Hoops Capital off-season wrap (July 22)

While the 2024-25 NBL and WNBL campaigns are fast approaching, numerous of the Hoops Capital club's stars are still excelling for their off-season sides.

The NBL1 competition transitions into its finals campaign over the weekend.

In NBL1 North conference, Shaun Bruce's Logan Thunder were eliminated from contention by the Southern Districts Spartans.

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In Saturday's quarter-final, Logan lost 93-69 to the Spartans at Bendigo Bank Cornubia Park Sports Centre, despite 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals from Bruce.

While Bruce's Thunder won't be playing in the semi-finals, two Kings will be Kouat Noi and Makuach Maluach, whose Darwin will host Brisbane next Saturday after having the bye over the weekend. 

In other NBL1 North news, Noi was named in the competition's First Team at the annual awards night, being joined by  Mackay's Isaac White and Todd Blanchfield (Mackay), Brisbane's Sam McDaniel (Brisbane), and Southern Districts' Tyrell Harrison in the side.

While Bruce was selected in the Second Team, alongside Logan teammate Callum Dalton, Rockhampton duo Matur Maker and Nighael Ceaser and Cairns' Kody Stattmann.

Shifting to NBL1 East and Lauren Nicholson sparked Sutherland to a commanding elimination final victory over Canberra.

At the Sutherland Basketball Stadium, Nicholson tallied 27 points, seven boards, eight dimes and one steal in the Sharks' 83-60 win.

Nicholson's Sharks will now play minor premiers Albury (who lost to Flame #222 Isla Juffermans' Newcastle on Saturday) in Saturday night's semi-final at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.

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Elsewhere, Norths Bears - coached by Flames assistant coach Renae Garlepp - edged Manly 71-68 in Saturday's qualifying final.

The Bears will now enjoy the weekend off and play the winner of the Sharks/Bandits clash on Saturday, August 4 at the North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre.

To NBL1 West and after finishing the regular season in eight, with a 9-11 record, Emma Clarke's Joondalup Wolves will take on Willeton in this Saturday's elimination final at the Willetton Basketball Stadium.

Shifting to the New Zealand National Basketball League and Izayah Le'afa's Wellington Saints were knocked out of contention by Franklin (104-67) in the TSB Arena quarter-final.

In the defeat, Le'afa - who recently represented New Zealand at the FIBA Olympics Qualifying Tournament in Greece - produced 12 points, five rebounds, two dimes, one steal and one block.

Stay up to date with all the harbour city club's off-season news here.