Sunday, August 10, 2025, will go down as one of the biggest days in St George Basketball history.Â
Super Sunday at Hurstville Aquatic Centre brought together the very best of our community – thrilling games, passionate fans, VIP guests, entertainment, and a record-breaking crowd that filled the home court to capacity.
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was electric. Spectators were greeted by music pumping through the venue, the high-energy performances of the Active Elite Dancers, raffle prize giveaways, and the always-popular court shoot-out challenge during breaks in play.
By tip-off of the first game, every seat was taken, with close to 300 people cramming into the stands – the largest crowd ever recorded at a St George Basketball game.
Dignitaries and special guests
Adding to the occasion, there were a number of distinguished guests who came to show their support for grassroots basketball and the St George community.
There were Ashvini Ambihalpahar MP, Federal Member for Barton; Zhi Soon MP, Federal Member for Banks; Mark Coure MP, State Member for Oatley; Maria Nordstrom, CEO Basketball NSW; Councillor Leon Pun, representing the Premier of NSW and Georges River Council; Councillor Christina Jamieson, representing the Mayor of Georges River Council; and Jenny Holt, Community Engagement Manager, Club Rivers.
Their presence highlighted the importance of events like Super Sunday in building community spirit, supporting local sport, and recognising the achievements of our players and volunteers.
Youth League Women – A season finale to remember
The day tipped off with our Youth League Women facing Camden Wildfire, and the Saints made sure the home crowd had plenty to cheer about. From the opening tip, St George controlled the game with aggressive defence, smart ball movement, and dominance on the boards.
Evie Donnelly was unstoppable, scoring 21 points and hitting shots from all over the floor. Talia Allouche delivered another monster game inside, collecting 11 points and 20 rebounds, shutting down Camden’s second-chance opportunities.
The Saints’ defensive intensity never wavered, and they ran away with a 20-point victory. After an early-season run hampered by injuries and player availability, the team’s late surge was a testament to their resilience and determination. They finish the year on a high, setting the foundation for even bigger things in 2026.
Youth League Men’s quarter-final – A heavyweight showdown
The second feature game of the day saw the 21–1 St George Youth League Men’s Red take on the 20–2 Newcastle Falcons Navy in a blockbuster quarter-final. The two top-tier teams wasted no time delivering a playoff atmosphere, with every possession fiercely contested.
First Quarter – St George came out firing, matching Newcastle basket-for-basket. Led by the energy of Maper Maker inside, the Saints edged ahead 22–20 at the first break.
Second Quarter – Newcastle fought back, relentlessly attacking the glass and earning trips to the free throw line. St George’s shooting cooled off, allowing the Falcons to build a six-point lead. But a brilliant 7-0 solo run from Maper Maker cut the deficit before halftime, with Newcastle holding a slim 49–46 advantage.
Third Quarter – Both teams tightened up defensively, and points became harder to find. Newcastle’s offensive rebounding continued to hurt the Saints, who struggled to create separation despite strong defensive stops. The Falcons pushed their lead to 69–63 heading into the final period.
Final Quarter – The Saints rallied, bringing the game to within three points with just minutes remaining. The crowd roared, sensing a comeback. But missed shots in the final five minutes proved costly, and Newcastle held firm to claim an 86–74 victory, advancing to the semi-finals.
Saints’ key performers:
- Maper Maker – 21 pts, 15 reb, 4 ast, 5 blk
- Jay Hamdan – 15 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast, 1 blk
- Jaxon Jon Frintzilas – 9 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl
Despite the result, the Saints can hold their heads high – the fight, effort, and resilience on display was worthy of the occasion.
A community celebration
George Aliferis and the rest of the Board of St George Basketball extended a heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making Super Sunday a success. From players and coaches, to volunteers, officials, entertainers, and incredible supporters – they made this day possible.
A special mention goes to game-day partners and supporters: Keith Martin (MC) – for keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged; Active Elite Performers – for their dynamic dance routines; and NBL, iAthletic, and Marvel Skip Bins – for their ongoing support.
This event showed what makes St George Basketball special – not just great basketball, but a true sense of community.
Looking ahead – Elimination final this Saturday
The action doesn’t stop here. The Youth League Men’s Red team now turns its focus to a do-or-die Elimination Final against the Hawkesbury Jets.
- This Saturday
- 5:00pm Tip-Off
- Home Court – Hurstville Aquatic Centre
Let’s call on all Saints fans to pack the stands once again and help create another historic crowd. Bring your voices, your energy, and your red and white – let’s give the team the lift they need to keep their finals run alive!
