Sheffield Hatters dominate Sheffield Elite at home – WNBL
Division 2 – Saturday 13th January 2024
The Hatters team cruised to a strong 126-35 victory over the Sheffield Elite on Saturday 13th January, showcasing their relentless offensive firepower and suffocating defence.
While the young Elite players, part of a developmental college program, battled valiantly, they were no match for the Hatters’ unstoppable presence at both ends of the floor.
Hatter’s number 9, Helen Naylor, wasted no time in setting the tone, igniting a scorching 8-0 run right out of the gate. Captain Lisa Riches joined the fray, and the dynamic duo quickly had the Hatters up by a commanding margin. The Elite responded with some fight, but the Hatters’ defence rose to the challenge, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy buckets.
By the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard read 39-10, a reflection of the Hatters’ disruptive approach.
The second quarter saw the Hatters’ bench come alive, igniting both the offence and the
defensive intensity. Sarah Cooney opened the scoring, but it was Brigha Allen who stole the show, dropping back-to-back buckets and finishing the quarter with a team-high 10 points.
The Hatters extended their lead to a staggering 64-17 at halftime, leaving the Elite reeling.
The third quarter was all about maintaining momentum. The Naylor sisters, Helen and Sarah, kept the scoring faucet flowing, pouring in 24 points while the resolute Hatters’ defence held Elite to a mere five. By the end of the third, the margin had grown to 88-22, putting the game firmly out of reach.
The final quarter showcased the depth of the Hatters’ roster. Courtney Bennett and Aisling Nee exploded for a combined 14 points, proving that the scoring prowess goes beyond the starting five. While the Elite put up their best fight of the game, scoring 12 points, the Hatters countered with a decisive 29-point final quarter, sealing the deal on a spectacular 126-35 victory.
Naylor led all scorers with a resounding 28 points, followed by Cooney’s solid 19-point
performance, whilst Allen scored a season-high 18-points.
However, the real story of the night was the collective effort of the Hatters’ players, both
starters and the bench. Their relentless offense, suffocating defense, and remarkable depth proved too much for the Sheffield Elite, showcasing the Hatters’ continued improvement as the season progresses. This dominant win promises even greater things to come for this unstoppable force on the court.