THREE top-of-the-table clashes are set to decide automatic qualification spots across three of the four Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball League (MUVJBL) Under 16s Girls AA division pools, as each ladder took a familiar shape after Round 2.

Pool 1:

Nunawading 2 (20) defeated by Bulleen (46)
Bendigo (64) defeated Dandenong 2 (47)

The qualification scene is already set in Pool 1 as both Bulleen and Bendigo again secured wins to ensure their progression, with the two sides set to do battle for first place in Round 3. The Boomers accounted for Nunawading 2 by 26 points with an even spread of contributors. Sarah Calvisi this time led the way with her nine points for the winners, helped well by Kobie Kino (eight) and Emily Maltezos (seven). For Nunawading 2, Beyonce Wigg top scored with six points in a low-scoring effort, while Sarah Bushby had five after a seven-point Round 1 showing. Meanwhile, Dandenong 2 put 47 points on the board in its 17-point loss to Bendigo, thanks largely to 15 points from Taleah Read and 12 from Georgia Taylor. Not to be outdone, Kaleah Bonanno sunk 18 for Bendigo, while April Eeles had 13 and Caitlin Richardson backed up for her 11. With the top two playing off for automatic promotion, Nunawading 2 hosts Dandenong 2 to decide who scrapes clear of bottom.

Pool 2:

Ballarat (68) defeated Latrobe (36)
Melbourne 2 (25) defeated by Ringwood (44)

Much like Pool 1, there are already two established qualifiers in Pool 2 as Ballarat and Ringwood are set for a clash to decide top spot in Round 3. Ballarat had a convincing 32-point win against bottom-place Latrobe at home, with Rosie Todd (14 points) leading Jada Skennerton (11), Bella Clark (11) and Georgia Cox (10) as players to reach double figures in points. Latrobe’s scoring was limited well, but that did not stop Jamie Gallatly from netting 11 points, while Indigo Waugh turned in a consecutive eight-point game. Ringwood’s travels to Melbourne’s home court also proved fruitful, with the Hawks coming away 19-point victors in a low-scoring match. With the two halves of the table decided, the specificities will be arranged after Round 3 as top spot will be battled for, and bottom place hopefully avoided as Melbourne 2 travels to Latrobe.

Pool 3:

Hawthorn 2 (36) defeated by Sunbury (61)
Altona (64) defeated Wangaratta (44)

A top of the table clash rearranged the Pool 3 table as Altona comfortably beat Wangaratta to subject them to third spot, while Sunbury took advantage of its meeting with bottom side, Hawthorn 2 to bounce into second. The Jets finished up 25-point winners on the night, with Erin Condron registering another double figure game in points (13), to go with Zoe Attard‘s 11 and Scarlett Orritt‘s 10 in the percentage-boosting win. For the Magic, Hayley Cordova top scored with seven points, while three of her teammates managed six in a low score. Meanwhile, Chelsea Randich did most of the damage with 14 points as Altona downed Wangaratta, with teammate Lucy Barth not far behind for her 11. Wangaratta’s Hannah Onley and Olivia Pearce shared top-scorer honours with their nine points, as two others reached seven for a total of 44. Altona are most likely to progress with two wins on the board and good percentage, but that could all change if Sunbury beat them away from home, and Wangaratta do the business against Hawthorn 2. With no room for complacency, it is set to be a ripping final round.

Pool 4:

Bulleen 2 (42) defeated by Casey (54)
Bellarine (42) defeated Southern Peninsula (40)

Another first-against-second clash is set to bring a pool to a close as Casey and Ballarine registered their second wins in as many rounds to make up Pool 4’s unassailable top two. The Cavaliers ran out 12 point winners away from home to clinch top spot as it stands, as Talyssa Route netted 19 points in an impressive display alongside Dakota Crichton (11 points). It was the Boomers’ Chantal Vitale who led all-comers though, with a round-high 21 points, as Lilly Amor was the next best with six after an 18-point performance. Southern Peninsula was unlucky not to remain in the qualification hunt after a narrow loss to second-placed Bellarine. Chantelle James put up another 12 points, matched by both Sienna Privitera and Bella Breen for the Sharks to no avail, while an even spread saw Grace Purcell and Charlotte Murray top score with eight each for Bellarine. Round 3 sees the Storm host Casey to decide top spot, while Bulleen 2 travels to Dromana to settle the bottom two places and see out the group stage.