The AIS Centre of Excellence (COE) women’s basketball program were excited to welcome Japan’s U’24 National team at the Australian Institute of Sport for what is set to be an exciting 3 game series.  Japan will bring a fast and physical game, as the Japanese style of play love to shoot the 3 and run a lot of screening action.  However, the CEO women’s advantage will be height, strength, athleticism and our ability to wear down our Japanese opponents. 

The first quarter saw the COE starting a little tentatively at both ends of the floor, perhaps some nerves and excitement taking effect.  The COE struggled to defend Japans guard penetration, mainly out off the on-ball screens and flare screen action. Offensively, the COE were a bit hurried as Japan continued to apply pressure defense and play there up tempo game, this causing the COE to make poor decisions and turn the ball over. The physical effort was steady, particularly with running the floor and crashing the boards. 

The COE were able to continue to dominate their scoring in the paint, as well as controlling the defensive boards.  The COE bench includes three former AIS Scholarship holders, Darcee Garbin, Tess Madgen and Alice Kunek who returned to play with the current AIS athletes for the series.  Coming off the bench, by the end of half time they helped contribute 36 points.  The AIS in the later stages of the half also were able to capitalize on Japans turnovers, so the AIS headed to the change room at half time with a 42-35 lead.

After refocussing at half time, the COE came out re-energized and ready to start the second half.  The COE were able to break out to a comfortable16 point lead at the end of the third quarter, this came from good execution in transition and half court offense. Adjustments made defensively which the girls struggled with during the first half; helped COE slow down Japan’s scoring from the on-ball screen and penetration action. 

Maddison Penn, Tess Madgen, Alice Kunek and Alex Wilson had a great performance on the afternoon, Maddison finishing with 17 points, 2 rebounds along with a great shooting afternoon, shooting 60% from the field and 3 point land, as well as 100% from fee throw land. Tess Madgen came off the bench to score 18 points and grab 7 rebounds with 90% shooting from the free throw line, while Alice Kunek poured in 19 points, 5 rebounds and shot a great 86% from the field and 88% from free throw line.  Alex Wilson finished with 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

In summary, the COE got off to a slow start at both ends of the floor, but after halftime coming out focussed, the COE were able to wear Japan down with their transition, consistent and dominant defense, allowing Japan to go to the free throw line only 4 times for the game. 

The COE pushed the ball in transition and continued to dominate the paint scoring 48 for the game. They also dominated the boards 44-29 and the bench scoring finishing with a solid 70 points.  By taking better care of the ball, improving their passing, decision making and a great all round team effort, the COE  secured a comfortable win to start the series.

Top performers

• Maddison Penn - 17 points, 2 rebounds
• Tess Madgen - 18 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal
• Alice Kunek - 19 points, 5 rebound
• Alex Wilson -  8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals

Game 2 - Monday 11^th at 5pm.

Game report by Rebecca Dudic , Assistant Coach, Women’s Basketball Program