SANDRINGHAM Sabres were able to find an extra effort in the final term to down Broadmeadows Broncos at home in Round 1 of the Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball League (MUVJBL) Under 18 Girls competition. The Sabres had the upperhand in the opening half, scoring 25 points to 20 to lead by five at the main break, but a huge third term from the visitors put the game on an even keel. Broadmeadows scored 11 points to six in a low-scoring term to level the scores at the last change, but Sandringham was able to find that burst in front of its home fans to score a game-high 20 points in the term, and win by four, 51-47.

Summer Keating was the main source of scoring for the Sabres, putting up 15 points including one from long range. She was far from alone however, as Maya Dear (12 points) and Charlotte Ryan (11) both combined well on the scoring front for the winners. Looking at Broadmeadows, the Broncos had the two key scorers on the night with Chrissy Triantafyllopoulos producing a team-high 14 points, whilst Emma Povh was the only player on court to successful sink multiple triples on her way to a respectable 10 points on the night.

Speaking of points, Dandenong Rangers had a flurry of them on their way to a massive 34-point win over Eltham Wildcats on the road. A 25-6 third term all but nailed the coffin shut for the Rangers who led by as much as 45 points at the final break before easing off in the last. Leah Mackenzie was unstoppable across the court with 21 points – including three triples – well supported by Nyadiew Puoch (15 points, one triple), Dallas Loughbridge (14, two) and Myah Healey (11, one). Megan Talevski scored a team-high 14 points for the Wildcats, whilst Keely Toohey and Mia Klaic both recorded 12 points in the loss.

Meanwhile Altona Gators defeated Knox Raiders by 12 points thanks to Monique Marcetic-Vaotangi (16 points) who worked well with Jordan Wilson (12) and Tyla Paraha (10) in the win, as Meg Robinson finished with a match-high 17. A 38-11 first half saw Melbourne Tigers completely destroy Ringwood Hawks before the visitors hit back for a final score of 60-43. Three Tigers scored double-figure points to Ringwood’s nine, as Victoria Poulos (16) was the top scorer, well aided by Tylah Hooper (13, including three triples). Finally, a Nunawading Spectres 2’s first term of 27-8 was all the home side needed on its way to a 20-point win over Frankston Blues. Ebony McMillan (17 points), Stephanie Georgantas (14) and Alannah Gillespie (13) were the most prominent scorers for the Spectres, whiles Gemma Simon sank three of the four match triples on her way to a team-high 13 points.

After a tight first term, Nunawading Spectres lifted the intensity to blow away Waverley Falcons by 44 points in the Watson Pool. The Spectres led by just two points at quarter time, but a 28-5 second term saw the home side run away with the contest early, and continued that momentum into the second half. Nunawading scored 18-8 in the third quarter and 17-8 in the final term on its way to a 79-35 win at home. Tayha Watkins shot a match-high 19 points which included a huge four triples, as she was well assisted by Luisa Fakalata (12 points), Stephanie Wales (12) and Grace Graham (10) in the victory. Falcons’ Hannah Griffith was the only scorer with double-figure points, shooting two triples on her way to a respectable 10 points.

The only other side to see the Spectres’ effort and go a step further was Kilsyth Cobras who completely dismantled Geelong United by 59 points. The Cobras’ defence kept United to just nine points in the second half as they piled on 54 points themselves to cruise to a huge 94-35 win. Ruby Nick (19 points) led the way, followed by Georgia Booth and Mariah Derkson (both 15). Meanwhile Diamond Valley also had a big win, downing McKinnon Cougars on the road by 35 points. Sophie Burrows dug deep for 17 points, while Jade Dunne and Imogen Rock put up 14 points apiece in the victory. Romy Price was a lone hand on the scoring front for the Cougars, drilling 12 of her team’s 30 points.

In the remaining two matches, Hawthorn Magic got past Ballarat Rush after keeping the Rush to just seven points in the first half, with Nikki Stanic shooting 14 points – including two three-pointers – while Emma Gebert (11) and Amy O’Hara (10) assisted strongly. Georgia Cox was the best on the losing side with 14 points. Keilor Thunder also mounted a huge come-from-behind four-point win over Bulleen Boomers, having trailed by nine at the final break. Led by Tess Heal (25 points), the Thunder roared to life in the final term with 17 points to four to run over the top of the Boomers. It was a great display of shooting prowess from two stars with Heal having an individual battle with Antoinette Emma-Nnopu (18 points) in the clash.

Round 1 results:

Ashe Pool:

Altona Gators (59) defeated Knox Raiders (47)
Eltham Wildcats (49) defeated by Dandenong Rangers (83)
Melbourne Tigers (60) defeated Ringwood Hawks (423)
Nunawading Spectres 2 (68) defeated Frankston Blues (48)
Sandringham Sabres (51) defeated Broadmeadows Broncos (47)

Watson Pool:

McKinnon Cougars (30) defeated by Diamond Valley Eagles (65)
Geelong United (35) defeated by Kilsyth Cobras (94)
Hawthorn Magic (53) defeated Ballarat Miners (35)
Keilor Thunder (49) defeated Bulleen Boomers (45)
Nunawading Spectres (79) defeated Waverley (35)