3 week review!!

Round 5

Deloitte Dragons 41 defeated Trash Bags 27

10 wins in a row, including 4 this season in a higher division…

The Dragons faced off against a big, strong and high scoring opposition in the Trash Bags. Both teams were the only remaining undefeated outfits entering the crucial game on Wednesday 24th October. Top spot was up for grabs, and the Dragons wasted no time in asserting their desire to win. Welcoming back Hot Shot Hui, after a 3 month absence due to injury, and top scorer Top Cat Cartwright, the Dragons jumped to a 16 – 5 lead after 10 minutes, on the back of Hadjitello’s and Hui’s 5 points a piece.

The team had finally come together, and, despite playing without captain DK Kang, the Dragons were near full strength with Matty the Rocket and Big Fella Boyd playing imposing shut down defense, which led to easy transition baskets for Brooke and Top Cat! An appearance from Deloitte Alumni AK Kojevnikov was welcomed, and she didn’t disappoint. Grabbing rebound after rebound and scoring a massive 10 points, AK looked like a pro, and she provided excellent support for the tireless Brooke inside.

After leading 22 – 11 at the break, the Dragons controlled the 2nd half throughout, with excellent offensive spacing, passing and execution. “We really played well as a team tonight. I think we have meshed well over the last season and are now comfortable with each other’s strengths, weaknesses and movements on the court. We were just unstoppable and our opposition was kept chasing tail all night.” – Top Cat Cartwright, clearly impressed with the Dragons’ progress.

Although slightly unfit, Hot Shot Hui showed that he hadn’t lost his shooting touch, draining some impressive perimeter shots en route to a respectable return tally of 7 points for the match, and proving that with some match fitness, he will be a classic clutch performer for the Dragons on their quest for a second successive championship.

The only scare for the game came late in the first half, when Brooke went down under the basket after a rebound, clutching her ankle. “I landed on it sideways, and twisted it. It hurts now, but I’ve done this way too often and know it is a severe sprain. I’ll be back next week with some tape and should be fully fit in a couple of weeks time.” – Brooke after the game showing just how tough she is. “I was worried as soon as I saw her fall…She is crucial to the team, and I’m not sure on the exact stats, but we win nearly every game that we have Brooke in the team…so I was hoping that it was nothing too severe and was wrapped to see her come back on for a stint in the second half.” – Hadjitello

Next week sees the Dragons pitted against Pacific Hydro on court 1 at 6:50 pm! Come along and show your support. Cheer the Dragons on to their 11th win in a row!!

Round 4

Deloitte Dragons 35 defeated Mitch Dowd 31

This was yet another game in which the Dragons entered shorthanded, playing without Top Cat Tiff Cartwright, Matty the Rocket and Big Fella Boyd. It is starting to be a second season trend for the Dragons, who have been unable to field their championship winning team since the night of the grand final victory. However Mad Matt Sainsey and Medhi Tunak Tunak Spiritual Leader Naseeruddin proved more than capable “replacements,” and made their presence felt on the scoring end and also the defensive end…

There was confusion galore in the first half where the Dragons found themselves seeing double as Mitch Dowd sported the same uniform. It was identical to the Dragons’ kit – make, model and all. DK was not impressed (Stroppy DK).

Halftime scores were even, as the first half was filled with many blunders that saw both the Dragons and our opposition throwing errant passes to opposing players.

A quick uniform change by the Dragons at halftime allowed a clear distinction between the sides, and it reflected on the scoreboard, with the Dragons inching ahead as the game progressed. Hadjitello found the net time after time, dropping three 3s and keeping the Dragons winning streak alive. Brooke battled it out in the key against the tall ladies and showed them who was in charge of the boards. Mad Matt Sainsey showed excellent ball handling, intercepts and mid range shooting. “An absolute all rounder” – DK Kang. Mehdi showed off his fancy foot work and was pivotal in providing assists which the team was able to capitalise on. The second half saw the Dragons stretch the lead after a hot run. The baskets fell when it mattered the most and it was a great display of team work and smart plays. Special mention goes out to Mrs. Mehdi Naseeruddin for her excellent job on the scorers bench and her super support throughout the game :)

The final score was 35-31. This win takes the Dragons to nine game winning streak. Next week sees the Dragons playing their rivals… the Trash Bags at 9:30pm.


Round 3

Deloitte Dragons 46 defeated Black Knights 31

A True test of the Dragons’ mettle lay ahead, as they found themselves playing without Captain DK Kang, top scorer Top Cat, Matty the Rocket and Big Fella Boyd. This game saw the debuts of Dazza Slick Shooting Chan, Tanya the Tornado Alexander and also welcomed back Dominator Malekas and Benoy the Cougar Shankar. Although still stacked with talent, there were questions surrounding the Dragons’ chemistry – as they were, literally, a thrown together bunch on game night.

Chemistry was not an issue for the Dragons…in fact the only issue in the first half was with the Black Knights…they could not contain Slick Shooting Dazza Chan, as he erupted for the Dragons’ first 10 points. Not looking like missing, Dazza was an instant success with his teammates, who lifted around him and went into the half with an 18-17 lead.

The second half saw much of the same from the Dragons and Dazza, not missing many, if any, of his shots. Hadjitello started to find rhythm, hitting some classy mid-range jumpers, and Brooke, Tanya and Dominator were monsters under the basket, grabbing rebound after rebound and converting time and time again to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Some excellent clutch shooting from the Cougar and Dazza allowed the Dragons to eventually run away from their opponents, 46 – 31, with the lead, at times, stretching beyond 20 points. Player of the game was Brooke Arrowsmith – who continually led the girls, commandeered movements in the key and dominated the scoreboard with excellent jump-shooting, rebounding and passing.