By RUSSELL BENNETT
THE Pakenham Warriors have again validated their standing as a real force to be reckoned with this Big V basketball season with a weekend of strong showings against Division 1 side, the Warrnambool Seahawks.
The Warriors – complete with their army of faithful followers – made the trek to the southwest coast for a back-to-back series dubbed ‘the Friendly Games’.
But the atmosphere was nothing short of electric as both contests went down to the wire.
The Warriors lost Saturday’s clash 85-80 but had their chances to clinch a backs-to-the-walls victory.
The Seahawks suited up their two imports – guard Tim Gainey and the six-foot-seven inch Sai’Quon Stone – and it was Gainey who proved to be the home side’s game-winner.
He exploded for 35 points, including 6-10 from three-point land, but Warriors coach Ryan Rogers was pleased with his side’s defensive effort on him.
A combination of James Topp, Hayden Davey and Sean Armstrong defended well by committee, but Gainey was just too hot from the field.
“We had to throw a heap of different looks at him,” Rogers said
“It was just unbelievable shot-making.
“We did all we could – he just hit tough shot after tough shot.”
Topp stood tall for the Warriors throughout the first of the weekend’s two senior contests; while Jamie Stow was a real focal point on the low block – particularly in the third quarter. Jim Viray also continued his impressive recent form in the first of two standout performances over the weekend.
“We executed our offence really well and the atmosphere there was amazing, especially for a pre-season game,” Rogers said.
“We definitely had our chances to win, too.”
Sunday’s result was just as encouraging for the Warriors, who again went down by just five points – 72-67. And, again, like in the first contest they had their chances to win.
“The Saturday night gave the boys some real confidence – there was a degree of the unknown prior to that,” Rogers said.
“We were rapt with the way we played over the weekend, particularly without someone like Bill Winder who spaces the floor so well.
“Only good things came out of it for us.
“Our chemistry is great – the guys get on really well and there’s even more of a bond than last season.
“The guys are all very committed to making this year count.”
Hayden Davey was the breakout star of Sunday’s game, playing 27 minutes in an extended role. He matched up on danger man Gainey and kept him to just 5-18 from the field.
Next up for the Warriors is the Big V pre-season tournament this weekend in Frankston. The current 14-man group – including two development players – is out to win but Rogers admits this weekend will include some old fashioned minutes monitoring.
“We’ll throw the line-up around a bit – we want to win but we want to manage the guys’ workloads as well,” he said, adding that the tournament will be vital for scouting the Warriors’ opponents for the season proper.
Finally, in roster movement news, athletic forward Chris Jones was released by the club due to a combination of travel and commitment issues.
