Category: Women’s League

MBA draw Women’s Knockout for 2024-25 season

The six MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League teams discovered their path in this season’s Women’s Knockout on Wednesday as the Malta Basketball Association (MBA) made the competition’s draws at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.

Current KO holders Betsson Depiro and Valletta Lionesses, currently the teams at both ends of the standings were handed a bye this time around as the cup competition is set to begin its quarterfinal stage on February 15. 

Caffe Moak Luxol and Hibernians open the round with a clash between two sides vying for accolades this season. League title holders Luxol had started the season with two finals – the Super Cup and the John Tabone Shield – both of which saw them fall to their respective opponents on the day. The winner of the latter trophy, Hibernians, will be hoping another successful cup run could boost their chances as they fight for safety ahead of the playoffs.

Former Depiro coach Adrian Baldacchino and his Athleta side will be relieved they have avoided the Mtarfa side but face a tough task against Starlites. While Starlites had a shaky start, they have improved drastically under coach Peter Shoults who looks to have adapted particularly well to life as a coach after several years on the court himself.

The winner of the opening quarterfinal between Luxol and Hibs will face Depiro, while Athleta or Starlites take on Valletta on February 23 with the final taking place on March 2.

Full Knockout fixture list

BYE Team nr 1 – Betsson Depiro

Bye Team nr 2 – Valletta Lionesses

QF 1  Saturday 15th February 2025 @ 15:15  Caffe Moak Luxol v Hibernians

QF 2  Saturday 15th February 2025 @ 17:15  Athleta v Starlites

SF 1 Sunday 23rd February 2025 @ 13:30  Winner Game 2 v Valletta Lionesses

SF 2 Sunday 23rd February 2025 @15:30  Winner Game 1 v Depiro

Final Sunday 2nd March 2025 @13:30  Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2

Stelmach, Williams, Trapani earn top honours as BOV Players of the Month

December 2024 saw stellar performances across the BOV basketball leagues, with Piotr Stelmach, Kennedi Williams, and Alessio Trapani claiming the coveted Player of the Month awards for their outstanding contributions on the court.

Malta Basketball reviews the winners’ contributions across December…

Valletta’s Polish import Stelmach, who joined the Capital club over the summer from Athleta, delivered a jaw-dropping performance in Valletta’s 139–118 victory over Tigers BT in the BOV Division One, racking up an astonishing 56 points, including seven three-pointers. His December statistics were equally impressive, averaging 28.80 points per game across five games and assisting 3.4 scores while clocking an average of 38.56 minutes per game. The point guard also dominated the boards, boasting 10.75 rebounds per game this season. A former Polish Championship and Cup winner, Stelmach’s leadership and consistency are key factors in the Citizens’ campaign which sees them challenging for a playoff spot for the first time in their history.

Piotr Stelmch with BOV COO Ernest Agius. PHOTO | BOV

In the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, Kennedi Williams of Athleta stood out with her incredible scoring and defensive prowess. The 5’8 shooting guard from Douglasville, Georgia, who joined the league rookies over the summer, led the league with 71 points across three games, averaging 23.67 points per game in December. Her accuracy at the free-throw line was remarkable, converting at 82% efficiency. Williams also shone defensively, leading the league with an average of 5.22 steals and 9.3 rebounds per game, alongside an impressive 4.44 assists per game, making her an all-around asset for Athleta.

Kennedi Williams with BOV COO Ernest Agius. PHOTO | BOV

The spotlight in the BOV Amateur League was on Malta junior national team guard, Alessio Trapani, whose consistency earned him the Player of the Month accolade. Over three games, Trapani scored 58 points, including 11 three-pointers, while averaging 33.51 minutes on the court per game. His contributions underline his potential as one of Malta’s most promising young players.

Alessio Trapani with BOV COO Ernest Agius. PHOTO | BOV

The three winners were presented with custom trophies by Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta, during a ceremony that highlighted the bank’s long-standing commitment to Maltese sport.

