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Doel an unstoppable force as Olympians blitz Franchise in Kalgoorlie-Boulder basketball

Neale HarveyKalgoorlie Miner
Olympians' Jaydan Doel scored 54 points against Franchise last Thursday.
Camera IconOlympians' Jaydan Doel scored 54 points against Franchise last Thursday. Credit: Madeleine Clark/Kalgoorlie Miner

Teenager Jaydan Doel is primed for a big finals series in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association’s men’s first division after his breakout offensive game last week against Franchise was a highlight in Olympians’ big win.

Doel’s standing among the region’s brightest prospects was boosted when he racked up 54 points.

It represented nearly half of the team’s score in the 112-79 result and easily eclipsed his previous best 20 points against CBC in round three.

KBBA president Rob Tagliaferri said Doel’s big haul was more proof that he had an excellent future in the game.

“Jaydan’s a really good young player with a great three-point shot who is developing his game offensively and defensively,” he said.

“He’s currently training with the Giants’ squad and getting significant experience, especially under the guidance of (new men’s coach) Matt Van Pelt.

“He is likely to play D-League this year with an expectation that he could be a NBL1 player for the Giants in the future

“It’s really positive (because) we currently have five under-19 players training with the Giants men’s and three in the women’s squad and they are all benefiting from the experience.”

Doel was supported by Hamish Cummings (21 points), Nicholas Shaw (13) and Jarrod Donaldson (11) as Olympians leapfrogged Franchise into third place.

Both teams have five wins, but Olympians’ record is boosted by two draws.

Francesco Dainese (23 points), Van Pelt (21) and Hemara Pita (19) were effective for Franchise but they were ultimately overshadowed by Doel’s dominance at the basket.

CBC cashed in on a big second quarter to hold off Saints by a point, 97-96.

Saints led by two points at quarter-time but were outscored 32-24 in the second period that ultimately decided the game, along with Sam Morrow’s 36 points.

Morrow was complemented by Dyson Sumsion’s 23 points, while in Saints’ camp Michael Gardner and Jordan Clements combined for 47 points.

The last round of qualifiers starts on March 7 when Olympians meet CBC and on March 8 Saints take on Franchise.

Ladder:

CBC 34 points; Saints 28; Olympians 26; Franchise 24.

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