THE WOMEN’S National Basketball League (WNBL) returned for Round 2 of the 2024/25 season over the weekend, with six games taking place from Thursday to Sunday.

Just two teams remain unbeaten while a pair of sides are looking for their first win, but all matches were hard fought at times and some of the stars of the competition are putting together strong performances on a weekly basis.

Each week, Rookie Me Central will be recapping the week’s play in the WNBL, putting each game under the microscope and what the results mean for the season moving forward.

Perth Lynx (80) def. by Townsville Fire (84)

The Fire held on for a thrilling four-point win over the hosting Lynx at Bendat Basketball Centre on Thursday evening in the first match of the round. Townsville came into the clash fresh off a big win over the WNBL’s newest side the week before, while Perth had snagged a Round 1 win of its own. The clash went down to the wire, but ultimately, the coaching prowess of Shannon Seebohm combined with a stacked roster to get the job done down the stretch.

For the Fire, Alicia Froling starred once again, posting 25 points and 10 rebounds to back up a strong outing in Round 1. Last year’s breakout player Courtney Woods was also impressive offensively, delivering 25 points and showing she is set to continue the current upward trajectory of her career. For the Lynx, Miela Sowah was the best in terms of production, conjuring a team-high 21 points.

Geelong United (90) def. Southside Flyers (87)

Geelong United secured their first ever win in the WNBL after defeating the Flyers by three points at Geelong Arena on Thursday night. Formerly known as the Melbourne Boomers, United moved down the highway and rebranded, and are now on the board after a disappointing season opener against Townsville. On the other hand, there are alarm bells ringing for the reigning champions, who started the season 0-2 with plenty of improvement needed.

With five players scoring double-digits, it was a tremendously balanced performance from Geelong, with Haley Jones leading the way with 19 points. Keely Froling was not far behind with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Elissa Brett impressed with 15 points and the go-ahead basket with just over a minute on the clock. The Flyers’ big names delivered via Naz Hillmon (27 points, 10 rebounds), Alice Kunek (25 points, five rebounds) and Rebecca Cole (20 points, five rebounds, nine assists), but the depth of United was too much.

UC Capitals (76) def. by Bendigo Spirit (99)

The Bendigo Spirit continued their hot start to the season with a 23-point win over the UC Capitals at the AIS Arena on Friday night. The Capitals were looking to get on the board for the first time this season, and although their fast-paced style of play did generate some scoring, they were no match for a Bendigo side that has been firing on all cylinders to start season 2024/25.

Experienced star Sami Whitcomb was at her high-scoring best in the win over the Capitals, stuffing the stat sheet with 27 points, seven rebounds and nine assists in a vintage performance. She had plenty of help from Marianna Tolo, who had 22 points and eight assists in a rock solid showing. As expected, young gun Jade Melbourne was the Capitals’ best with 21 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Southside Flyers (83) def. Sydney Flames (75)

The Flyers finally got on the board for this season with an eight-point win over the Sydney Flames when the two sides went head to head in Parkville on Saturday evening. After starting the fixture 0-2, the reigning champions recorded a crucial result over the a Flames side that is yet to find a win despite some valiant performances.

Cole was strong once again for the Flyers, top scoring with 24 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. She was able to find baskets from seemingly anywhere and stepped up when Southside needed some offence. Despite the loss, Sydney was well serviced by Cayla George, who was brave with a massive double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds.

Adelaide Lightning (78) def. by Perth Lynx (92)

The Lynx moved to a solid record of 2-1 after descending on Adelaide and defeating the Lightning by 15 points on Saturday night. The Lynx managed to create plenty of scores off turnovers and controlled the glass to snag a crucial bounce back win after a loss earlier in the round, ensuring they stay in the hunt for a top-two spot after two rounds of play.

Captain Anneli Maley was her usual influential self, posting a big double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds in a typically strong performance from the big. The Lightning were kept in the contest by an eye-catching showing from young star Isobel Borlase, who top scored for the match with 24 points and five rebounds, while Isabelle Bourne also impressed with 21 points of her own.

Bendigo Spirit (95) def. Geelong United (78)

Geelong’s bubble was quickly burst after being bested by an in-form Spirit side to the tune of 17 points in Bendigo on Sunday afternoon. The Spirit have now moved to 3-0 on the season, and look one of the teams to beat after two rounds. On the other hand, United were given a swift reminder of how strong the competition is after convincingly falling in the final game of the round.

Once again Whitcomb continued her ridiculous run of form, posting 28 points, seven rebounds and two assists. She has been the best scorer to start the fixture and opposition teams will need to put plenty of time into slowing her down. Keely Froling was a standout for Geelong with a massive double-double of 26 points and 13 rebounds in a gutsy effort.