KNOX Raiders and Bulleen Boomers have maintained their perfect record to start the Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball League (MUVJBL) Under 16 Boys championship division season, with wins in Round 5 over previously undefeated sides.

Ashe Pool:

Knox kept its great form up after blazing away from Latrobe Energy in Traralgon and opening up a 19-13 quarter time lead. Over the next two quarters neither side could gain an advantage, before the Raiders piled on 18 points to 10 to eventually secure a handy 65-51 win. Jordan Anderson was unbelievable for the Raiders, piling on 36 points, while the Raiders defensive efforts restricted Energy’s damaging duo Coby Burgiel and Jack Hrehoresen to a combined 27 points on the night. Blake Stratton also scored 11 for the winners.

Whittlesea Pacers enjoyed a long-awaited win over Southern Peninsula Sharks to ensure no side in the Ashe Pool was left winless after five rounds. The Pacers started strongly and led by six points at quarter time and extended their lead to seven by the main break. The Sharks hit back in the third, cutting the deficit to four by the final break, then the home side picked up the pace again to run out 60-52 winners. Matthew Ryan was the standout shooter with 24 points, while Peter Vasilevski sunk 10 and Callum Stojavonic nine. Braithyn Kerr scored 13 points for the Sharks, while Corey Hastings, Billy Wilson and Thomas Field all shared in 11 points apiece.

In other results, Bendigo Braves knocked off Dandenong Rangers by 17 points, as Jett Vandenberg (13 points) led the way for the winners as Macey Eaton and Michael Kiraly (both 12) were also consistent throughout. For the losing side, Jerome Pierre was on fire with 23 points, while Beau Tranter sunk 12. Meanwhile Keilor Thunder were too good for Nunawading Spectres, racing to a 78-55 win, as Cooper Colson scored 16 points for the winners, with Brodie McWhinney assisting with 11. For the losing side, Lucas Koch managed 19 points, while Tristan Dever (14) and Dean Simos (11) were also impressive. In the final game, Eltham Wildcats 2 defeated Diamond Valley Eagles by four points. Thomas Neale (14 points) was terrific in the win, while Corey Rutherford (14) and Jack Miles (13) were strong for the losers.

Watson Pool:

Bulleen continued its good form with a fifth straight win over Eltham Wildcats in the game of the round. Expected to be a ripping match, it lived up to pre-game expectations as the Boomers took an early three-point lead at the first break. The Wildcats had pegged them back to just a point by half-time and scores were level at the final break. The top side found a way however, scoring 14-11 in the final term to enjoy a 65-62 victory. Daniel Johnston was prolific with 18 points, as Marcel Haj (14) and Daniel Poelsma (12) were also busy in the win. Harrison Stones sank 13 points for the Wildcats, while Declan Meaney managed 10.

After a draw earlier in the season, Kilsyth Cobras finally tasted victory with a 67-57 win over Sunbury Jets. The Cobras led from start to finished, opening up a six-point lead at half-time before blowing the game open in the third quarter courtesy of a 16-9 term. Sunbury gained some points back in the final quarter to cut the final deficit to 10 points. Harrison Adams posted up 17 points in the win, while Nathan Blackman (16) and Rhys Crossley (12) were also strong on the offensive boards. Ryder Rousch scored 23 for the Jets in a standalone effort.

In other results, Geelong Supercats continued their ascent up the Watson Pool with a 77-62 win over Waverley Falcons. Billy Dawson (24 points), Jet Kneebone (22) and Oliver Northam (19) were damaging for the visitors, while Finn Jessen and Tesloch Thong both posted 17 for the Falcons. Meanwhile, Hawthorn Magic enjoyed a six-point win over Casey Cavaliers, with Guy Chalfon (18 points), Jarryd Remy (17) and Johnny Furphy (17) all getting amongst the points. Blake Shankland was unstoppable for the Cavaliers, but it would not be enough to get the win. In the final game, Pakenham Warriors defeated Melbourne Tigers by 13 points. Warriors, Kayne Taylor and Jak Morris-Burney combined for 41 points, while Oskar Jones recorded 14 for the Tigers.