In case you missed it – check out Basketball ACT’s 2016 Premier 1 Preview by clicking here.

Premier 1 Men
Ginninderra Rats (48) def. by Wests Money Mechanics Magpies (112)

The late scratching of Ben Allen (illness) proved too big of a gap to fill for the Rats, as the Magpies ran up the score at will. An impressive shooting display from Premier returnee Jon Harris (5 three pointers) and a staunch defensive effort ensured that Wests won every quarter convincingly. Nathan Brown tried his best to keep the Rats in touch, however didn’t receive enough support.

Top Scorers

Wests – J Harris (27), N Jackson (18)

Rats – N Brown (17), H Gooden (10)

Tuggeranong Vikings (107) def. Tuggeranong Southern Cross Pride (82)

In a game that was much closer than expected, the depth and experience of the defending champion Vikings was too much for Southern Cross to overcome.

A match-up nightmare for any squad, Bul Kuol proved especially difficult for the Vikings to handle as new recruit Dylan Rawson struggled to contain the young star, resulting in foul trouble throughout the match. Hot shooting from the Vikings, who managed to knock down 12 shots from the perimeter, ensured that the Vikings ran away with the game late. James Toohey was the star of the night, and appears to be one of the most improved players of the league.

Top Scorers

Vikings – J Toohey (28), D Rawson (24)

TSC – B Kuol (35), J Hampton (17)

Weston Creek Woden Dodgers (75) def. Belconnen Ramblers (60)

A cascade of injuries to the Ramblers (Ross, Moneke, Jackson, Commins) left a hole in the Ramblers line-up for their first match-up of the season, and left many onlookers doubting the longevity and legitimacy of the boys in black and gold. The Dodgers showed that they are much improved on last year’s squad, with Jesse Wilesmith and Dylan Simpson proving a nice 1 – 2 punch.

Top Scorers

Dodgers – D Simpson (26), M McGee (19)

Ramblers – Freshwater (18), Hewett (14)

Click here to access the P1M results site.

Premier 1 Women
Norths (46) def. by Wests Magpies (61)

It was a case of the ‘Bourne’ identity, as the sisters faced off for this Round 1 clash. Emma (Wests) proved age and experience still trumps youth, as she combined with dynamo guard Sarah Taylor to put 41 points on the board and seal the win for the Magpies. Hope Pateman managed an impressive 5 three pointers to finish with 16 points, but it just wasn’t enough for the short-handed Norths squad who will still be relatively pleased with the improvement shown.

Top Scorers

Norths – H Pateman (16), I Bourne (12)

Wests – S Taylor (21), E Bourne (20)

Ginninderra Rats (42) def. by Belconnen Ramblers (70)

Despite numerous player departures over the offseason, the Ramblers proved that they are here to stay with a thorough Round 1 victory over the Rats. Evans and Rowe sliced and diced throughout, and managed to clear enough space for Schweizer to score 23 points. Patt was strong in defeat for the Rats, who will be looking to bounce back strong in Round 2.

Top Scorers

Rats – M Patt (15), A Robertson (8)

Ramblers – R Schweizer (23), A Evans (16)

Tuggeranong Vikings (66) def. Weston Creek Woden Dodgers (62)

In what was definitely the upset of the round, the Vikings side made a statement to the rest of the Premier competition by defeating the defending champions in Round 1. Though the Dodgers suited a full strength outfit including the likes of Langhorn, Coddington and McAppion, the Vikings used a 26 – 10 4th quarter to overrun the Dodgers. Sophie Anderson managed to put up a tidy 17 points to lead the Vikings, however she was ably supported in what was an extremely well rounded effort.

A definite negative of the game though was the injury of Capitals Academy star Carlie Smith, which has all Basketball ACT members with their fingers crossed and wishing Carlie a speedy recovery.

Top Scorers

Vikings – S Anderson (17), T Ketels (12)

Dodgers – K Langhorn (20), A Coddington (16)

Click here to access the P1W results site.