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Valletta Lionesses sign Olesia Malashenko as Barnes dismissed

MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League newcomers Valletta Lionesses had a new import player on the Ta’ Qali court as Ukranian forward Olesia Malashenko was confirmed to coach Harry Savaya’s roster this past week.

Malashenko joined the team during the winter break as a replacement for US import player Janae Barnes who Malta Basketball can confirm was dismissed by the capital club. 

Sources told Malta Basketball the freescoring American saw her time with the Citizens cut short due to clashes with the team’s administration and her behaviour on court with the rest of the team which is said to have irked the club’s heirarchy.

As a result of this, Valletta sought a new import during the transfer window and have now brought to Malta the 6’2 player who made her debut on Saturday against Depiro as the league campaign resumed after the holidays.

The Ukraine Women’s National Team player joins the team after numerous stints around Europe with the 33-year-old also bringing with her experience in the FIBA EuroCup and the Women’s Euroleague. 

Last season Malashenko was plying her trade at German DBBL side Rutronik Stars Keltern where together wit the team, she finished as the regular season runners up, before going on to fall only in the finals of the playoffs. 

Before that, the new Valletta player was in Mongolia’s Division 1, Jordan Division 1, the Turkish SuperLeague, the French LFB and the Belgian Top Division where she played for Royal Castors Braine in the EuroLeague. There she played 13 games with an average of 7.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. 

The Citizens will be hoping Malashenko, whose professional career began in 2008, can give them an added boost as they look for their first victory in all competitions since entering the league. 

Hibernians Women sign Ashiala Monee Jackson

Minutes after Hibernians confirmed Malta women’s national team coach Charles Bonnici as their new mentor, the Paola-based club named Illinois-native Ashiala Monee Jackson to their roster.

“The Hibernians Basketball Club would like to announce the new recruit from Illinois-USA, Ashiala Monee Jackson. Welcome on board Ashiala!” The club said in a statement on Thursday evening.

6’1 forward Jackson joins the team on the back of a half-season stint in Chile with CD Universitario Conception in the Chilean LNF where she averaged 30.6 minutes a game, putting up 14 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game in nine showings. 

Before that, the new Hibs player plied her trade in the Kazakhstan Division One with Barsy Atyrau and Irtysh after her college career in the NCAA Division 2 at Tuskegee University.

She now joins a Hibs team which has begun their campaign looking for redemption after numerous disappointing seasons. Having started the season under coach Winnie Buhagiar, the team managed to secure the John Tabone Women’s Shield but stumbled at the beginning of the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League. 

Now moving onto a new path under coach Bonnici, the team which currently stands on three wins and four defeats so far this season will be hoping for a quick start after the winter break this weekend as Maltese basketball returns to the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.  

Hibernians name Bonnici as women’s coach after Buhagiar departs 

John Tabone Women’s Shield winners Hibernians announced a new coaching path on Thursday as they named Malta Women’s national team coach Charles Bonnici as their new team coach for the remainder of the season. 

This move comes as Winnie Buhaigar, who has led the team since July, departs the Paola-based club after a rollercoaster start to the season.

“The Hibernians Basketball Club would like to announce that Charlie Bonnici has been appointed as the new coach for our Hibernians Women’s Senior Team. Welcome on board!” The club said in a statement.

“In the meantime, the Hibernians Basketball Club would like to thank former coach Winnie Buhagiar for her commitment throughout the past months.”

Under Buhagiar, the Paolites made significant roster changes, with former Starlites trio Steffi de Martino, Maria Bonett, and Andie Saliba all joining the team before the signing of American forward Mikayla Brandon. This newly built squad depth reaped instant rewards, as the team looked solid at both ends of the court. Eventually, the Shield Trophy gave Hibs their first accolade after a long drought. 

In spite of this momentum, the team struggled to match the pace once the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League campaign started, losing their opening fixtures. Nevertheless, Hibernians eventually got back to winning ways and are now in fourth place in the standings on 10 points (3-4). 

