Brayden Inger scored 24 points (10/17FG) but couldn’t prevent Geraldton Buccaneers going down 77-71 to Willetton Tigers in the West Coast Classic State League.
A multiple championship winner with Rangitoto College and North Harbour age-group teams Inger is in his second season with Geraldton having helped the Buccaneers win the State League title in 2019.
Averaging 13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game Inger admits he is playing a different role to his high school days.
“It’s been a strange season as I have had to pick up point guard duties which is a lot different to where and how I played during my high school career. It’s definitely opened up a few more opportunities.”
Over on the Australian East Coast Mika Vukona played just 10 minutes as Southern District Spartans slipped to 5-2 in the Queensland State League (QSL) after going down 80-70 to Ipswich Force.
Vukona finished with 3 points and 7 rebounds whilst fellow Tall Black Tyrell Harrison had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks.
The Tall Ferns representatives playing in the QSL all enjoyed success as there are a trio of road wins to report.
Chevannah Paalvast and Logan Thunder are riding high at the top of the QSL ladder as they made it six straight wins in an unbeaten start to the season. Their most recent victory was a comprehensive 98-59 mauling of Brisbane Capitals. Paalvast finished with 11 points and 5 rebounds.
The Southern District Spartans are hot on the heels of the Thunder. Boasting a 6-1 record they grabbed a 102-78 win at Ipswich Force. Supplying the force for the Spartans were Kalani Purcell who scored a season high 28 points (12/21FG) with Natalie Taylor (23 points) also in good scoring form.
Ashleigh Karaitiana (21 points) top scored for RedCity Roar in their 79-63 win at Sunshine Coast Phoenix. The Roar also had good contributions from Karlene Kingi and Kayla Kiriau. The ‘Double K’s’ scored 9 points apiece with Kingi also grabbing 9 boards.
LACEY LOWDOWN 