The first road trip of the year ended with 2 x ANZAC Round medals for Alex Dickeson as the men remain undefeated in the NBL1 East
Dickeson was a force in a 69 - 86 win against Maitland to finish off a clinical business trip for the Tute's men.
The women atoned for a flat finish against Newcastle on Sunday with a 64 – 73 win over Maitland in the 1PM matchup.
Zara Russell was awarded the ANZAC Round medal vs the Mustangs with a star performance.
Maitland 69 - 86 Centre of Excellence (M)
Round Five | ANZAC Day Round
The CoE men are flying at 4 – 0 following a 69 – 86 win over the Maitland Mustangs.
Alex Dickeson was solid again and was acknowledged with 2/2 in the ANZAC Round Medal. His second performance of the weekend was a belter. 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and steals.
It was a great battle away from home for the CoE with a familiar face with Boomers, Reyne Smith suiting up for the Mustangs.
The first half was gridlocked but the Coe men burst away with an impressive finish. First year player Jai Fa’ale complimented Dickeson’s efforts with 14 points, Flynn Pavely and Ajak Nyon ensured the boards were managed with 7 and 8 rebounds respectively.
The journey continues against Illawarra at The Snakepit next weekend before returning home for a battle with the Albury-Wodonga Bandits.
Maitland 64 - 73 Centre of Excellence (W)
Round Five | ANZAC Day Round
The CoE women got back to their winning ways on the back of a dominant performance from Zara Russell (26 points, 5 assists) as the team progresses to 3 – 1 with a 64 – 73 win over Maitland in Round Five.
Russell was acknowledged with the ANZAC Round Medal for her spirited performance.
A trip to Mojo Sports Centre was the remedy for the women after falling flat against Newcastle the night before. Team hustle and defence lifted a notable clip from the second half finish in Newcastle.
Olivia Olechnowicz continues to develop and recorded six steals against the Mustangs. Jemyma Manyok led the rebounds with 11 and Lily Mapp led defensive rebounds with eight.
The women head to The Snakepit for their next challenge vs Illawarra on 5 May.
Newcastle 71 - 65 Centre of Excellence (W)
Round Four | ANZAC Day Round
The CoE women started fast to lead 37 – 27 into the half but got jumped by the Falcons in the third quarter. The game went tit for tat with scores locked at 65 a piece and Newcastle went a point ahead when Kate Kingham landed two free throws with 1:26 to play.
Newcastle absorbed the CoE’s offensive forays and a three-point dagger from Rose Bond with under a minute killed any momentum for the green and gold.
Isabel Smith led all leaders with 23 points, 11 rebounds. Olivia Olechnowicz scored 17 and three steals.
Newcastle 48 - 78 Centre of Excellence (M)
Round Four | ANZAC Day Round
A true team effort fueled the CoE men's ANZAC Round win over Newcastle and they benefitted from the return of senior captain Alex Dickeson.
The CoE lost the shot count 59 - 65 against the Falcons but made the most of their looks with a 52.54% conversion rate.
Alex Dickeson marshalled the floor and the team got going with his influence. Dickeson was acknowledged with the ANZAC Day Round Medal for his performance.
Jai Fa'ale continued as a scoring threat with 19 points, Ajak Nyuon dropped 17.
The CoE teams will reset and go again versus the Maitland Mustangs tomorrow at Mojo Sports Centre. Women @ 1:00pm AEST, Men @ 3:00pm AEST