While it is still unclear why Hibs and coach Buhagiar parted ways, this change brings to the team an experienced mentor in Bonnici, whose last stint in senior women’s basketball saw him win the league with Starlites. 

Bonnici, who was appointed Malta NT women’s coach last season, comes to the team with a FIBA Small Countries Games silver medal on his resume after a strong showing by his team in Kosovo in the summer. While it was rumoured that he could return to Starlites for this season, the Naxxar side announced former Malta guard Peter Shoults with Bonnici seemingly to remain only the NT coach. However, he now rejoins his former trio and the rest of the Hibs roster as they focus on climbing up to the top positions of the league. 

James, Crooms Named BOV Players of the Month for November

Starlites’ Kai Fabri wins BOV Amateur League accolade

AtoZ Athleta’s Kurt James, Betsson Depiro’s Janai Crooms, and Starlites’ Kai Fabri have been recognised as the BOV Players of the Month for November 2024 by the Malta Basketball Association.

American forward Kurt James, who joined Athleta from Starlites this season, earned the top accolade for the BOV Division One for November. The 6’5” all-rounder demonstrated his versatility, excelling across multiple positions and finishing last month as the league’s leading scorer with an impressive 169 points over six games, averaging 28.17 points per game.

James was equally dominant under the boards, securing an average of 14.4 rebounds per game to top the league’s rebounding charts.

His all-around contribution extended to 2.6 steals per game while enduring an average of 6.17 fouls per match. Clocking 35 minutes per game, his influence was pivotal for Athleta.

The winners of the BOV Player of the Month award for November. PHOTO | BOV

In the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, Janai Crooms of Depiro claimed the Player of the Month title. The 25-year-old Rwandan-American, a standout player for her team since joining earlier in the month, delivered consistently stellar performances, averaging 19.5 points per game.

Across four games, Crooms amassed 55 rebounds, showcasing her tenacity in the paint, alongside 11 assists and 11 steals.

16-year-old Kai Fabri of Starlites was awarded the honour for the BOV Amateur League. The young shooting guard demonstrated remarkable poise, scoring 65 points in four games, including nine three-pointers, for an average of 16.25 points per game.

Fabri also led the local second division in court time, averaging 33 minutes and 10 seconds per game, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.

The awards were presented by Bank of Valletta’s Chief Officer, Ernest Agius, during a ceremony at the Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion. Each recipient was awarded a custom-made trophy to commemorate their achievement.

Caretti returns to US after season-ending injury

Close to three months after joining Betsson Depiro, US import player Jensen Caretti will be heading home to tackle an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which ended her season early after the team’s first Women’s John Tabone Shield fixture against Hibernians in October.

In a statement on her socials, Caretti expressed her disappointment in the fact that “my time has come to face what an ACL tear feels like”.

“Just when you think certain things can’t/won’t happen to you, they do,” Caretti said.

“I’m not really one to share what’s going on in my personal life, but unfortunately, my time has come to face what an ACL tear feels like and having to work through the atrocities that it brings. I will be coming home tomorrow and be having my surgery within the upcoming weeks.

“I truly believe everything happens for a reason and that God works in the most mysterious ways. I don’t know what He has planned for me, i just know He has never put me through anything i haven’t overcome yet. Trusting Him through it all. Just know that when I recover, I’m coming back stronger and better – coming for everything thats mine. 

“Thank you to all who have been there for me through this process so far and thank you in advance to those who will be there with me throughout my surgery and recovery. I’m appreciative of the support and care that my teammates, coaches, and staff gave me throughout the season. It’s been real Malta!”

Jensen Caretti tore her ACL against Hibernians in October. VIDEO | Malta Basketball Association

Caretti, who was signed by the Mtarfa-based side back in August, was brought on to help the team push for redemption after last season’s playoff finals disappointment which saw the team drop a two-game lead against Caffe Moak Luxol in May.

Things were looking up as Caretti put up 21 points and 12 rebounds in her debut in the Super Cup final against Luxol for Julian Naudi’s side as they lifted their first trophy since the Knockout in March. However, this feel-good factor came to an abrupt end a few days later when Caretti took an awkward fall during the team’s Shield clash with Hibs. The American returned to the court in the latter stages of the game but it was clear the issue would turn out more serious as the team lost both the game and the player. 

