Hoops Capital off-season wrap (May 5)

It’s been another big week for our Hoops Capital legends! Our Kings and Flames are dominating the NBL1 and gearing up for some global basketball.

NBL1 East was dominated by Flame #147 Tahlia Tupaea who scored in overtime leading to a win for the Inner West Bulls 104-97 against the Sutherland Sharks. This peak performance tied her with Flames teammate Bonnie Deas for Hoops Capital Player of the week.

Over in the NBL1 South there were multiple wins across the board including King #249 Keli Leaupepe with the Knox Raiders 88-65 win over the Hobart Chargers. Maintaining his off-season performance producing 15 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal and being crowned Hoops Capitals Player of the week.

Leaupepe shared his approach to the week ahead with the Boomers in the Trans-Tasman Throwdown.

“We had a really competitive week of practice, so I was excited to see how that intensity would carry over into the game — and it did. It’s helping me sharpen what I do well while also developing other areas I’m working on. Having a strong rebounding game gives me confidence that my physicality and tenacity is right where it needs to be.”

Leaupepe is set to make his mark in the Trans Tasman tournament with the Australian Boomers. Catch all the information here. 

Flame #228 Bonnie Deas had two huge games this round. In game one Deas produced 15 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals with the Frankston Blues winning against Launceston Tornadoes (86-66). In game 2 Deas backed it up against Flames teammate Isa Brancatisano’s Mt Gambier with a massive 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, earning her tied Hoops Capital player of the week with Tahlia Tupaea.

Deas reflected on the importance of teamwork and energy contributing to their success.

“Everyone is starting to really understand and play to each other’s strengths, and that chemistry makes it easier for all of us to contribute. The defensive energy was high across the board, and that helped create steals, fast breaks, and early scores. It’s just a reflection of the trust we’re building each week. We’re growing each game, and the goal is to keep building on that together.”

Bonnie is hoping to continue the momentum heading into round 6 clash against Melbourne. 

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

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

In the South, Tyler Robinson and the Casey Cavaliers won (82-61) over Kilsyth Cobras. Robinson hit 13pts, 4 rebounds, 1 assists.

 Tyler and the Casey Cavaliers have a double header for round 6 taking on Mt Gambier in game one and Waverley.

Isa Brancatisano and the Mt Gambier Pioneers split round five with game one resulted in a win (78-76) over Ringwood Hawks with Brancatisano producing 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. In game two, Mt Gambier lost 76-99 to Frankston Blues with Brancatisano producing 11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.

Isa takes on the Casey Cavaliers in the round six clash. 

 READ MORE: SWAIN PENS THREE-YEAR EXTENSION WITH FLAMES

NBL1 East saw King #253 Jason Spurgin, Kouat Noi King #237 and Head coach Shaun Roger brought home a win for the Sutherland Sharks (106-90) win over Inner West Bulls. Spurgin scored with an impressive 27 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Noi was close behind him with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.

 The Sutherland duo look to take down Newcastle Falcons this Saturday at home.

King #245 Klairus Amir and the Central Coast Crusaders fell short 72-95 to the Illawarra Hawks, though putting in an impressive effort producing 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block.

 Amir takes on Inner West at home. 

Piper Anderson and the Sydney Comets won 67-62 over Penrith Panthers with a stat sheet of 12 points and 1 rebound.

Piper and the Sydney comets hope to defeat the Manly this Saturday at home, 

 NBL25/25: GET YOUR KINGS SEASON MEMBERSHIP NOW

Carla Pitman and Caitlyn Martin are maintaining their winning streak pushing the North Bears to victory to a win over the Hills Hornets 106-75. Pitman scored 23 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assist, 1 steal with Martin close behind with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals.

 The North Bears duo is head to head with the Penrith Panthers. 

In the North, round one saw King #243 Makuach Maluach put on a show for the Mackay Meteorites, coming away with a 99-79 win over Rockhampton rockets with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.

 Makuach looks to take the win over Townsville in round two for NBL1 North. 

Tiana Mangakahia and the Southern Districts won 89-86 over Logan thunder with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 4 steals.

McKenna Dale is away with the Tall Ferns gearing up for the Trans-Tasman tournament which begins tonight in Adelaide. 

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