SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - SANDHURST DIVISION

Senior Basketball

On Friday 22 May our Senior Boys and Girls Basketball Teams competed in the Sandhurst Division Basketball Competition at Red Energy Arena. With both teams keen for success, they arrived with enthusiasm and keen for the day ahead.

SENIOR GIRLS

The Senior Girls team arrived at the courts with just five players as a compulsory subject excursion robbed them of key players, however the girls still believed that they had a strong contingent and believed that they had the talent to get the wins required to achieve success on the day.

Game 1 saw the girls take on Marist College Bendigo. The match started evenly, however with continued pressure and confident forward passages of play the girls slowly established a lead. Everyone was contributing at both ends of the court and as a result the girls were able to secure a strong and convincing first-up win 67 to 32.

Game 2 was against Bendigo Senior Secondary College, and the team knew that this was going to be a much tougher game. After an even start, the brilliance of Lacey Nihill became a massive highlight, as she sank a multitude of 3-point bombs, one after another, to give the team a great lead. With full court pressure and the skill of Lexie Fennell directing play, the trio of Jemma Thomas, Dempsey McDonnell and Lyndal Bannan were all able to make solid and valuable contributions, both on the score board and in the defensive half. A brilliant win resulted, by a team that was fully committed to working together, giving it their all and achieving success.

Thanks to Mr Andronicos and Ms Dowling for coaching and managing the team on the day.

Special thanks also to Mia Cox and Sophie McDermott who scored for both Teams on the day. Their assistance was invaluable and appreciated.

TEAM: Mr Matt Andronicos (Coach), Lacey Nihill, Mia Cox (Helper), Lyndal Bannan, Lexie Fennell, Jemma Thomas, Dempsey McDonnell, Mrs Madeline Dowling (Team Manager) Sophie McDermott (Helper)

SENIOR BOYS

Three games stood between the Senior Boys Basketball team and the shield for the SSV Sandhurst Division.

In the first game against Marist College Bendigo, the team was eager to start strong and purposefully. History told us the game could be a challenge if we didn’t start well, so the squad kicked it into gear and gained the upper hand early. Whether from the arc or on the drive, the whole team found their way to the basket to score and started the day with a fantastic win, 60 to 42.

Game two was against SEDA, and with some quick rotations off the bench, the team once again jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Scoring came from all areas, as the boys were able to share the points around, finishing with another convincing win.

Game three was the game of the day, coming up against Bendigo Senior Secondary College, who were also undefeated. With a tough opposition waiting the team came together before the start of the match, discussed what was required from one another during the game, and sought to put plans into action straight away. Impressive shooting from outside the 3-point arc was paying dividends and consistent and supported pressure on the defensive end was forcing errors. At the half, the boys had a good lead, but knew the game wasn’t done. BSSC came out hard in the second half and started to bridge the gap. Composure however held for the CMCB team, and they continued to score, rebound and defend, right till the end, taking the win 46 -37. The victory sealed the result for the team, taking the Sandhurst shield and also qualifying for the Loddon Mallee Regional Finals which are to be played in Echuca on Friday 24 May.

Mr Colin Hogan (Coach)

TEAM: Jake Schubert, Aaron Dimaano, Nicholas Harvey, Camden Mould, Gil Neilson, Joshua Mundy, Dilly Dearricott, Jake Gribble, Max Connick, Mr Colin Hogan (Coach)