ABA 2024-25: Denmark Magpies left to rue sluggish start, Ambassadors scoring spread on display in first win

North Albany emerged as an early title contender in the Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade competition after holding out the misfiring Denmark Magpies on Tuesday night. The Kangas red-hot start to the round four contest proved the difference, as they raced 10 points ahead before the Magpies could blink. Saxon Henrickson broke the scoring drought for the Magpies but when Ethan Richards hit a triple the margin had already ballooned to 13 points. Despite the Magpies best efforts in the second half, the early deficit proved too much especially in the absence of key paint player Luke Wilson. The Kangas cruised to an 11-point victory that improves their win loss record to 3-1. The first play of the second half summed up the Magpies night, two missed free throws and two offensive rebounds but the resulting shots rimmed out. Kye Griffiths and Jackson Shaw tried their best to reel in the deficit but their side lacked offensive cohesion. The Kangas on the other hand were far easier to watch in offence and they pressured the ball well at the other end of the floor. Richards sunk a vital three midway through the second half to halt a mini-surge of moment from the Magpies and his nine points proved key in the 36-25 victory. Beauden East (12 points) was busy at both ends of the court and Jayden-Paul Devenish (eight) should have had bigger night after missing several chances at the free throw line. For Magpies, Griffiths and Shaw combined for 19 of their sides 25 points but they suffered a second loss of the season. Ambassadors registered their first win of the season in emphatic fashion, running away with a 27-point win over Albany Raiders. It was an outstanding scoring spread from Ambassadors, all eight players scoring at least three points or more in the 56-29 triumph. Caleb Carman led the way with 11 and was well supported by Khenneth Manalo (nine) and Todd Knuiman (eight) Raiders shooting guard Harrison Sedgwick enjoyed a night out in the loss, dropping six triples on his way to 20 points. Barking Owls flexed their muscles in a physical affair with Sonics, the Owls closing out round four with an eight-point win. Harry Watters (19), Justin Benson (14) and Hamish McMorran (10) all reached double figures in the 50-42 result to maintain their perfect record so far this season.