CBL Gippsland: Warriors dominate Pelicans to secure finals spots
WARRAGUL Warriors have asserted themselves on the Country Basketball League (CBL) competition in the final round, easily overcoming Lakes Entrance Pelicans in the Gippsland conference. The Warriors enjoyed two massive wins at the Warragul Leisure Centre on Saturday, helping the home fans go home happy.
GIPPSLAND MEN:
In the men’s competition, Warragul Warriors accounted for Lakes Entrance Pelicans by 40 points to grab third spot on the table. Six players reached double-figure points for the winners, as Ambu Uliando (17 points) and Marko Kulas (16) led the way. Not too far behind were Warriors shooters, Luke McKenzie (15 points), Mitch Hauxwell-Te Paa (12), Jarryd Moss (12) and Murray Myers (11) who contributed strongly.
For the Pelicans, they still had a couple of handy shooters, as Christopher Fields (17 points) and Jordi Williams (12) both hit the scoreboard well. Despite the loss, the Pelicans still finished above Churchill Blue Devils in sixth placed on the ladder, but were two wins adrift from finals. Maffra Eagles topped the table with 17 points and undefeated in five games, just ahead of Moe Meteors (15), Warragul Warriors (13) and Korumburra Wildcats (13).
ROUND 7 RESULTS:
Warragul Warriors (96) defeated Lakes Entrance Pelicans (56)
GIPPSLAND WOMEN:
In the women’s competition, Warragul Warriors blitzed Lakes Entrance Pelicans in a one-sided contest. The Warriors showed no mercy on their way to a thumping 75-point thrashing to end the regular season undefeated and on top of the table, whilst the Pelicans ended up on the bottom with five losses from five games.
It was a huge game from Shanara Notman who took to the court over the football field this weekend, putting up 40 points for the Warriors, outscoring the entire opposition team. Peta Rhodes also had a night out with 24. Jasmine Ferguson (16 points) and Hannah McKenzie (10) hit double-figure points to complement the scorers. Natalie Bire was the standout shooter for the Pelicans with 12 points in the loss.
The Warriors finished on top of the the table and will face the fourth placed Maffra Eagles in the first semi-final on Saturday night, whilst Korumburra Wildcats host Moe Meteors in the second semi-final to compete for the other spot in the grand final a week later.
ROUND 7 RESULTS:
Warragul Warriors (108) defeated Lakes Entrance Pelicans (33)
Picture credit: Basketball Victoria