FRIDAY night will see another round of the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) take place, with all age groups back and set to hit the court for another batch of games. In the Under-18 Girls competition, there have been a few sides that have been able to overcome the challenges faced in the preseason (COVID, injuries, etc.) to start the season in strong fashion, while others are still looking to really get going in season 2022.

Round 7 has a few eye-catching matchups on the cards, but none are bigger than the clash between the Frankston Blues and the Sandringham Sabres at Frankston Basketball Stadium. It will be a massive way to kick off the weekend, as both sides are pretty clearly among the contenders for the season. They currently occupy two of the top three spots on the ladder, with just half a game separating them. Both squads have delivered some of the most exciting basketball we have seen in the first six rounds, so expect a ripping contest on Friday night.

Frankston Blues vs Sandringham Sabres
Friday, May 13 @ 9:40pm
Frankston Basketball Stadium

The Blues have managed to conjure a winning style of basketball throughout their 2022 campaign, using a high-energy gameplan to bring the opposition undone. They are currently sitting pretty in third spot with a record of four wins, one loss and one draw, which puts them half a game behind their Round 7 opponent. While the Sabres have a better record, it would still be disrespectful to call Frankston underdogs. It is a game that could go either way, but if the Blues can get their transition game going early, they may prove tough to stop. Bonnie Deas has been a terrific contributor all season and has probably been Frankston’s most consistent performer. She had 13 points in the win over Keilor last weekend, and will likely be among the best again.

The Sabres have barely put a foot wrong in their start to 2022, winning nearly all of their games and earning a spot in the top two. With a record of five wins and one loss, they sit in second spot in the standings, and are a red hot chance to move into first spot if certain results go their way. In order to do that, they must get the win over a worthy Frankston side. However, the Sabres have a seriously talented and disciplined roster, so they have more than enough tools to get the job done. In Sandringham’s powerful win over Waverley last round, Jaida Reid and Hannah Wickstrom both scored over 20 points, so the Frankston defence will have its hands full.

Across the courts

With the season passing the one-third mark of the fixture, there will be a lot to play for as the two divisions get set for a big night.

VC Ashe:

Bulleen 2 vs Waverley, 9:40pm, Mullum Mullum Stadium court 1
Bulleen 1 vs Knox, 9:40pm, Mullum Mullum Stadium court 2
Broadmeadows vs Altona, 9:40pm, Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium
Gippsland United vs Knox, 9:40pm, Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium

VC Watson:

Kilsyth vs Nunawading, 8:20pm, Kilsyth Basketball Stadium
Casey vs Ballarat, 9:40pm, Casey Stadium
Diamond Valley vs Eltham, 9:40pm, Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre
Dandenong vs Melbourne, 9:40pm, Dandenong Stadium
Wyndham vs Hawthorn, 9:40pm, Eagle Stadium