NBL1 South 2024 Women - Semi Final 1: Knox Raiders v. Ballarat Miners
27 July 2024 | 5:30 PM AEST
Knox Basketball Stadium
After an exciting round one of finals, where the 4th placed Mt Gambier Pioneers and 2nd placed Keilor Thunder took out strong wins to give them this week off , waiting to see who they will face from these two preliminary game match ups.
In the first Women's Semi-Final, the Knox Raiders host the Ballarat Miners in what will be the last Knox Raiders' game at Knox Basketball Stadium ever. The Knox Raiders previously won this match-up 110-62. Ballarat were missing some of their stars in Chloe Bibby, Abi Wehrung, Micah Simpson & Jaz Shelley, so you’d expect a much closer contest this time with a preliminary position on the line.
The Raiders enter this game after losing last week's Qualifying Final to the Mount Gambier Pioneers (78-86), while the Miners had a home win, defeating the Eltham Wildcats (97-83) in the Elimination Final.
The Raiders have been led all season by Alicia Froling, who averages 23.2 points and 12.4 rebounds. Froling had her quietest scoring game last week with only 15 points. In the last game against the Miners, Froling scored an impressive 29 points in less than 24 minutes of playing time.
The likes of Paige Bradley (15.8 PPG), Kiera Rowe (9.5 PPG), Emma Pearce (9 PPG), and Rachel Bell (10 PPG) will all look to add to the scoring.
The Miners' scoring is led by versatile forward Chloe Bibby with 23.8 points and 7.7 rebounds, but the key match-up for the Miners will be limiting Froling's impact on the game.
The Raiders' scoring is also supported by Abigail Wehrung (15.2 PPG), Mehryn Kraker (14.5 PPG), and Jaz Shelley (12.4 PPG).
NBL1 South 2024 Women - Semi Final 2: Dandenong Rangers v. Waverley Falcons
27 July 2024 | 6:00 PM AEST
Dandenong Basketball Stadium
The second Women's Semi-Final will feature the Dandenong Rangers hosting the Waverley Falcons at Dandenong Basketball Stadium. The Rangers won this match-up 80-72 back in April, the latter part of the season has seen Waverley storm home to 7th place.
The Rangers enter this game after losing last week's Qualifying Final to the Keilor Thunder (59-68), while the Falcons claimed an away victory, eliminating the Sandringham Sabres (95-69).
The Rangers are led by the Puoch sisters: WNBA draftee Nyadiew Puoch, who contributes 19.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, and Manuela Puoch, who adds 12.9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.
Import forwards Asten Prechtel (17 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2 BPG) and Amber Smith (13.5 PPG, 6 RPG, 2.5 APG), alongside Dallas Loughridge (15.2 PPG, 3.8 APG), round out the Rangers' major contributors.
No surprise to anyone, the Falcons' key contributors are the Southside Flyer duo of Rebecca Cole and Carley Ernst, with 18.5 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 17.8 points, 3.67 assists, and 8 rebounds per game, respectively.
Import guard McKenzie Forbes (15 PPG) and local forward Renae Mokrzycki (11.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG) also make significant weekly contributions
NBL1 South 2024 Men - Semi Final 1: Mount Gambier Pioneers v. Eltham Wildcats
27 July 2024 | 7:00 PM AEST
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre
After some tight semi finals games in round one where The Frankston Blues and Sandringham Sabres won their games earning themselves a week off and now wait to know their prelim match ups.
The first Men's Semi Final take place across the boarder as the Mount Gambier Pioneers host the Eltham Wildcats. The regular season leaders couldn't get a win last week over Sandringham in the Qualifying Final (59-75), while Eltham continued their winning ways defeating Geelong United 86-81.
The Pioneers are led by the league's leading scorer Nick Marshall (22.9 PPG) and walking double-double Akech Aliir (18.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG). A bit of an unsung hero, Austin Shelly contributes 12.5 per game, while import Christian Peevy and team mate Titus Robinson add to the scoring with 11.5 and 10.8 point per game,
The Wildcats scoring is led by new South East Melbourne Phoenix NBL team mates Owen Foxwell (20.1 PPG) and Angus Glover (19.7 PGG). Imports Ralph Bissainthe and Joshua Sykes contribute 16.1 points and 12 points per game respectively.
Whoever gets warm early whether it be Owen Foxwell, Angus Glover or Nick Marshall could well be the decider in this game
NBL1 South 2024 Men - Semi Final 2: Ballarat Miners v. Dandenong Rangers
27 July 2024 | 7:30 PM AEST
Selkirk Stadium
The second Men's Semi Final will see the Ballarat Miners host the Dandenong Rangers, following the Miner's loss to the Frankston Blues (58-97) and the Rangers' win over the the reigning champions, the Know Raiders (98-91)
The Miners' scoring is fuelled by 2023 leading scorer Tyler Rudolph (20.4), but they have four others averaging double digit points Nicholas Stoddard (14.9 PGG), Majok Majok (14.3 PPG), Luke Rosendale (13.7 PPG) and Zac Dunmore (10.7 PPG)
The Rangers scoring is led by former NBL guard Tad Dufelmeier (17.9 PPG, 4.3 APG, 5.9 RPG) and forwards Mason Peatling (14.5 PGG 10 PPG) and Jacob Tyron (14.3 PGG 6.7 RPG)
Last time these teams played each other, the Rangers claimed a 2-point victory (86-84) in the absence of Tyler Rudolph. Rudolph and Mason Peatling will be the match up to watch.
