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West Australian
29-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Geraldton Buccaneers gear up for double-header on the road against Lakeside and Willetton
Coming off a massive win against league leaders Warwick at home last Saturday, the Geraldton Buccaneers are now gearing up for a double-header road trip against Lakeside and Willetton. After handing the Warwick Senators their first loss of the season, the vibes are up in the Buccs' camp, with the squad now preparing for their next challenge as they travel to Perth this weekend in round nine of the NBL1 West season. Local star Johny Narkle has been the Buccs' best player so far this season, shining bright in the Buccs' last game against the Senators. The star guard put on a show with 30 points, 11 rebounds and two steals and was named player of the round in the NBL1 West. Arguably in career best form, Narkle said preparation had been the key for his performances. 'Preparation for me is a big part of it,' he said. 'Both the physical and mental side of the preparation are equally important.' After the win against Warwick, Narkle said coach Dayle Joseph got the best out of his side, with new inclusions this season in Verle Williams and Akeem Springs slotting perfectly into the side. 'For me I felt good going into the game obviously they're (Warwick) the top team but as Dayle said we're rarely the underdogs going into a home game so obviously winning felt great because it shows us what we're capable of,' he said. 'With the addition of Verle and Akeem I feel like we're starting to gel real good after that loss to East Perth. It was like a wakeup call but since then we're starting to understand how each other play.' The Buccs now face a road trip to Perth where they will first play Lakeside Lightning on Saturday night. Lakeside sit 12th on the league ladder and are coming off three straight losses. The Buccs will be looking to walk away with a win on Saturday before their other game on Sunday against sixth-placed Willetton Tigers. The Buccs are yet to play the Tigers this season. The last time the two met Willetton knocked the Buccs out of the finals in 2024. Currently sitting fourth on the ladder, the Buccs will be looking to get one back on Willetton as they aim to go two-from-two on the road. Narkle said the squad was rearing to go with confidence high after last round's win. 'We're feeling good, it's a great opportunity to come away with two wins especially knowing what we can do as a team and how we performed the last week,' he said. The Buccs play Lakeside on Saturday from 7pm at Lakeside Rec before their clash against Willetton on Sunday from 12pm at Willetton Basketball Stadium.
West Australian
01-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Geraldton Buccaneers host the Eastern Suns at Activewest Stadium on Saturday night
The Geraldton Buccaneers host the Eastern Suns on Saturday night at Activewest Stadium, looking to chalk up their fourth win for 2025 in what will be their second home game this season. Coming off a split road trip which saw the Buccs go down to Rockingham in a tough contest, then thump Perry Lakes the next day, the Buccs have a renewed sense of excitement as they prepare to play in front of their home fans. The talent has been spread across the court throughout the Buccs' first five games of the 2025 season, with American import Akeem Springs showing his worth each week and working nicely with last weekend's Anzac Day medallist Johny Narkle. Experienced heads in Liam Hunt, Nik DeSantis, Aaron Ralph, Josh Keyes and Mat Wundenberg have led the way this season with their leadership on and off the court, allowing new players such as Verle Williams to get comfortable in their roles in the squad. WIlliams is leading the way with assists for the Buccs this season and had a stand-out game off the bench last round against Perry Lakes amassing 11 points, three rebounds and six assists. The Buccs face the Eastern Suns on Saturday night who are coming off their third consecutive loss and will be looking to bounce back. The 10th placed Suns arrive on Saturday night after a seven-point loss at the hands of the Willetton Tigers. After already defeating the Suns two rounds earlier by 11 points, the Tigers pounced on a depleted Suns side. The Suns now look to fight their way back up the league ladder as they eye off the chance to defeat the Buccs at home which will be no easy feat. The last time the Buccs met the Suns it was a welcomed victory for the Bucss which saw Springs, Hunt, Narkle and Keyes chalk up big numbers on the floor as they pushed to victory. The Suns will not be deterred by their history against the Buccs as they search to get back on the winners list in round five. In their way is the reality of playing the Buccs at home in front of what always is a passionate crowd. The Buccs sit sixth on the ladder with a 3-2 record. Tip off is from 7pm on Saturday at Activewest Stadium.
West Australian
24-04-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Geraldton Buccaneers gear up for one of the toughest road trips on the season's calendar
The Geraldton Buccaneers are gearing up for arguably one of the hardest road trips in the NBL1 West season as they travel down to Perth to take on Rockingham and Perry Lakes this weekend. The Buccs face one of the favourites for the 2025 NBL1 West Championship, the Rockingham Flames, who have a stacked lineup and two impressive imports who have cause headaches for opposition early in season 2025. The Flames have a record of 3-1, proving their value as a team on the court. Many around the NBL1 West are touting Rockingham to be a contender come the finals. Geraldton, however, have an import who has been holding his own on the court in 2025. American import Akeem Springs has been shining bright for the Buccs, proving his worth this season with multiple standout performances. Coming off a big win at home before the bye, the Buccs have a renewed sense of confidence as they approach the challenging road trip. The Buccs defeated the Perth Redbacks in their first home game of the season, after starting their season with a split-result double-header on the road. A clean bill of health is also lending a helping hand to the Buccs as they retain their core group injury-free going into the road trip. After getting a bit unlucky last season with some key outs including local star Johny Narkle, the Buccs have managed to start the season with a 2-1 record. The Buccs face the Perry Lakes Hawks on Sunday coming off what will be a tough and gritty contest at the hands of Rockingham the night before. The team will be looking to bounce back and hit the court hard, hoping to claim two out of two wins. Perry Lakes are 1-2 this season and have been a bit hit-and-miss on the court. The Buccs go into battle against the Rockingham Flames at 7pm on Saturday, April 26, at Mike Barnett Sports Complex before facing Perry Lakes at noon on Sunday, April 27, at Bendat Basketball Centre. The Buccs' next home game is on Saturday, May 3, at Activewest Stadium against the Eastern Suns, with tip-off at 7pm.
