THE first round over the Crossover Group stage took place last Friday night as teams battled to get an early advantage in the stage towards qualification for the Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball (MUVJBL) championship division. We recap the games and top scorers from each match in the AA division.

Pool 1:

Waverley (62) defeated Eltham (50)
Melbourne 2 (25) defeated by Broadmeadows (69)

In the first pool matches, Waverley Falcons were too strong for Eltham Wildcats, winning by 12 points at home, while Broadmeadows Broncos destroyed Melbourne Tigers’ second side in an ominous 44-point victory at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC). In the opening game of the pool, the Falcons were led by Nyakoang Lok who sunk a massive 22 points – 13 more than any other player on the court. It proved to be the difference, however Mia Cowan was strong with nine points, and Elise Van Der Zweep finished with eight. For the Wildcats, no player reached double figures, but it made for unpredictable basketball as Madeline Daoud and Alana Mierisch (both nine points), led the way as six players recorded at least five points. The Broncos’ storming win was the result of sharing the points around as Tamsyn Kirk led the way with 12, while Emma Povh finished with 10. Oriana Siamoa and Chelsea Lewis both sunk eight points, as did Melbourne’s Jessica Hermus, assisted by Oonagh Remkes (six). Broadmeadows takes on Eltham in Round 2, while Waverley will be keen to make it two from two when it takes on Melbourne 2.

Pool 2:

McKinnon (35) defeated by Frankston (58)
Dandenong 2 (71) defeated Collingwood (46)

Pool 2 saw a couple of one-sided contests as Frankston Blues stormed to a 23-point win over McKinnon Cougars, while Dandenong’s second side was far too good for Collingwood, running away with a 25-point win. In the first game, Kassie Boorer was the most dominant scorer on the court, sinking 18 points, while Ana Gatkovic (eight), Manuao Hakaria-Graham (seven) and Zoe Schonfelder (seven) were also busy. For the Cougars, four players scored six points apiece – Natasha Rivas Lee, Lily Tait, Rebecca Pischke and Molly White. Dandenong’s thumping win over the All Stars was the product of eight players contributing at least six points. Remi Langmaid (12 points), Ilma Hajdarovic (11) and Talya Cunnington (10) all registered double figures, while Collingwood’s Alexandra Dennis (10) and Ayuen Akot (eight) were the top scorers for the All Stars. Dandenong takes on McKinnon at Sandringham on Friday, while Collingwood hosts Frankston at the State Basketball Centre.

Pool 3:

Diamond Valley (??) defeated Melbourne (??)
Sunbury (40) defeated by Ringwood (51)

Diamond Valley’s home court results are yet to be entered – having played Melbourne at Community Bank Stadium in the first game of Pool 3, Ringwood secured an early victory over Sunbury. The Hawks knocked off the Jets by 11 points, as three players helped themselves to double figures on the night. Georgia Watt and Emily Wellington both finished the match with 12 points for their side, while Abigal Lees sunk 10 in the Hawks’ win. For the Jets, Emma Portelli was the top scorer with 10 points, while Jessica Evans and Mackenzie Hayes sunk seven apiece. In Round 2, Diamond Valley takes on Sunbury at Craigieburn, while Melbourne faces Ringwood at Doncaster.

Pool 4:

Warrandyte (47) defeated Werribee (33)
Bulleen 2 (40) defeated by Pakenham (65)

In the final group, Warrandyte was too good for Werribee, recording a 14-point victory, while Pakenham ran over Bulleen’s second side on the way to a 25-point away victory. Ella Whiting-Le Cras scored 13 points for the Venom, while Hannah Wildner (10) and Amy Dickson (nine) were also big contributors. The Devils did not have as much spread across the board which was ultimately the difference, as Eliza Moodie sunk a team-high 10 points, while Lauren Jones was the other notable scorer with eight. In the final game of the group, the Warriors, led by Caitlin Demczuk (22 points) proved too good for Bulleen 2. Shanae Williamson (13 points) and Rhiannon Gallagher (12) were also busy in the front half, while Tahlia Bird top scored for the Boomers with eight points. Bulleen 2 take on Warrandyte at Eltham on Friday night, while Pakenham hosts Werribee at Dandenong.

Meanwhile of those teams already qualified for the championship division…

XX Round results:

Keilor (50) defeated by Bendigo (62)
Hawthorn (63) defeated Altona (47)
Knox (44) defeated by Dandenong (57)
Bulleen (53) defeated Geelong (33)
Nunawading (51) defeated Kilsyth (24)
Nunawading 2 (63) defeated Southern Peninsula (57)