It was a record turnout to usher in the 2024 NBL-1 Season for the Ringwood Hawks Women’s NBL-1 Team. Their first game of the season had the highest-ever home game attendance, with 1,209 supporters. The Women’s team, coached by Jeremy O’Toole, tipped off against the Kilsyth Cobras.
It was also the long awaited debut of Gilas Pilipinas Women’s (Philippine National Basketball Team) member Jack Animam. Everyone was on their feet, and Jack won fans immediately. Jack had an amazing debut with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 9 for 9 from the field. The Hawks walked away with a comfortable win against the Cobras, 83-55.
On Friday, April 5th, the Hawks had a short distance to travel to face the Nunawading Spectres and, at the same time, launched the GEBC Cup; it is a special cup to celebrate collaboration in Basketball Excellence for junior athletes across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Jack and the Hawks came out firing, with Jack scoring her first Double-Double of the season. Jack dominated in the post with 15 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block. With a Field Goal percentage over 53%, Jack helped the team with 10 Offensive Rebounds and only committed 1 turn over the whole game. The game was physical and a few calls were questionable, Jack and the Hawks kept their composure and won their away game 90-55.
Post game, Jack said that they are still early in the season, and they are starting to gel as a team. “They still need to see what I can do on the post and I am happy to get rebounds and work the post.”
The Ringwood Hawks are on a two-game winning streak and currently sit 2nd on the NBL-1 South Standings. They will face the Casey Cavaliers at Norwood Secondary College this Monday 8th of April and the Tip off is at 6 pm, you can also watch the game live on www.nbl1.com.au/watch.
Support Jack Animam
Jack Animam will be playing on all her home games at Norwood Secondary College, 9 Byron Street, Ringwood, Victoria.
Monday, 8 April
Game vs. Casey Cavaliers
6:00pm @ Norwood SC
Thursday, 11 April
Game vs. Knox Raiders
6:00pm @ Norwood SC
For a chance to get free tickets, which are available to the Filipino Australian community, click on the link to register.
