Experience counts for summer success

The 2018-2019 Bunbury Basketball Association senior summer competition kicked off on Friday night with a delicate balance of new beginnings and routine brilliance.

Due to the Busselton Bullets taking a break, the association welcomed Eaton Eagles and Dunsborough Oilers into the A-Men division, while the Oilers also began life in the A-Women competition.

Although several things can change over an off-season — elements of class and experience typically don’t.

Case in point, the Bulls A-Men squad.

Loaded with a squad including Slammers rising star Travis Durnin (30 points) and veteran Clive Weeden, the Bulls burst out of the blocks with a 96-47 victory over Aces White in their round one opener.

Although Aces displayed plenty of endeavour and hustle on the defensive end, the bigger bodies of the Bulls proved telling when entering the key way.

Despite the loss, Aces looked extremely confident from beyond the three point line and should give plenty of teams something to think about over the season.

In other A-Men matches, the Eagles went down 74-55 against Tornadoes Red despite a positive second half, while Aces Sky were pushed during their 72-62 win over the Oilers.

Both A-Women matches were tight affairs, with Tornadoes Black and Red recording victories over the Oilers and Aces Sky respectively.

Cousins Adele and Dana East combined beautifully for the debutant Oilers with 36 points, while Ebony Bilcich top scored for Tornadoes Black with 23 points in a best on court performance.