Ayre Powers Sabres to Decider

The Sandringham Sabres were searching for a spark late in the NBL1 South season. They found it when Ben Ayre walked back into the locker room with 11 games left in the regular season.

There was no rousing speech, no instant demands. “Didn’t have to say anything other than hey and introduce myself to the guys I haven’t played with before,” Ayre said. “DB and Andy have everything covered on the coaching side, the guys were playing really well. Nothing for me to say other than to figure out how I fit in with this group and help them win.”

Since that moment, the Sabres have surged — climbing the ladder, locking in a finals spot, and now preparing for a shot at the championship. Ayre’s influence has been clear on the stat sheet, delivering 27.29 points, 6.36 assists and 4.29 rebounds per game, along with nearly eight made free throws and close to three three-pointers a night.

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There hasn’t been a single turning point in his eyes, just a consistent belief in the group’s potential. “No game in particular, but I came to Sandringham to help them win the whole thing so we know if we just execute scout and play hard, our chances of winning increase dramatically.”

For Ayre, this isn’t a sequel to 2023’s Grand Final heartbreak against Knox — it’s a new story entirely. “It doesn’t sit with me, I moved on from that loss the next day,” he said. “This game is totally new and will be approached no different to any other game, execute the scout, play hard and smart and secure the win.”

Now, with form, belief, and one of the league’s most impactful guards leading the way, Sandringham stand one win away from the NBL1 South title.