BALLARAT Miners have come from behind in a dominant second half showing to run over the top of the previously undefeated Melbourne Tigers to keep in touch with the top two sides in the Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball League (MUVJBL) Under 18 Boys championship division. In the other pool, Geelong Supercats produced their first win with a revenge win over Dandenong Rangers 2.
Ashe Pool:
Geelong has had a tough time to start the MUVJBL Under 18 Boys season, but found some joy on Friday night with a nine-point win over Dandenong Rangers 2. After losing to them in the Crossover Stage for the Rangers to automatically qualify for the championship division, the Supercats sought revenge in the 66-57 victory. The Supercats trailed by a point at quarter time, but quickly gained momentum through the next two terms as they scored 35 points to 25, before the teams broke even in the last stanza. Hamish Carey top scored for the Supercats with 18 points, while Kade McKenzie (12), Ethan Nicholls (10) and Ryan Robinson (10) also contributed in the win. For the Rangers, Jonathan Fennell (14 points) and Bryce Curtis (12) were the two players that reached double figures.
Meanwhile Kilsyth Cobras remained undefeated with an impressive victory over Eltham Wildcats. The Cobras got out to a lead early to take an eight-point advantage into the first break, before being cut down to seven at half-time. They picked up the slack again in the third term to push the margin back out to 11, before eventually securing the 10-point win, 66-56. Roosevelt Williams scored 14 points for the Cobras, ably assisted by Lachlan Vandervorm (13), Tom Ghosn (10) and Ned Dillon (10). For the Wildcats, Fletcher Parkinson was the dominant scorer with 20 points, while Thomas Stockwell sunk 13.
Dandenong Rangers had a statement win over Waverley Falcons, running out 30-point winners at home. The top-of-the-table side proved too good for the third placed Falcons, with a 22-11 second term the big difference between the sides, while the Rangers outscored their opponent in each of the quarters. They shared the points around in the 82-52 win. Riley Simmons top scored with 22 points, while Jyelin Moli (20) and Joshua Heywood (12) also contributed. Zac Taylor and Mason Perry both scored 10 points to round out an even performance across the board. In other results, Collingwood All Stars suffered another loss, going down to Bulleen Boomers, 70-39, and Werribee Devils knocked off Bendigo Braves, 78-66.
Watson Pool:
Ballarat’s win over Melbourne was the standout game in the Pool, with the Tigers racing to a 33-23 lead at the main break. A dominant third term saw the Miners hit back to level the scores, before finishing stronger with a 12 points to seven final term. The Miners had restricted the previously undefeated Tigers to 17 points in the second half, while piling on 32 themselves. William Hynes led the way with 23 points for the Miners, while Austin McKenzie (13) and Liam Howard (nine) were also important in the win. For Melbourne, Justin Bond sunk 20 points, while Patrick Twigg finished with 16.
Meanwhile Nunawading Spectres had no issues remaining undefeated with a dominant 81-50 win over bottom-of-the-table Ringwood Hawks. The Spectres were shocked in the opening term to find themselves trailing by five points, before putting the foot down over the next three quarters to score 70 points to 34 in a complete dominating. James Roche scored 17 points, while Matthew Martini (13) and Adam Abou-Sinna (11) were impressive for the winners. Harrison Sealey stood up in defeat for the Hawks with 20 points, while Thomas Lock managed 12.
In other results, Korumburra Wildcats have stormed to an impressive 24-point win over Casey Cavaliers thanks to a 40-21 second half. Christian D’Angelo (22 points) and Keith Robinson (18) were busy on the offensive boards, while Patrick Ryan (13) and Luis D’Angelo (11) were also productive. Liam Ingram (16 points) and Jayden Route (10) were the top performers for the Cavaliers. Diamond Valley also overcame Hawthorn despite another spirited performance from the Magic. Erik Kafritsas scored 21 points for the Eagles, while Matt Marasco (19) and Ethan Bateman (15) were busy. For the Magic, Brody Nunn produced the top individual game for the season with 34 points, while Bassirou Faye sunk 15. The Keilor Thunder-Knox Raiders game scores are yet to be confirmed.
