A DRAW on the road to Knox Raiders has stolen the first points of the season from Bulleen Boomers, as the Raiders consolidated fourth spot in the Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball League (MUVJBL) Under 16 Girls’ Watson Pool. Meanwhile the top four sides in the Ashe Pool all had big wins, creating a four-point buffer on their opponents.
Watson Pool:
Altona Gators 32 defeated by Nunawading Spectres 58
Sandringham Sabres 58 defeated Melbourne Tigers 41
Bulleen Boomers 48 drew with Knox Raiders 48
Southern Peninsula 47 defeated Bendigo Braves 46
Eltham Wildcats 47 defeated Frankston Blues 45
Bulleen Boomers survived their first loss of the season with a 14-9 final term after trailing by five points at the final break. Knox put together a big third quarter which saw the underdogs pile on 21 points to 11, but like every good team, the Boomers managed to reel them in. Kaitlyn Scott scored 14 points for the Raiders, while Jaida Reid nailed 13. For the Boomers, Tabitha Betson and Emily Maltezos both scored 10 points. In what was almost another draw, Southern Peninsula Sharks upset Bendigo Braves, holding on at home in a nervous final term. The Sharks led by 13 points at the final break, but the Braves hit back with everything they had, sinking 16 points to four, but ultimately falling short. Bella Breen (20 points) and Chantelle James (18) starred for the Sharks in the one-point win, while April Eeles (12) top scored for the Braves. In other results, Eltham Blues escaped with a two-point win over Frankston Blues courtesy of 17 points from Dyani Ananiev, while 19 points from Maya Dear helped Sandringham Sabres account for Melbourne Tigers by 17 points and Nunawading Spectres (led by Sienna Cutajar with 18 points) toppled the Altona Gators, 58-32.
Ashe Pool:
Waverley Falcons 40 defeated by Dandenong Rangers 62
Keilor Thunder 66 defeated Ringwood Hawks 37
Kilsyth Cobras vs. Hawthorn Magic
Diamond Valley Eagles 87 defeated Bellarine Storm 49
Ballarat Rush 64 defeated Sunbury Jets 33
In the four games which had confirmed scores as of publishing, Diamond Valley Eagles and Dandenong Rangers kept pace at the top of the table with big wins. The Eagles were far too good for Bellarine Storm, making a statement with an 87-49 victory. Sophie Burrows sank 20 points, while Teah Reichert posted 19 in the victory, while for the Storm, Charlotte Murray finished with 13. Dandenong also enjoyed a big win, defeating Waverley Falcons by 22 points. After leading by 17 points at half-time, the Rangers felt the Falcons hit back in a 21-10 third term to cut the deficit to just six at the last change, before powering home with a 23-7 final term on their way to a 62-40 victory. Dallas Loughridge scored 16 points for the winners, while Maddie Pinchbeck finished with 14 for the losers. Third placed Keilor Thunder had no troubles against Ringwood Hawks, racing to a 66-37 win courtesy of a 40-11 first half. Tess Heal was superb with 24 points, while Amisyn Leigh and Macey Boyle both scored 14 for the Thunder. Sophie Downes (12 points) was the highest scoring Hawk. Ballarat Rush had no problems against Sunbury Jets, winning every quarter on their way to a 31-point victory. Milly Simpson sank 16 points, while Georgia Cox (13) and Milly Sharp (10) managed in the win.
