By Mark Paxton
The Pakenham Warriors Division 2 men made easy work of the Melton Thoroughbreds in their Big V basketball clash on the weekend, winning 101-75. Five Warriors scored in double figures as the team shot 55 per cent.
The win has the group sitting 7-3 on the season in fifth spot, one game out of the top two. Head coach Brent Russell was particularly happy with the result when he spoke post-game.
“We aimed to keep the ball moving and find open lanes – we did that really well and it’s a credit to the boys,” he said.
The Youth League 2 men, meanwhile, defeated Melton 96-82, behind a dominant 26 points and 11 rebounds from Ned Weideman.
Head coach Braden Venning was pleased with the win.
“We knew Melton wanted to run the lanes so we had a big emphasis on slowing it down, which we did perfectly,” he said.
“Matt Berkec had two thunderous dunks late in the fourth quarter that sparked a run and helped us get over the line.”
The team remains in top spot.
The Division 2 women scrapped out a 87-76 win with Ellie Coutts recording 26 points (5 of 6 from three), 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
The starters scored 65 of the 87 points, dominating the game for the Warriors. They also sit atop the ladder, despite the young average age of the group.
The Youth League 2 women’s shooting struggles continued as they went down to Werribee at home, 80-72.
Alahna Arnason was the one shining light for the Warriors, recording 21 points and 18 rebounds in one of the best performances by a Warrior this season. As a team, the Warriors struggled with 29 turnovers and shot just 11 per cent from three and 38 per cent from two-point range.
The loss has the side 3-7 on the season, sitting in eighth on the ladder.
Head coach Matthew Innes chose not to comment after the game.
