U/15 BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS CUP

What a fantastic day it was for the U/15 Basketball Champions Cup, down at the State Basketball Centre on Tuesday 12 August. We got off to a solid start, with quick transition basketball and tight defence on display going into the half time break. However, the second half saw our scoring dry up and Templestowe come back at us. Some composure and nice shooting from Maggie McDonald in the last couple of minutes meant we got the win (29-25).

Game two was against Lowanna. This game was a great all round team performance, with terrific pressure up the court. All guards either caused direct turnovers, or their intense pressure meant others could come through with an intercept. All girls did not stop running and pushing the ball up the court. The stand out for the game was Lyla Kenny, with a massive inside game, scoring 17 points. Overall we won (44-14).

Game three, the last of the pool games, was against Berwick College #2. After a slow start and an apparent lack of intensity from the group, a quick time out was needed to snap the girls back to their usual high standard of playing. They then came out with a bang and saw us have a lead of 25-9 at the half time break. Everyone was getting around each other and bringing lots of energy on the court. Another all-round team performance meant the scoring load was shared. Asha Albones stood out as a clear leader in this game, ensuring everyone was getting involved as well as being able to take it to the hoop and finishing strongly. We ended up winning 52-18.

After the pool games all 20 teams were ranked from their performances on the day, and we ended up finishing 3rd with a final game to play against Edinburgh College. This was a must win game and it was intense from the start. The girls worked together as a team, kept their cool and brought the intensity in the defensive end of the court. It was a tough battle with lots of momentum changes but the girls held on to win by 2 points. We are now into the elite 8 competition in a few weeks’ time!

- Kara Shuttleworth, Coach

TEAM