KILSYTH Cobras have set the pace early with a dominant 70-32 win over Keilor Thunder to sit atop of the Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball League (MUVJBL) Under 18 Boys Championship Division ladder. The Cobras had an impressive win, led by Roosevelt Williams who posted 25 points, while Josh Duach finished with 10 in the win. For Keilor, Paul Tsapatolis led the way with 14 points, while Jeffrey Ofoedu sank seven.
Dandenong Rangers produced their best win of the season with a dominant 24-point win on the road against National Junior Classic runners-up Melbourne Tigers. The Rangers looked to be at their best when they stormed to a 71-47 victory, with Leyi Adebayo (17 points), Harrison Bowater (13), Riley Simmons (10) and Marcus Windhager (10) all reaching double figures. For the Tigers, Jordan Adams was the sole double-figure scorer, finishing the match with 16 points.
One of the most thrilling contests of the weekend was a three-point win to Bendigo Braves over Werribee Devils. The Braves got over the line at home in a 66-63 victory, largely in part due to the influence of Caleb Connick (33 points). Isaac Murphy (12 points) and Jordan Michel (10) were also busy at the post, while Majur Jongkuch (20 points), Darrien Herbert (13) and Adam Kempton (10) were the top performers for the Devils.
Nunawading Spectres had an equally tight game in a seven-point win over a brave Korumburra Wildcats outfit. James Roche was superb for the Spectres, dropping 33 points in the 68-61 win. Curtis Brecko (14) was the other key scorer for the Spectres, while for the Wildcats it was Keith Robinson up to his usual tricks with 24 points, while Patrick Ryan (14) was key in keeping the visitors in the game.
In the final game of the round, Bulleen Boomers got over the line away against Diamond Valley Eagles, 48-43. The points were shared around from both teams with Nicholas Woodall (12 points), Owen Foxwell (11) and Oscar Hyde (10) all busy in the forward half for the Boomers in the five-point victory. In defeat, Ethan Bateman (11 points) and Matt Marasco (10) were the most prominent.
In the reserve grade, Hawthorn Magic finally tasted victory for the first time, defeating Collingwood All Stars 53-38, while Casey Cavaliers had a massive win over Ringwood Hawks, 83-38. Dandenong Rangers 2 got one up on Geelong Supercats 60-49, while Eltham Wildcats defeated Knox Raiders 74-59, and Waverley Falcons knocked off Ballarat Miners 78-58.
For Round 2 in the Championship Division, Kilsyth will travel to Werribee, two Round 1 winners in Nunawading and Bulleen will go head-to-head, while Bendigo hosts Keilor, Dandenong travels to Diamond Valley, and Korumburra hosts Melbourne.
