THE Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) action continued over the weekend across a number of age groups, with a smorgasbord of games going ahead. Some of Victoria’s best and brightest talents once again were showcased on the weekend, as the nation’s basketball factory continues to grow. There was a lot to take out of the week in the Under-18 boys competition, with the VC Ashe and VC Watson divisions producing a total of nine games across the courts on Friday night.

There were a few matches that gathered intrigue heading in, including the matchup between the Sandringham Sabres and Dandenong Rangers at Sandringham Family Leisure Centre on Friday night. The home side was widely expected to get the job done over a Rangers team that had been solid to start the year, but a step behind their Round 7 opponents. Despite entering the game as underdogs, Dandenong put up a hell of a fight in the first three quarters, and although Sandringham displayed its class in the final term and broke away for a 13-point triumph, it was still a highly entertaining game that showcased how close the competition truly is.

Sandringham Sabres (87) def. Dandenong Rangers (74)

There was a lot of smooth moving offence to start the contest, with both sides firing in the first 10 minutes of play. It appeared there was a bit of an emphasis on ball movement, with some drive-and-kick movement resulting in easy looks for both sides. It was tied at 22 apiece at the conclusion of the first period, and it was evident that the Rangers had come to play, and Sandringham had a game on its hands. Quarter number two saw a similar output from both teams, although the Sabres were just slightly ahead on the scoreboard. The contest was panning out in an even manner, but it was beginning to show why the home side had a strong record coming in. They led by three points when the buzzer sounded to conclude the first half.

The second half kicked off with offence continuing to flow for both teams, although it was similar to the second quarter in the sense that Sandringham was a small step ahead of its opposition. Casher Dear was a serious offensive threat for the Sabres, and they managed to extend their lead by two points with just 10 minutes on the clock. However, the Rangers were still a red hot chance to cause an upset, but it would take their best on both ends of the court. They could not produce such an effort, and their scoring dried up as their shooting percentage took a hit. In the end, the Sabres were able to maintain their offensive output and cruise home to a 13-point win.

Dear had a terrific outing in the end for the Sabres, pouring in a game-high 26 points and proving a reliable avenue to a bucket. When the game was there to be won in the first three quarters, Dear was amongst the action, demanding the ball and often rewarding those who gave it to him. Aiden McCarthy was also impressive with 18 points of his own. For the Rangers, Noah Suarjaya and Alexander Barr combined for 30 points, and almost got Dandenong over the line for a fair upset.

Across the courts

As discussed above, eight other games took place around Victorian courts, and there was a lot of quality basketball on Friday night.

VC Ashe

Kilsyth (68) def. Frankston (72)
Nunawading (86) def. by Bulleen (91)
Casey (78) def. McKinnon (65)

VC Watson

Knox (94) def. Geelong United (53)
Bendigo (71) def. Diamond Valley (46)
Melbourne (52) drew Ballarat (52)
Eltham (40) def. by Wangaratta (43)
Keilor (69) def. Camberwell (48)