Valkyries repel Raiders in powerful second-half rout while Crystal Blues secure top spot

Valkyries locked away a top-two spot on the Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade ladder after a convincing victory on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Crystal Blues also tuned themselves up for finals with a brave victory against Sonics in round 14 to secure top spot.

A powerful second half helped Valkyries notch their ninth win of the season after finishing comfortable 61-27 victors over Raiders under-18s development squad.

Valkyries led by just 13 points at half-time but dominated the final 25 minutes of play, outscoring their younger opponents by 21 points in the second half to run out 34-point winners.

Charlotte Edwards led the way in the victory for Valkyries with 15 points while Indi Weeden (11 points) and Enya Marques (10) also made solid contributions.

A very young Raiders outfit was unable to stay in touch with their classy opponents as Keely Berry toiled hard with eight points.

A stellar performance from Casey Griffiths helped Crystal Blues hang on against a gallant Sonics outfit in their clash as they recorded their 12th win of the season.

Crystal Blues are six points clear on top of the standings with two rounds to play.

After trailing by 12 points at half-time, Sonics fought their way back into the contest in the second half, outscoring the ladder leaders by eight points but it was not enough as Crystal Blues hung on 45-41.

Griffiths starred in the win with 21 points and three-point threat Shianne Arthur hit two long bombs in her 13-point tally.

Aleesha Narkle (13) and Kayla Thomas (11) battled hard for Sonics.