Geraldton amateur basketball season round 4: Pumas men and women on winners’ list in action-packed round

Pumas’ men and women both impressed on the court in round four of the Geraldton basketball season, with standout performances keeping the early ladder tight and unpredictable. In women’s division one, Pumas notched their second win from three outings with a commanding 72–33 victory over Trades on Monday night. It was a true team effort from the Pumas, who applied relentless defensive and offensive pressure. Mikenna Schultz and Tia Morgan were in top form, with Morgan leading the scoring on 32 points. Georgia Farley shone brightest for Pumas, showing real grit and determination in defence while setting most of her team up with attacking opportunities. Trades had their bright moments, with Holly Baynes continuing her strong run of form, scoring 13 points and orchestrating several attacking plays. Tuesday’s clash between Stateside and Chapman Valley proved a much closer affair, with Stateside storming back from a 10-point half-time deficit to secure a 58–51 win. A huge third quarter saw Stateside rack up 20 points to swing the momentum their way, with Charlotte Kennedy and Abbie McDonald outstanding, combining for almost 40 points. Valley had the upper hand early, moving the ball well and capitalising on fast breaks, but faded in the later stages. Shathea Doley remained one of their best across the four quarters. In men’s first division, the top of the ladder remains crowded. Stateside and Pumas share first place, followed closely by Trades and Hawks in joint second. Pumas got the round off to a flying start with a 74–60 win over Trades on Monday night. They set the tone early and never looked likely to lose control of the match. Denbi Horstman, Harry Evans and William Galvin were dominant throughout, showing precision in attack and defence. Trades still put up a strong showing, with Max De San Miguel leading the charge and proving difficult to contain. Tuesday’s Stateside v Chapman Valley match was one for the highlights reel, ending in a thrilling 68–66 win for Stateside. Verle Williams was again the hero, scoring 27 points in a superb individual display, supported well by Tyrone Papertalk Jr and Stuart Egan. Valley looked sharp in the first half, led by the composed play of Elliot Bennett, Russell Hurst and Llewyn Valli, but were edged out in the final minutes. The round wrapped up on Wednesday night, with Olympians claiming a hard-fought 96–71 victory over Hawks. The Occys came out firing, with Geordie Murray and Jayden Bamford providing early fireworks in attack. Hawks clawed back late in the game, led by a brilliant 32-point haul from Dylan Griechen, but it was not enough to stop the Olympians’ surge to victory.