Ellis made his debut against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns at home on Saturday, but despite his return, the team went lost 125-116.
Coach Dave Lindstrom said it was an exciting, high-scoring game and he was disappointed to let their fans down.
‘Kalamunda were too good on the night and looked like they would get the points as they led Stirling for 36 out of the 48-minute game,’ Lindstrom said.
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READ NOWSix of the Senators scored in double figures, with Josh Throns leading the way with 24 points and six rebounds.
He was helped out by Jordan Wild with 19 points and seven rebounds, Cody Ellis with 18 points and nine rebounds, Cory Cooperwood with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists and Austin Bruton with 15 points and five assists.
Lindstrom said the team would be putting a lot of work into their defence this week to try to beat Mandurah Magic.
In the women’s game, it was a win for the side against the Suns, 75 to 55.
Coach Glen Ellis said it was a challenge playing the grand finalists and although missing a few players, they were still a top-quality unit.
‘The Lady Senators went into the half-time break one point down, but were playing really well,’ he said.
‘We stayed positive with the girls and we came out in the second half with some amazing defence and fantastic decisions offensively.
‘It was a total team effort with all 12 players hitting the court. I was so impressed with our intensity at both ends of the floor. We finished with a strong win with the scoreline.’
Both sides play the Mandurah Magic on Saturday night at the Warwick Leisure Centre. Tip-off is at 6pm for the women and 8pm for the men.