THE opening round of the Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball League (MUVJBL) Under 16 girls division action saw no fear from the visiting teams as seven of a possible 10 away sides taste victory and collect the full three points.

The most notable away win was that of Knox Raiders who were too good for Eltham Wildcats. The Raiders toppled the Wildcats 66-39 at Eltham High on Friday night to kick off their season on the right note. Jaida Reid was the standout shooter for the Raiders, scoring 20 points, while Zoe De Wit, Jorja Porter and Gemma O’Donnell all contributed with nine points apiece. Ashley Vee Mrmacovski was the sole double-digit scorer for the Wildcats with 16 points.

Sandringham Sabres was another side who travelled but came home with the full points, defeating Frankston Blues 54-40. Their top three shared around the points; Jemima O’Toole (13), Maya Dear (12) and Summer Keating (11) were the key playmakers who hit the scoreboard. The Blues did not have a double-digit scorer on the night, with Georgia Mann, Bella James and Jemma Ramsdale all finishing the match with six points.

In other games in the Watson Pool, Bendigo came away with the points from Altona in a 24-points victory. The Braves were too good for the Gators, winning 57-33, as Caitlin Richardson scored 21 and April Eeles finished with 15. Chelsea Randich was the top Gators player with 11 points in the match. Nunawading Spectres knocked off Southern Peninsula by five points as Chantelle James (17 points) and Bella Breen (15) led the way. Olivia Morris (13 points) was the top scorer for the Spectres in the loss. In the final game, Bulleen Boomers also claimed a five-point win over Melbourne Tigers, with Aleisha Cadee (12 points) and Kiralee Collins (11) topping the point scorers, while Amy Kurkowski was the sole double-figure scorer with 15.

Watson Ladder:

The clear standout of the Ashe Pool was Diamond Valley Eagles who were too good for Sunbury Jets. The Eagles ran out 29-point winners at home as Sophie Burrows (17 points) and Hayley Sparks (15) topped the points scorers. Charlie Grantville (eight points) and Genevieve Broadbent (seven) also contributed in the win, while Erin Condron (13 points) was the clear standout scorer for the Jets.

From a thrashing to a tight contest, Ballarat Rush got the points against Bellarine Storm in a three-point victory. It was a good night for Ballarat Milly’s as Milly Simpson sunk 13 points, while Milly Sharp finished with 12. Storm’s Aimee Wookey top-scored for her side with 11 points, while Summer Field (nine) and Charlotte Murray (eight) were productive in the unlucky loss.

Continuing the theme of away victories, Dandenong Rangers visited Kilsyth Cobras and walked away with a 14-point victory. Myah Healey was the clear top player with 23 points, while Abbey-Lee Wood (12) and Nyadiew Puoch (10) ably assisted for the Rangers. Jada Martin tried her best adding 15 points for the Cobras. Waverley Falcons won a tight five-point victory over Ringwood Hawks thanks to 24 points from Liana Kinkela. Katrina Warton was the dominant scorer from the Hawks, sinking 17 points. In the final game of the round, Hawthorn Magic recorded a four-point win over Keilor Thunder. Riana Thiele (13 points) and Ally Marshall (11) were strong for the Magic, while Tess Heal (19), Jaz Salon (17) and Amisyn Leigh (10) formed a dynamic trio but could not get the Thunder across the line.

Ashe Ladder: