +11
• Game context: Sydney’s third-quarter defence turned the game

Pirini leads balanced Comets effort

Mikayla Pirini led Sydney with 16 points, while Eryn Fisher added 10 points and 15 rebounds in a strong interior performance.

Alexandra Kayrouz contributed 11 points, and Emily Nguyen added 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists as Sydney found enough offence in a defensive game.

Sydney won the rebound battle 54–48 and forced 21 Central Coast turnovers.

Maltezo carries Crusaders offence

Kizzah Maltezo led Central Coast with 19 points, while Leila Hefferman added 13 points and Nikki Worner finished with 10 rebounds.

The Crusaders struggled to score efficiently, shooting just 25.4% from the field and 20.0% from three.

By the Numbers

• Mikayla Pirini (SYD): 16 pts
• Eryn Fisher (SYD): 10 pts | 15 reb
• Kizzah Maltezo (CC): 19 pts