The Battle of Joondalup - Game Review

The Wolves Battled it out on Van Kailis Court

Friday night saw a record crowd of 1,647 fans pack the stands in Green to support the Chambers Franklyn City of Joondalup Wolves in the Battle of Joondalup on Van Kailis Court, HBF Arena!

Scoring runs were the story early in the game as Warwick sprinted out to a 10-point lead. Jo Odude and Julia Chandler were aggressive on the boards, converting second chance opportunities to shrink the gap heading into the second quarter.

The Wolves played excellent defence to start the second, holding the Senators scoreless for the first 3 minutes of the quarter. Laniesha Paddon was successful on both ends of the floor, scoring a three and collecting 2 offensive rebounds, however the Senators went on a scoring run to stretch the lead to 11 by half time led by Chloe Forster and Stacey Barr.

Determined to even the score, the Wolves delivered a resurgent effort led by Sarah Toeaina who had 13 or her 16 total points in the third quarter which helped bring the game to even at 44 a-piece. The Senators were able to re-group and go on another run which the Wolves couldn’t counter, losing the game 65-79. The Wolves look to bounce back at home, against the Willetton Tigers this Saturday.

The Wolves show out in the Battle of Joondalup

Wolfpack fans were eager with anticipation to see who will take out the Battle of Joondalup on Van Kailis Court, as both teams entered the 2024 season with bolstered rosters. For the Wolves that includes new additions Caleb Davis and Ethan Elliott who themselves were excited to face their former club.

The Wolves had an amazing 68-point first half, led in scoring by CJ Turnage who had 22 and Ethan Elliott with 19 points by half-time. CJ Turnage has been in MVP form to start the season and in this game contributed 24 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals on 50% shooting. Caleb Davis led the game in scoring for the Wolves with 25, 10 rebounds. Captain Jordan Wellsteed has been elite from range this season, alongside teammate Christian Jurlina combining 5/8 in the win.

Ethan Elliott contributed across the board with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists, and is currently top 8 in league assists and steals per game. Jonathan Wade added 13 points and 4 steals, helping to defeat the Senators 105-90 and advance to a 7-0 start to the 2024 NBL1 West season.

This Saturday, your Wolves face the Willetton Tigers on Van Kailis court, HBF Arena! Make sure to secure your tickets before they sell out! Visit: bit.ly/Wolvestickets