SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA SANDHURST DIVISION

Intermediate Basketball

INTERMEDIATE GIRLS

Game 1 v Crusoe College

Opening the day against Crusoe College, the girls were full of smiles and keen to get into the action. Starting with a full court, fast-running game, the girls got out to an early lead. Some great pressure and steals maintained the advantage throughout both halves and saw the team finish with a strong win, 25-10.

Game 2 v Marist College Bendigo

The girls rolled into the second game confidently and quickly. Pressing well, intercepting passes and taking drives when the space opened up, saw the advantage build rapidly. Rotations through the bench saw brilliant play from everyone, with strong rebounding coming into play. By the final buzzer, it was a satisfying 53-11 win.

Game 3 v Creek Street Christian College

For Game 3, the girls chose a more relaxed start and settled into a smooth-running game. Creek Street were able to frequently hit the scoreboard, and so the team responded in the second half. Full court defence, turnovers and strong rebounding accelerated the score to a solid advantage, taking the win 59-18.

Semi Final v Weeroona College

Right from the tip-off, the girls were keen to get the job done and their pressure style of play came to the fore. Fast hands, quick steals and consistent shooting and rebounding dominated both ends of the court and demonstrated the depth of players coming off the bench. The emphatic win set up a grand final birth and had the girls excited. Final score 47-2.

Grand Final v Victory Christian College

The Grand Final had been slated early as the toughest match of the day, and a laser focus came over the girls before tip-off. An intense start and consistent tight pressure saw the girls jump to an early lead. Victory were equally determined and put the pressure right back on. Accurate shooting proved pivotal and fast break-play gave the girls a handy, yet slender lead going into the half, but they knew Victory would come out hard again. The girls controlled the intensity early and stuck tight to the opposition, landing some clutch shots at the end to secure a well-deserved win and the Sandhurst Division Title, 25-20.

Throughout the day, the team displayed a great understanding of the need to work together, stay composed and play their own game.

Thanks to Lexie Walsh for scoring and special thanks to our student referees, Owen Perry, James Everton and William Everton, whose willingness to referee throughout the day was greatly appreciated.

INTERMEDIATE GIRLS: Mrs Julie Fennell (Coach), Ellie Macumber, Poppy Gladstone, Sophie McDermott, Etta Place, Lilly Teuma, Mr Colin Hogan (Coach), Rylee Marsh, Alexis Arundell, Sienna Raco, Poppy Carter, Elle Gilchrist

INTERMEDIATE BOYS

Game 1 v Creek Street Christian College

Opening the day against Creek Street Christian College, the boys got away to a great start as they established an early lead. In what was effectively their first game playing together, they did amazingly well, playing as a team and sharing the ball around with everyone contributing. Score 25-10.

Game 2 v Marist College Bendigo

The game against Marist proved to be the toughest pool game for the boys, as Marist had some very skilled and tough players. The difference in the end was the outstanding defensive efforts from Darcy, Bentley, Eli and Jaxon on their better players as they were able to wear them down and not let them find their rhythm. Add in a great effort from Charlie Dickins who out-battled their very athletic tall player, and a well-deserved victory resulted.

Game 3 v East Loddon P-12 College

Game 3 against East Loddon may have been the boys’ easiest game of the day, but they were intent on making sure they kept working on their game style and cohesion in preparation for the harder games to come.

Game 4 v Crusoe College

The last pool game of the day saw the boys up against another very handy team from Crusoe. Once again, a focused defensive effort on their best players and some brilliant offence saw the boys secure another good win and ultimately finish top of their pool to secure a spot in the Grand Final.

Grand Final v Victory Christian College

Victory was always going to be the toughest game of the day, and the boys did a tremendous job against them, especially considering Victory train every week. Scores were level at half-time and still level with less than two minutes to go. Outstanding efforts from Archer and Isaiah to keep the game alive in the dying minutes were a highlight, but unfortunately the boys just couldn’t quite get it done. The final result was a tense 26-21 loss, but the effort of the team was phenomenal and the skill level of the match was incredible to watch.

Throughout the day, the boys did an amazing job of playing as a team, being generous and knuckling down on the defensive jobs assigned to them. Congratulations boys.

INTERMEDIATE BOYS: Mr Matt Andronicos (Coach), Bentley Geary, Charlie Macumber, Isaiah Cass, Charlie Dickins, Archer Tuohey, Jake Gribble (Assistant), Darcy Tyler, Lon Schelfhout, Jaxon Kelly, Quinlan Cody, Eli Fennell, Oscar Connolly (scorer)