THE Pakenham Warriors were looking for a win against the Darebin Giants on Saturday to get back on the winners’ list after last week’s double-loss to the undefeated Mildura Heat.
Unfortunately Darebin was just as determined to climb up from the bottom of the division three ladder, ensuring a hard-fought game at the Darebin Community Sports Centre.
The first quarter was extremely tight, with both sides finding it difficult to find the basket. The Warriors held a four to three lead after five minurtes.
The Warriors extended the lead in the last minutes of the first half to 11 points to five.
In the second quarter, the Warriors seemed to settle and through some good inside-outside moves, led 22-10. However, the lead was not to last as the Giants forced the Warriors into error through some full court man-on-man defence.
By half-time, Darebin had outscored the Warriors 16-9 to trail by only five points. Most points had come from free throws following fouls from the Warriors.
In the second half, the Giants continued to press up and the Warriors continued to send Darebin to the line. Unlike the Warriors, Darebin was shooting at a much better percentage to keep them in the game to trail the Warriors by only four points at three-quarter-time.
The last quarter saw the Giants outscore the Warriors 27-16 to run out 71-64 winners.
The Giants shot an impressive 70 per cent from the free throw line to the Warriors’ 21 per cent. While all other stats were basically even, it is the number of fouls that the Warriors are giving up and their low percentage on fouls shots that they will need to work on before they meet Warrandyte next week.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 12 boys
The boys suffered a close defeat at the hands of Dandenong, going down 22 points to 24. The loss leaves them on equal wins with the five other teams, but one behind leaders Oakleigh
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 14 boys
The Under 14 boys were going for three on the trot against Sherbrooke – and they came out firing from the start with a quick six points before Sherbrooke scored.
The Warriors seemed to have the advantage in height, with Isaac and the two Liams towering over their smaller opponents, to play some good basketball in defence and attack. Despite being smaller, Sherbrooke boys were very quick and kept up with their taller opponents for much of the game.
At half-time, the Warriors only had a four-point lead. The early part of the second half saw Sherbrooke draw level, but the Warriors tightened their defence, put pressure on their main ball carriers and created many turnovers for the likes of Matt D’Arcy (26 points), Lucas Handley (nine), Clarrie Dipnall (eight), Isaac Munns (six) and Liam Malcolm (five) to score at will. When given the opportunity, Chandler Elezer played some excellent man on man defence, as did Mitchell Allen, who allowed others to score so freely. The hard work from the Warriors throughout a game is certainly paying off, as they have 61, 59 and 58 points respectively in the last three games.
Pakenham 58 defeated Sherbrooke 42.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 16 boys
It was a top of the table clash at Pakenham when the second placed Warriors took on ladder leaders Waverley.
Sam Hogben was in early foul trouble, but provided chase of the ball, before coming off injured while Raff Dall was good value, making space and scoring with 100 per cent accuracy. Barak Remalli took some great rebounds and made pressure down court, while Jordan East fired up in the second half and found the sweet spot under the basket scoring well.
Top-scorer Harris Wassylko’s second half opened up the attack and provided opportunities for the team. Bryce and Trent Westwood worked both ends of the court in a solid game and Casey Wassylko had another great game, with steals and intercepts which enabled him to carry the ball into the offensive half for easy scoring shots. Coach Denise Hogben was pleased with the team, who took to the court with a constructive attitude, played their respective roles and used energy in a positive manner to win the ball. Pakenham 58 to Sherbrooke 38.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 18 boys
Round five saw the Warriors take on the Eltham Wildcats. A strong first half by the Warriors saw them score 23 points while their defence held the Wildcats to a nine-point half.
The second half saw the Wildcats lift their efforts and go point for point with the Warriors. The Warriors worked well as a unit, held the lead and had a good 36-25 away win. Sean Armstrong , Nick Macente, James Magrath, James Persutto, Riley Humpreys, Jamie Hildred and Mat Rogers were the scorers.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 14 girls
The girls consolidated a position in the top five with a close win over Waverley. The girls again played good strong defence and were able to contain Waverley scoring opportunities, winning 29-24.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 16 girls
The top age girls played Mornington 2 at home – and were a little slow getting into gear as the much taller and stronger Mornington girls jumped out of the blocks to build a small lead by half time. Mornington may well have been further in front if not for the great efforts of Elly Jarred and Rachel Copestake, who managed to keep Pakenham in the hunt.
Pakenham kept peppering the goal ring in the second half, but the set plays of Mornington resulted in some very good goals under pressure. Some aggressive plays from Kristine, Emily and Casey saw a mini comeback, before the Warriors lost 24-33. The players are already looking forward to the return match.
The bottom age girls also fought out a loss, going down 28-31 to Frankston.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 20 girls
We played Waverley at Pakenham on Friday night. Waverley started well, getting the jump on the Warriors by scoring the first three baskets. Waverley led 23-12 at half-time. The Warriors were more competitive in the second half, outscoring Waverley. Unfortunately, it was not enough, and the Warriors went down 40-32.
The pointscorers were Jacinta Hussey (seven), Emily Cooper (six), Megan Trolley (five), Erin Luderick and Katie Cornish (four) and Jordan, Madelyn and Julia two each.
