WITH the recent changes to the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) Under 18 Girls competition, the best sides will now be facing off for the remainder of the season. The strongest starters to the year have been placed into the VC Championship division, and will now be competing for the ultimate prize. It all starts on Friday night, with five ripping matchups on the cards across the courts.

Arguably the most intriguing will be the game between the Bulleen 1 Boomers and the Casey Cavaliers at Mullum Mullum Stadium. Both were well-amongst the best in their respective divisions to start the year, and have produced a winning style of basketball across the first nine weeks. In what should be a high-scoring affair, it will be important to get off to a good start for both of these sides. Adding to the excitement is the fact that these sides have not played in season 2022, so it will be interesting to see how they matchup against each other.

Bulleen 1 Boomers vs. Casey Cavaliers
Friday, June 3 @ 9:40pm
Mullum Mullum Stadium

The Boomers were the standout of the VC Ashe division from Rounds 1-9, remaining unbeaten during this time and stamping their claim as one of if not the title favourite. There was a lot to like about the way Bulleen went about its matches, often winning in emphatic fashion with the margin often upwards of 20 points. A well-coached squad with a talented roster, there is no doubt that this team has all the tools to claim the ultimate glory, and that quest begins again on Friday night. The Cavaliers may just prove their toughest challenge yet, given their strong start to the year, but if the opening half of the season is anything to go by, the Boomers should do just fine. Tabitha Betson had a terrific opening nine rounds scoring-wise and will be looking to back that up in the VC Championship competition this weekend.

Over in the VC Watson division, the Cavaliers also impressed in the opening nine rounds, losing just a few games to start the year. When firing on the offensive end, Casey was a hard team to slow down, given how dynamic they can prove on the scoring end. Any player on the court could step up and hurt the opposition with ball in hand, and it is evident the entire roster had been well-trained on the defensive end too. Coming up against an unbeaten Boomers side, it is not exactly an easy task they face, but it would be one hell of a way to start their journey in the VC Championship division. With wins in excess of 65 points throughout the first half of the year, they certainly have the ability to post a winning score, especially if Dakota Chrichton is involved and firing from the field.

Across the courts

There will be no shortage of excitement as both competitions kick off the second half of season 2022, with many even matchups predicted.

VC Championship

Gippsland United vs. Kilsyth, 9:20pm, Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium
Dandenong vs. Sandringham, 9:40pm, Dandenong Stadium
Melbourne vs. Frankston, 9:40pm, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
Nunawading vs. Knox, 9:40pm, Nunawading Basketball Centre

VC Reserve

Ballarat vs. Waverley, 8:20pm, Selkirk Stadium
Altona vs. Bulleen 2, 8:20pm, Altona Sports Centre
Diamond Valley vs. Eltham, 9:40pm, Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre
Wyndham vs. Broadmeadows, 9:40pm, Eagle Stadium
Keilor vs. Hawthorn, 9:40pm, Keilor Stadium