IN the weekend’s Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) Under-18 Boys VC Watson fixture, the two best sides are set to lock horns in a massive matchup. In the first eight rounds, the Knox Raiders and the Ballarat Miners have started the strongest and currently occupy the top two on the ladder. They are set to go head to head at Knox Basketball Stadium on Friday night, in what is shaping up to be the match of the round.

Both sides have proven to be high-scoring outfits that like to share the rock and create the best look possible. It will be interesting to see which offence reigns supreme and which defence can halt the momentum of the opposition. While the standings are unlikely to change at the end of the round (unless Ballarat can make up some serious percentage with a blowout win), it is still a massive game in the context of the season and may shape how the ladder looks in the weeks to come. In what is likely to be a very tense affair, it will be a good test of character for the two contenders.

Knox Raiders vs. Ballarat Miners
Friday, May 27 @8:20pm
Knox Basketball Stadium

The Raiders have been the strongest side to start season 2022 in the VC Watson division, remaining undefeated from their first eight outings and announcing itself as the side to beat for the year to date. They have produced a style of basketball that is not only exciting to watch, but successful on the court to boot. With a talented roster to work with, they have not been bested by any side throughout the year, and will be keen on keeping that streak rolling on Friday night. The Raiders will face their toughest challenge yet in the form of the Miners, but if recent form is anything to go off, why should they be concerned?

It was predicted by some that Melbourne would be the first side to hand Knox a loss in 2022, but with a 33-point victory, the Raiders quashed those doubts. Austin Rapp was his usual damaging self with 25 points in the win, and should feature heavily here.

The Ballarat Miners have been nearly equally as impressive to start the year, recording seven wins from their first eight clashes. If not for a slip up against Eltham, they too would be unbeaten and hold an identical record to their Round 9 opponents. Despite being a win behind, Ballarat will not go into the game as heavy underdogs by any means, but will still need to bring their best against a Knox side that looks tough to beat at the moment.

However, if they can replicate their form from the 32-point triumph over Diamond Valley, then they might just give the Raiders their first loss. In that win, Lucas Impey led the way with 19 points and will be a focal point of the team’s offence again on Friday night.

Across the courts

There will be plenty more basketball to consume apart from the game mentioned above, with another nine games on the cards for Friday night.

VC Ashe

Sandringham vs. Gippsland United, 8:20pm, Sandringham Family Leisure Centre
Dandenong vs. McKinnon, 9:40pm, Dandenong Stadium
Bulleen vs. Casey, 9:40pm, Mullum Mullum Stadium
Nunawading vs. Kilsyth, 9:40pm, Nunawading Basketball Centre
Southern Peninsula vs. Frankston, 9:40pm, Dromana College

VC Watson

Diamond Valley vs. Eltham, 8:20pm, Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre
Camberwell vs. Wangaratta, 9:20pm, Balwyn High School
Bendigo vs. Melbourne, 9:20pm, Bendigo Stadium
Keilor vs. Geelong, 9:40pm, Keilor Stadium