LAST weekend saw the first round of the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) kick off in fantastic fashion, and the competition is back for another batch of games. This week’s schedule has plenty of exciting clashes on the cards as it looks to back up last weekend’s high-quality action. The sides that got off to a strong start last week will be looking to make this a habit, while those who could not fire in the opening round will be eager to make amends in their respective Round 2 matchups. Either way, expect some fantastic basketball around Metropolitan Melbourne on Friday night.

Sandringham vs Frankston
Friday, March 18 @ 9:40pm
Sandringham Leisure Centre

With a number of intriguing clashes on the cards for this weekend, the ladder could look very different come the end of the round. One of the matchups that will certainly have a say in this is the game between Sandringham and Frankston at Sandringham Leisure Centre on Friday night. The two teams started the season in contrasting fashion, but given how unpredictable the start of the season usually is.

Sandringham kicked off its 2022 campaign in style last round, emerging victorious in the clash against McKinnon to get themselves on the winners’ list early. They were just too classy for their opponents, with their offseason training paying off in a big way as they outworked and outperformed whatever lineup McKinnon threw at them. It’s hard to imagine a better start, and they will be keen on backing it up this weekend against a Frankston side that stalled to start the season. Keep an eye on the efforts of Cody Goonewardene, as he was his side’s top-scorer last weekend, and will be likely involved in the team’s offence once again this week.

The Blues were a bit underwhelming to start the season, but after a tumultious preparation riddled with COVID-drama (as many teams have endured), it was slightly expected. They will be eager to bounce back this week, and implement their fast-paced style of play. Against Casey last week, they were blown away in the second term, which essentially put the result out of reach. If they wish to bounce back, these lapses must be removed from their game. Ensuring they remain competitive for four quarters will go a long way in getting their first win of the season. Kynan Phillippe impressed last round with a team-high 19 points, so he should be amongst the action this week again.

There are still a number of other clashes set to take place around Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs this weekend, so there will be no shortage of basketball action for fans to enjoy as Victoria’s premier young basketball talents hit the court.

Across the grounds:

VC Ashe

Dandenong vs Casey, 9:40pm, Dandenong Stadium
Nunawading vs Gippsland United, 9:40pm, Nunawading Basketball Centre
Kilsyth vs McKinnon, 9:40pm, Kilsyth Basketball Stadium
Southern Peninsula vs Bulleen, 8:00pm, Dromana College

VC Watson

Keilor vs Ballarat, 8:20pm, Keilor Stadium
Melbourne vs Wangaratta, 8:20pm, Mill Park Stadium
Knox vs Diamond Valley, 8:20pm, Knox Basketball Stadium
Camberwell vs Eltham, 9:20pm, Balwyn High School
Bendigo vs Geelong United, 9:20pm, Bendigo Stadium