The first game of day two saw Lady Rocks tipped off against Perth Phoenix this morning in the Oriam in the Under 16 Women Scottish Cup Final. Two of the best teams in SBC this season meant we were in for a fiery contest. Could Perth rise from the ashes or would Rocks smash their way to victory? Undefeated Perth would appear to be the favourites on paper, but Rocks were equally as confident as they have a few games in hand over Perth and have been playing stellar basketball this season.

Rocks came out with strong rebounds and grabbing offensive rebounds on 3 consecutive possessions getting them off to a quick 10-4 start. Perth’s Ella Doherty personally tried to gain her team control of the game as she drove strong at her defender to tie up the game late in the first. The first quarter ended 12 apiece as both teams showed a strong effort. Rocks’ ladies got off to a flying start showing their perimeter game as Carla Crowther hit a transition 3 forcing Perth Coach Russel Kesson to call an early timeout. Rocks went on a 13-0 run to start the 2nd period forcing Kesson to call his 2nd timeout of the quarter as his side failed to put up any points through the first 5 minutes. Taryn Cummins hit a deep 3 for Perth’s first points of the period in the last two minutes but it isn’t enough as her and her team face a huge deficit at the half, Rocks leading 41-19.

Rocks got into early foul trouble in the third quarter, but still being smart enough to not let it negatively impact them, they still commanded a strong lead over Phoenix. Coach, Tony McDaid must have emphasised the fast break as his Ladies came out of the break flying down the court past the Phoenix defence, thus stretching the lead even more. Rocks lead Phoenix 60-31 at the end of the 3rd. Into the 4th and Phoenix began stringing some efficient offences together as they had a 12-4 through the first 5 minutes of the last period. Lady Rocks became a defensive unit towards the end and claimed victory over Perth Phoenix, winning 77-49 and were crowned u16 Women’s Scottish Cup Champions.

Valentina Palli put on a showcase posting an amazing quadruple-double with 21 points, 21 rebounds, 12 assists, 10 steals and 4 blocks. Palli was named Molten Sports MVP.

Stat Leaders:

  • Valentina Palli 21 points 21 rebounds
  • Ella Doherty 14 points 13 rebounds