Since then, the club has also lost Malta international Sophie Abela who is now playing overseas wit CB Isla Bonita, however, they have signed former Malta player Joselle Borg Cardona and most recently Janai Crooms.

Howard, Napoleon named October’s MBA Players of the Month

The Malta Basketball Association (MBA) awarded the Players of the Month on Sunday at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, naming Luxol Sherries Estates guard Darron Howard and Starlites guard Makaila Napoleon as October’s award winners.

Luxol’s Howard was one of two US import signings who joined the Violets over the summer and has since shown his mettle as one of the top players in the division so far.

Over the course of October, Luxol progressed to the John Tabone Shield final, falling to eventual winners Hibernians in November. However, Luxol were a force on court, with Howard, compatriot Caleb Jones McCrary, and Malta international Nathan Xuereb all leading a revolutionised roster under coach Duncan Fenech.

With four games in all competitions played in October, Howard averaged 37 minutes on the court, scoring 30.5 points and assisting 6.8 scores a game. On defence, Howard grabbed eight boards, and was a menace in steals with 3.3 per game. 

Luxol are on a 3-0 run in this season’s BOV Division One campaign.

Miguel Falzon, Darron Howard, BOV Chief Officer Ernest Agius, and Makaila Napoleon. PHOTO | BOV

Starlites’ Napoleon, who joined the team over the summer, has been an instrumental part of coach Peter Shoults’ roster so far as the team bounce back after last season’s woes. With stars Steffi de Martino, Maria Bonett and Andie Saliba off to Hibernians, it was a good opportunity for Napoleon and the rest of the Starlites clan to show they can move on.

Throughout October, the Naxxar-based side played three games in the John Tabone Shield with Napoleon playing around 33 minutes a game as she averaged a double-double and led the team in scoring with 21.3 points per game. On defence, the former Jessup University guard averaged 14.7 rebounds, with 2.8 blocks a game. 

Starlites are currently on a 2-1 record in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, their only defeat coming against Betsson Depiro in their second league fixture of the new campaign. 

Starlites’ Miguel Falzon won the Division Two honour. Falzon finished the month of October with 57 points from four outings.

The BOV Player of the Month award winners are voted for by the local media at the end of each game.

‘Trophies have always been part of our club’ says Buhagiar after Hibernians lift Women’s Shield

Hibernians edged past Caffè Moak Luxol in a thrilling 66-60 victory on Sunday at Ta’ Qali Pavilion, capturing their eleventh Women’s John Tabone Shield title and surpassing Luxol, who held nine Shield honours. 

For Hibs, this victory broke a three-year trophy drought, restoring a tradition of winning honours to the Paola club. Coach Winnie Buhagiar lauded the hard work that brought Hibernians back to the top, expressing pride in their efforts to reclaim a long-held reputation for honours.

“This means a lot for the club, especially because in the last three years, we didn’t win any honours, and winning trophies has always been part of our club,” Buhagiar stated. 

“This summer, we’ve worked hard on rebuilding our team solely because we want to bring titles back to Paola.” 

She reflected on the competitive intensity of the season, acknowledging Luxol’s relentless defence and the challenges ahead.

“The game today was hard-fought, but we were always on the front foot. Now, we know every game will be a battle for which we need to fight and work.”

Both teams displayed tremendous resolve on Sunday, with Luxol particularly feeling the absence of their veteran duo Josephine Diaby – still sidelined due to a broken thumb – and Sarah Pace. Without Diaby, the task of containing Hibernians’ Mikayla Brandon fell largely to Sarah and Anna Fenech Pace, while Vanya Baldacchino took on the challenge of shadowing Steffi De Martino. Despite these adjustments, Hibernians raced to an 8-0 lead while Luxol kept pace with contributions from Lisa Fenech Pace and Baldacchino. However, Hibernians widened their lead significantly before the half, with De Martino and Maria Bonett anchoring their scoring efforts.

