By Nick Creely
The Pakenham Warriors’ Division One Women side continues to march on in style, defeating Camberwell at Balwyn High School on Sunday afternoon, 63-55.
The Warriors always held sway on the day, racing out to five point lead at the first break, before scoring 22 in the second period to hold a handy, and ultimately match-winning eight point advantage.
Despite some fightback in the final term, the Warriors were never truly threatened, leading by as much as 14 points before the home side added some respectability to the score with a strong finish.
There was no shortage of individual performances to highlight – Tarryn Wilkin dropped 18 points and 11 rebounds, which included two three-pointers, while Steph Pal was also dynamic with 15 points and six rebounds.
The Warriors sit in second spot on the Division One Women table with a 9-4 record ahead of this weekend’s clash against Chelsea, in what will be a top-of-the-table clash.
The Warriors’ Division Two Men had a perfect weekend on the court, defeating Mornington on Saturday night before backing it up with a stirring win against Melton the following day.
On Saturday night at home, the Warriors won 99-92 in an overtime classic, with both sides level on 85-85 after the four quarters.
But the home side had the momentum, and the class to dig deep and win the overtime period 14-7 to bank a massive win.
Hayden Davey was a colossal, dropping 23 points – including seven three-pointers in a dynamic display – while Jake Spruhan also scored 23 points at an impressive 81.82 per cent.
And on Sunday, the Warriors held off a fast-finishing Melton to cap off the weekend, 80-77.
The visitors led 63-49 with a quarter to play and had to hold off an inspired home team who dropped 28 points to almost steal the game away with one foul swoop.
For the visitors, Davey was once again excellent with 16 points and eight rebounds, Jake Spruhan had nine rebounds and four assists, while Trent Lee did a bit of everything with 10 points, six rebounds and a couple of assists.
The Youth League Two Men side had a mixed weekend, smashing Mornington on Saturday night before a narrow loss on Sunday to Melton.
The Warriors were at their best on Saturday, winning 119-73, before being unable to reel in the deficit against Melton on Sunday, 89-84.
And the Youth League Two Women side were also dominant, winning 91-50 against Mornington.
It was an electric all-round team performance from the Warriors, but Katie Karajic Powell (20 points, 12 rebounds), Tyla Scorah (21 points, 13 rebounds) and Bethany Quadara (nine points, four rebounds and three assists) were particularly destructive.
This week’s fixture
Division One Women
Pakenham v Chelsea – Cardinia Life, Sunday 18 July, 12pm
Division Two Men
Pakenham v Wallan – Cardinia Life, Sunday 18 July, 2pm
Youth League Two Men
Pakenham v Bellarine – Cardinia Life, Saturday 17 July, 8pm
Western Port v Pakenham – Somerville Recreation Centre, Sunday 18 July, 1pm
Youth League Two Women
Pakenham v Collingwood – Cardinia Life, Saturday 17 July, 6pm
Wyndham v Pakenham – Eagle Stadium, Sunday 18 July, 1pm
