THE championship division of the Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball League (MUVJBL) Under 18 Boys is decided with the top five teams now in an unassailable position. The top-of-the-table Kilsyth Cobras – despite suffering their first loss – Bulleen Boomers, Werribee Devils, Bendigo Braves and Dandenong Rangers will all move into the top grade post-grading with four of the five side recording wins.
Ashe Pool:
Dandenong Rangers 2 40 defeated by Dandenong Rangers 59
Bendigo Braves 52 defeated Kilsyth Cobras 50
Geelong Supercats 54 defeated by Collingwood All Stars 72
Werribee Devils 63 defeated Eltham Wildcats 50
Bulleen Boomers 57 defeated Waverley Falcons 45
Bendigo Braves’ win over Kilsyth Cobras booked the Braves a spot in the top grade, winning in a thrilling two-point contest. Caleb Connick posted 21 points in the win, while Dyson Daniels managed 14. For the Cobras, Roosevelt Williams recorded 14 points, as Josh Duach finished with 10. Bulleen Boomers’ 57-45 win over Waverley Falcons guaranteed the top five teams made it through, with the Falcons sitting an unlucky sixth, but with a worse percentage than the top five teams. Owen Foxwell top scored with 14 points for the Boomers, while Mamuch Choul managed 12 in the loss. Werribee Devils also enjoyed a 63-50 win over Eltham Wildcats as Aaron Dolny (22 points) and Darrien Herbert (21) were the big points scorers for the winners. Fletcher Parkinson (18 points) and Matt Debney (13) were the key shooters for Eltham. In the all-Dandenong match-up, the number one side proved too good for the number two side, winning by 19 points. James Ingham shot 13 points and was one of four players to reach double figures for the winners, while Liam McBride managed 14 for the second side. In the final game, Collingwood All Stars finally tasted victory with a comfortable 72-54 win over Geelong Supercats. Cameron Ross had a game-high 20 points, while Charlie Raymond managed 17. For the Supercats, Hamish Carey had 12 points and Jay Posterino netted 11.
Watson Pool:
Nunawading Spectres 100 defeated Knox Raiders 61
Diamond Valley Eagles 74 defeated Melbourne Tigers 61
Korumburra Wildcats 67 defeated Hawthorn Magic 54
Casey Cavaliers 91 defeated Ballarat Miners 72
Ringwood Hawks vs. Keilor Thunder
In the Watson Pool, Nunawading Spectres made a big statement to boot Knox Raiders out of the championship division race with a 100-61 thumping to sit seven per cent clear on top of the table. The Spectres dominated in the opening three quarters with James Roche (18 points), Matthew Martini (16), Dihan Wiggett (13) and Taran Laurence (15) leading the way, while Riley Coughlin (10 points) was the sole player in double figures for the Raiders. Diamond Valley Eagles stole Melbourne Tigers’ top two spot with a 13-point win at home. Ethan Bateman (21 points) and Joseph Brazier (13) were the key scorers for the Eagles, while Ezrah Vaigafa (14) and Lyzel Mataika (13) were impressive in the loss for the Tigers. Korumburra Wildcats maintained fourth spot with a win over cellar dwellers Hawthorn Magic by 13 points. Christian D’Angelo sank 15 points and Keith Robinson managed 14 in the win, while Will Burgess was sensational with 20 for the Magic. Meanwhile Casey Cavaliers kept their championship division hopes alive with a 19-point win over Ballarat Miners. Liam Ingram posted 19 points in the 91-72 victory, while Corey Roos (16) and Jayden Route (15) were also impressive. Ballarat Miners’ young star William Hynes was unstoppable in defeat, posting 38 points in a round-high performance. In the final game of the round, Ringwood Hawks hosted Keilor Thunder, however the scores are yet to be confirmed.
