ABA 2024-25: North Albany flex muscles in big win over young Albany Raiders in round one

North Albany were too big and too strong for their young opposition storming to a 35-point win over Albany Raiders to kickstart their Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade season on Tuesday night.

The Kangas were clinical at both ends of the court, dominating the Raiders in the paint while finding clear and open looks to the hoop.

They launched to an 11-3 run in the early stages, with dynamic guards Beauden East and Calum Dixon relentlessly driving to the hoop, combining for 16 first half-points to set up a 24-point lead at the break.

A three-pointer from Raiders’ Sam O’Toole-Gardner was just about the only highlight for his side in a difficult first half where they managed just eight points.

Dixon finished with a game-high 16 points and forward Drew Willcocks (10 points) provided the play of the game with an emphatic dunk in transition in the breezy 62-27 victory.

Kangas recruit Ethan Richards provided plenty off the bench, with slick handles and found pockets of space where there wasn’t any to assist his teammates.

Last season’s grand finalists Barking Owls made a solid beginning to their campaign, defeating a spirited Denmark Magpies by three points.

Slashing guard James Watters led the way for the Owls in his brother Harry Watters’ absence, contributing a team-high 14 points while Evan Delbene (12 points) hit two triples.

Magpies guard Kye Griffiths scored a floor-high 17 points and Luke Wilson chipped in with a vital 15 points in the tough 40-43 loss.

In the final game of the round, reigning premiers Sonics were spearheaded by their premiership hero Mason Tion who dropped 20 points to lead his side to a 55-49 triumph over Ambassadors.

Tion hit three from beyond the arc, last season’s MVP Mark Elentorio contributed an important 12 points and David Arthur (11 points) was also crucial.

Jesse Carman played a key role for Ambassadors with 14 points and Ashton Henrickson added 10 as the only other player to reach double figures.