In a thrilling showdown, the Logan Thunder faced off against the formidable North Gold Coast Seahawks, resulting in an electrifying clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. Despite a valiant effort from the home side, the Thunder fell short, succumbing to the Seahawks with a final score of 66 to 78. But within the numbers and statistics lies a captivating narrative of determination, skill, and heart.
The standout of the night undoubtedly belonged to Mikhaela Cann, the crowd favourite and leading scorer for the Thunder. With an impressive 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, Cann showcased her resilience on the court, shooting at an impressive 42% from the field. Her dominance extended beyond scoring, as she exhibited exceptional accuracy from the free-throw line, sinking an impressive 15 out of 16 attempts. Her precision beyond the arc, landing 4 three-point shots, added a dynamic element to the Thunder’s offense.
However, Cann’s efforts were not solitary, as she found support in the form of Chevannah Paalvast, who contributed significantly with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. Together, they formed a formidable duo, striving to keep the Thunder in contention throughout the game.
On the opposing end, the Seahawks boasted their own dynamic duo in Miela Goodchild and Mikaela Ruef, who combined for an impressive 51 points. Goodchild, in particular, ignited the game early on, setting the pace for the Seahawks with her hot start, while Ruef’s presence in the paint proved to be a tough challenge for the Thunder’s defence.
The game unfolded with the Seahawks seizing an early lead in the first quarter, capitalizing on crisp ball movement and offensive efficiency to establish a commanding 23-13 advantage. Despite Cann’s best efforts to rally her team, the Thunder struggled to find their rhythm, trailing behind the Seahawks.
However, the Thunder staged a comeback in the second quarter, capitalizing on offensive opportunities and narrowing the gap to 39-32 by halftime. Cann’s return to the court sparked a resurgence, as she delivered crucial three-point shots to keep her team within striking distance.
The third quarter saw a dramatic shift in momentum, with the Thunder mounting a spirited comeback fuelled by Jaylen Cooper’s three-pointer and Jade Kirisome’s clutch plays. As the game reached a fever pitch, the Thunder managed to tie the score, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Yet, the Seahawks responded with a decisive 7-0 run to close out the quarter with a 61-54 lead.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Thunder refused to back down, with Cann once again showcasing her scoring prowess with a timely three-pointer. However, Goodchild’s stellar performance proved insurmountable, as she propelled the Seahawks to victory with her slick finishes and stifling defence.
Despite the loss, the Logan Thunder displayed grit and determination against a formidable opponent, earning praise from their coach, Caddie Jeffries, who commended their effort and performance. As the season progresses, the Thunder’s resilience and promising performance bode well for their future endeavours, promising an exciting journey ahead.
The Thunder take on the Darwin Salties on Saturday night where they will took to get their first win of the Season.
