DANDENONG Rangers moved to fifth spot in the Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball League (MUVJBL) Under-18 Girls Championship Division following a big 37-79 win on the road against the Southern Peninsula Sharks. The Rangers kicked off the first half in dominant fashion, scoring 30 points to 10 in the first and 20 to five in second. Their dominance continued in the third term where they outscored 23-5, before giving up the final term with six points to 17. NBL1 representative, Elly Morgan, was immense in the victory with 19 points – moving to seventeenth spot for league scoring. She was accompanied well by Leah Mackenzie (12), Makaela Zeldenryk (11) and Leia Hanafin (11), who all starred on the floor. For the Sharks, Emirson Devenie led on the scoreboard – amassing 15 points on her way to twelfth spot for league scoring. Charli Dobson followed next on 10.
Nunawading Spectres earned their twelfth consecutive win in their match-up with Hawthorn Magic at home (61-38). The 23-point victory came off the back of a big second half for the Spectres – only dropping 11 points to 15 in the first half. The Spectres moved to a 50-point second half, compared to Magic’s 23 points – recording only four points in the third term. NBL representative, Louisa Fakalata recorded 19 points to snare top spot for league scoring. Teammate, Tarni Brown, also impressed for the Spectres, scoring 10 points in the win. For the Magic, Ryleh Killian led on the board with 12 points, while Casey Dunstan followed next with 10 points. The win moves the Spectres to third place as they continue to press the Bulleen Boomers and Knox Raiders for the number one spot. Hawthorn slip outside the top-eight with their third consecutive loss.
The top eight continued to reign supreme as Bulleen Boomers earned a 50-41 win over Geelong Supercats at Mullum Mullum. Picking up back-to-back wins, the Boomers retained second spot on the table as the Spectres press one position below as the most in-form team in the competition. For the first, third and fourth terms, just a combined two points separated the side. It was Boomers’ dominant second term (19-8) that eventually led them to victory – closing out with a nine-point win. NBL1 representative, Erin Riley led on the board for the home-side with 16 points. Casey Valenti-Paea and Alexandra Keating followed next with 11 and 10 points respectively – Keating moving to second spot for league scoring, and Valenti-Paea to ninth. Carly Remmos scored well for the Supercats with 11 points, followed next by fellow NBL1 representative, Alishia Knights, on eight.
Knox Raiders retained top-spot as they rejoined the winner’s list with a 58-47 win over the Bendigo Braves at home. The Raiders dominated the first half, entering the main break 34-19. They eased off the pedal in the second half at 24-28 and rode comfortably to victory. NBL1 representative, Charlise Dunn, led on the board for the Raiders, scoring 17 points on her way to eighth for league scoring. Arielle Mackey-Williams followed next with 12 points. For the Braves, NBL1 representative, Piper Dunlop led on the board with 13 points, followed next by Meg Mccarthy on 12. The Braves retain eighth spot following the result, while Knox maintain their space, one win ahead of Bulleen.
Altona Gators moved to sixth on the table with a 51-67 win over the Diamond Valley Eagles at Community Bank Stadium. The result dropped Diamond Valley to twelfth as they picked up their second consecutive loss in a fortnight. In the contest, the Gators took an early lead with a 26-11 first term. They failed to back it up in the second with 5-13 – taking a 31-24 lead into the break. They continued their efforts into the second half and moved comfortably to a 16-point win. Kayla Salmons led the game in scoring with 22 points on her way to eleventh spot for league scoring. Tyla Paraha almost emerged for the Raiders with 17 points. For the Eagles, Jade Dunne scored 16 points to move to seventh spot for league scoring, while Georgia Kitchell follows close on 12.
In the Reserve grade, Dandenong Rangers snared a 56-49 win over Pakenham Warriors, Warrandyte Venom defeated Frankston Blues (55-32) at home, and Broadmeadows Broncos lost 38-54 at home against Kilsyth Cobras. We continue the round with Keilor Thunder snared a 73-64 win over Nunawading Spectres and Melbourne Tigers defeated McKinnon 67-38 at home.
In the Championship Division for Round 7, Geelong Supercats host Altona Gators, the Knox Raiders come up against Diamond Valley Eagles, and Hawthorn Magic face Dandenong Rangers. The round continues with Nunawading Spectres facing top-end competitors, Bulleen Boomers, and Bendigo Braves hosting Southern Peninsula Sharks.
