The St George Saints Youth League Men Red delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season on Saturday, defeating the Illawarra Hawks 103-60 in a commanding display at home.
The match marked a special occasion for the Saints, with star centre Maper Maker returning from the United States after committing to the University of Arkansas. In what is expected to be his final appearance for the Saints this season before beginning his college basketball journey, the team ensured he departed on a winning note.
The Saints came out firing from the opening tip, applying relentless defensive pressure and turning turnovers into easy transition baskets. Their fast-paced attack overwhelmed the Hawks early as St George raced to a 26-11 lead at the first break.
The dominance continued throughout the second quarter. Controlling the rebounding battle and pushing the tempo at every opportunity, the Saints extended their advantage and headed into halftime comfortably ahead 55-29.
Illawarra mounted a challenge early in the third quarter as the Saints endured a cold shooting stretch. The Hawks cut the margin to just 14 points midway through the period, threatening to make a contest of it. However, St George regained their composure, found their rhythm offensively, and steadied to take a 72-53 lead into the final quarter.
Any hopes of an Illawarra comeback were quickly extinguished in the fourth. The Saints produced a clinical finish, shooting an outstanding 66 per cent from the field while holding the Hawks to just 17 per cent shooting. A dominant 31-7 final quarter sealed a comprehensive 43-point victory and sent the home crowd home delighted.
Maker starred in his farewell appearance, finishing with 24 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and three blocks in a performance that highlighted why he is set to embark on an exciting collegiate career in the United States.
He was well supported by Tao Smith, who contributed 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and five steals, while Jaxon Frintzilas filled the stat sheet with 13 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Assistant Coach Angelo Tsitsos praised both the team’s performance and the impact Maker has had on the program.
“Maper has been a tremendous leader for this group and we’re incredibly proud of everything he has achieved. To see him take the next step and earn an opportunity at the University of Arkansas is a credit to the work he has put in. We wanted to send him off the right way and I thought the team showed great energy and togetherness throughout the game,” he said.
Tsitsos also highlighted the team’s response after Illawarra’s third-quarter surge.
“When they made their run, our guys stayed composed and trusted what we’ve been working on all season. The fourth quarter was probably one of our best defensive periods of the year and it showed the character of this group,” he said.
The victory sends the Saints into the King’s Birthday long weekend full of confidence as they continue their push through the Youth League Men’s competition.
Key Contributors
- Maper Maker: 24 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks
- Tao Smith: 19 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals
- Jaxon Frintzilas: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals
Final Score: St George Saints 103 def. Illawarra Hawks 60.
In other great results,
- U12 Boys Def Manly Warringah 54-52
- U14 Boys Def Norths 67-51
- U14 Girls Def Marrickville Spirit 51-45
- U16 Boys Red Def Hornsby Ku-Ring_gai Spider 101-97
- U16 Boys Grey Def Camden Valley Wildfire 91-60
- U16 Girls Def Hornsby Ku-Ring_gai Spider 58-52
- Mens Red Def Wagga Wagga 83-65
A brotherhood 15,000 kilometers apart!
Last Sunday, May 31, we celebrate European Siblings Day, and for us, the word “brotherhood” holds a very special meaning.
Some siblings share the same house. We, Apollon Patras and St.George Basketball , share the exact same passion for basketball, the same core values, and a strong, official bond that connects Greece with the Greek diaspora in Australia!
Distance and time zones mean nothing when you belong to a true sporting family.
From Greece to Australia, we play on the same team, with the same heart!
Happy Siblings Day to our “brothers” and “sisters” on the other side of the world!
George Aliferis, Board Member and Treasurer of St George Basketball: “The relationship between St George Basketball and Apollon Patras is about much more than basketball. It is a connection built on shared values, heritage, community, and a commitment to developing young people through sport. We are proud of our Greek roots and proud to call Apollon Patras our basketball family. Despite the distance between Sydney and Patras, the bond between our clubs continues to grow stronger, proving that basketball has the power to bring communities together across the world.”
