By Hayley Wildes
The Pakenham Warriors came away with just one win from four games over the weekend – but the lone win was one for the ages.
In Youth League 2 Women action, the Warriors pulled off one of the great heists!
Trailing for much of the game against the Southern Peninsula Sharks, the Warriors fought back and produced a thrilling comeback in the final four minutes.
With the Sharks leading by 12 points with less than four minutes remaining, the Warriors reeled off 11 consecutive points and then grabbed the lead with a minute remaining.
Pakenham held on for an incredible 71-68 win, one that left the home side and their fans stunned.
Sarah Thompson (17 points, 7 rebounds) and Bethany Quadara (16 points, 8 rebounds) led the way for Pakenham.
With the win, Pakenham held onto second position and own an 8-2 record.
The Division 2 Men put up a valiant effort against the Coburg Giants, but were unable to make the plays required down the stretch, falling 71-75 on Saturday night.
The trio of Hayden Davey (20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists), Ben Gaze (16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) and Brad Bridgewater (14 points, 13 rebounds) was tremendous, but it wasn’t enough for the Warriors who slumped to their third straight loss.
They sit seventh on the ladder with a record of 5-6.
The Youth League 2 Men had their hands full at home against Craigieburn on Saturday night.
The Warriors stayed with the Eagles for the first quarter, but were blown away by an offensive masterclass in the second.
The Eagles caught fire and put up 37 points in the quarter and the Warriors were unable to find their way back, falling 90-105.
Lee Belton (21 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists), Ned Weideman (15 rebounds, 12 points, 3 assists) and Aaron Miles (13 points, 13 rebounds) put up impressive numbers, but 29 points from Abraham Solano led the Eagles home.
A day later, the Warriors took on the Collingwood All Stars and were taken a part in the first quarter, trailing 11-30 at quarter time.
The Warriors were never in the contest as six All Stars recorded 10 points or more on their way to claiming a comprehensive 98-72 win.
Ned Weideman (13 points, 6 rebounds) and Lee Belton (15 points) were the only Warriors to score in double figures.
After two losses over the weekend, the Warriors now sit fifth on the ladder, with an 8-5 record.
In round 11, a triple-header tips off at Cardinia Life from 4pm on Saturday night, with all teams in action. On Sunday, the Youth League 2 Women hit the road to take on Whittlesea.
