Tornadoes Red primed for title tilt

Tornadoes Red will go into this weekend’s Bunbury Basketball Association women’s second semi-final against the Bulls full of confidence after recording an 18 point win over them on Friday night at the South West Sports Centre.

Tayah Burrows put on one of the performances of the season, scoring a game-high 32 points to lead Tornadoes Red to a 77-59 victory.

Burrows hit seven three-pointers in an excellent showing, while Raya Thompson (19) and Kate Fielding (18) were also in the mix.

Bianca Donovan (17) made a welcome return for the Bulls, while sharp-shooter Courtney Bayliss was held to just nine points.

Tornadoes Black and Aces White will also meet in just seven days after their round 20 clash which Tornadoes Black won by four points.

Ebony Bilcich (17 points) and Cian Parsons (12) were outstanding in the 43-39 victory. Egypt Simpson was Aces White’s best with 11 points, while Lauren Vincent chipped in with nine points.

In the men’s competition, Aces Navy leapfrogged Tornadoes Black to claim the minor premiership after a dominant 49-point win over Tornadoes Red.

Travis Durnin scored a personal season-high 46 points, playing the main role in Aces Navy’s 104-55 win. Durnin’s teammate Clayton Dickinson hit 10 field goals to finish with 20 points, while Wade Hitchcock finished with 15 points.

Brandon Bennell and Braden Wilson both scored 13 points for Tornadoes Red.

Busselton climbed to third spot on the ladder to head into the finals with momentum after a 76-62 win over Tornadoes Black.

Jaylen Colgate scored 20 points for the Bullets, while Matt Mansfield (19) and Harry Mooney (17) both played key roles on offence.

Carey Watkins (17) was the best for Tornadoes Black, while Nat Van Dijk scored 15 points.

Aces White recorded a 20 point win after the Bulls forfeited their final game of the season.

Busselton and Bulls will play for their season when they meet in the first semi-final this Friday night, while Aces Navy and Tornadoes Black will do battle for a grand final berth when they meet in the second semi-final.