Luxol found their rhythm in the second half, thanks in large part to Brandy Huffhines, who overcame a slow start to become their primary scoring threat. Her scoring flurry, coupled with Sarah Fenech Pace’s inside presence, reduced the deficit heading into the fourth.

The final quarter saw Hibernians maintain their edge but not without setbacks. Bonett, who had played every minute of the game, landed awkwardly after a rebound with 2:39 remaining and had to be carried off the court for treatment. Brandon, who had been pivotal in the paint, fouled out in the game’s final seconds. Luxol pushed hard in the closing moments, but Hibernians held firm, buoyed by De Martino’s clutch free throws and late-game defence.

‘We need to train harder’

De Martino, who joined Hibernians this season after several years with Starlites in a transfer that moved Andie Saliba, Bonett, and herself to the Paolites, was thrilled with the win and commended her teammates’ preparation. 

“I’m super happy we managed to get this trophy,” she said, “a game is a game. If I’m playing for Starlites or if I’m playing for Hibs, I’m going to bring the same game on court.” 

Acknowledging Luxol’s effort despite missing senior players, she added, “While I’m happy we won, I believe that we need to train harder and play harder if we want to take this all the way.”

The game highlighted Hibernians’ rebounding strength and inside play, with Brandon and De Martino combining for 53 points. Brandon’s 26 rebounds underscored her dominance in the paint, while Luxol’s Huffhines led her team’s comeback attempt with a 25-point performance. Hibernians’ bench, however, went scoreless, underscoring the heavy reliance on their starting five. 

On Luxol’s side, Baldacchino’s close defence on De Martino and Lisa Fenech Pace’s inside scoring were pivotal, showcasing the depth and adaptability coach Roderick Vella’s Luxol brought to the court even without Diaby.

Buhagiar expressed her team’s readiness to tackle future challenges, despite Bonett’s injury, which will be assessed by their physio. 

“Maria (Bonett) fell on one leg, but I don’t think it’s going to be a long injury,” Buhagiar noted, hinting at Hibernians’ resilience and depth this season.

With the Shield in hand, Hibernians look ahead with optimism. 

“The fact that we managed to win the first cup is motivation for us,” De Martino added. 

“We’re a relatively new team, so we have to take some mistakes and learn from them to gel better in the future.”

Depiro sign Janai Crooms

Mtarfa-side Betsson Depiro returned to the transfer market with import player Jensen Caretti said to be out long-term, and have now signed the signing of Rwandan-American guard Janai Crooms, the club announced on Saturday.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Janai Crooms to our Senior Women’s Team!” a Depiro statement read.

“Janai is a Providence College graduate and was part of the  All-Big East tournament in her Senior Year. Janai also represented the Rwandan National Team, contributing to their best-ever third place finish. Welcome to Depiro, Janai!”

Crooms, originally born in the US but who has represented Rwanda in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, joins last season’s Knockout winners after a college career with the Providence Friars and a stint in Puerto Rico with Cangrejeras de Santurce.

Crooms played two seasons with the Friars from 2021-23. During her career at Providence, she was an All-BIG EAST Honourable Mention selection (2021-22), a Preseason All-BIG EAST pick (2022-23) and a five-time BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll selection. 

She finished her collegiate career averaging a team-best 11.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Crooms joins coach Julian Naudi’s team as they look to overcome their previous defeat to Caffe Moak Luxol, which ended their John Tabone Shield campaign. This was their first defeat since Sophie Abela’s departure to CD Isla Bonita and Caretti’s injury, which came in their competition opener against Hibernians – their only other Shield loss. Caretti, who joined the team over the summer, is set to continue rehabilitating after an awkward landing from a challenge during the game in October.

While Crooms will be an immediate replacement for the two players, sources tell Malta Basketball that the club is also awaiting the next local player transfer window to sign veteran forward Joselle Cardona, a former Malta international who will return to the game after last playing for Luxol.