Hoops Capital off-season wrap (April 28)

It’s been a big week for Hoops Capital stars, with several players making their mark in the off-season.

King #252 Tyler Robertson was awarded the Men’s Play of the Week Anzac Day medal against the Casey Cavaliers round four win against the Knox Raiders.

Robertson scored 30 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, defeating the Knox Raiders 85-73.

Robertson reflected on the importance of the game on Anzac Day.

"Basketball naturally brings many people together, so doing it on a special day like Anzac Day not only gets people to games but also allows them to experience the rawness of what hearing the last post and being able to stand in silence does. Makes us all appreciate the country we are in and how we are so lucky to live the way we do."

"I felt very honoured to win the award. I went to a dawn service near me to really soak in the day, it was also great to win against the top team!” Robertson said.

Next up for Robertson and the Casey Cavaliers are the Kilsyth Cobras.

Flame #223 Carla Pitman and #229 Caitlyn Martin were awarded the Women’s Play of the Week Anzac Day medals, with Pitman being award the accolade in Norths 84-64 win over the Comets. Pitman scored 25 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, and Martin produced 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

Pitman mirrored Robertson’s thoughts on the value of community, sharing, "Basketball brings people together, and being part of events like the Anzac Day game is a great way to show respect connect with the community. It's an honour to be awarded the Anzac Day medal. It means a lot to be recognised, especially on such a meaningful day to so many people ", she said.

Pitman and Martin went on to defeat the Sutherland Sharks with Pitman smashing a triple-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and 1 steal. Anzac Day medallist Martin produced 13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in a convincing 113-69 win over the Sharks.

Martin shared the importance of fostering respect and strengthening community ties.

"I feel honoured to be awarded the Anzac Day medal, as it’s more than just recognition for how you played the game - it’s about representing values bigger than basketball."

Pitman has been consistently putting on a show, landing herself a spot in the NBL1 April women’s starting five, and is a hot contender on the NBL1 East MVP race.

Pitman and Martin’s Norths Bears next play the Hills Hornets.

READ MORE: KINGS SIGN SUPERSTAR GUARD DAVIS TO ONE YEAR DEAL

Over in the US, Celeste Taylor (Phoenix Mercury) and Shaneice Swain (La Sparks) are underway in their WNBA training camp squads. 

Looking across the NBL1, our Flames and Kings made strong contributions across the competition.

Bonnie Deas won against Dandenong Rangers 78-64 scoring 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Deas see’s Flames teammate Isa Brancatisano this Sunday.

Jason Spurgin and Kouat Noi beat Illawarra 88-70.  Spurgin produced 5 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and Noi produced 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

Our Kings duo, coached by Shaun Rogers are up against Inner West.

McKenna Dale with a massive 106-35 win over SW Slammers producing 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Dale looks to take the round five win against Warwick in the NBL1 West.

Tahlia Tupaea and her team narrowly beat Bankstown 84-77 producing 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Tahlia is head-to-head in round four against the Sutherland Sharks.

READ MORE: SWAIN PENS THREE-YEAR EXTENSION WITH FLAMES

Elsewhere in NBL1 East, Klairus Amir’s Central Coast Crusaders lost to Sydney (82-74) and Norths (77-65).

Across the two fixtures, Amir totalled 17 points, 12 boards, two assists and one steal.

The Crusaders will look to rebound against Illawarra next outing.

Piper Anderson and the Comets will see Penrith in the round 5 clash.

Isa Brancatisano looks to lead the Pioneers against Frankston and Ringwood.

Keli Leaupepe looks to bounce back from a split round 4 looking to secure a win against Hobart.

Makuach Maluach looks to start his off season campaign in the NBL1 North going up against Rockhampton.

Stay up to date with all of Hoops Capital's off-season news here.