Stanwix steps up as Spartans bounce back

GLENORCHY has avenged last year’s SBL grand final loss against Hobart Phoenix after holding off the premier in a tight round five contest.

In what was largely a backand-forth arm wrestle, the Spartans were able to open up a double-digit lead late in the third quarter, which was enough to hold off a determined Phoenix 67-61.

Young gun Jack Stanwix top scored for the Spartans with 21 points, while in his return match Tiri Masunda showed why he is still one of the best players in the state with 21 points of his own.

Grenadiers broke through for their first win since the resumption of play, defeating the Southern Wolves 81-67.

Leading from start to finish, the Grenadiers were again led by big man Matthew Young (29 points) and solid contributions from Alex Bestwick, James Newett and Jordan Latham. For the Wolves, BJ Radcliffe, Tom Etchell and Jina Mohamed Kanneh combined for 56 points in a performance that needed more key contributions from established players.

The return to form of Chargers sharpshooter Sharna Thompson led Hobart Phoenix to a dominant 66-41 victory over the King borough Huon Kings in women’s action. A blistering 10-0 start for Hobart put it in the driver’s seat with Thompson catching fire to drain 34 points.

For the Kings, two tough battles the previous week took their toll as only Shakira Bone could manage double digits.

An injury to Sarah O’Neill compounded Glenorchy Spartans’ 68-54 loss to Southern Wolves. O’Neill managed just five minutes and in her absence the Wolves took control in the second quarter.