By Hayley Wildes
SEABL is back for the Dandenong Rangers!
In what was a weekend of mixed results, the women made it one win from two outings, whilst the men lost their season opener.
Both teams travelled to Ballarat on Friday night to open their respective seasons against the Miners.
The men were stifled by Ballarat in the first quarter, as the Miners put up 28 points, whilst the Rangers could only muster 15 of their own.
To the Rangers credit, they fought back in the next two quarters, outscoring the Miners 47-33 over those 20 minutes of game time.
With the Rangers leading 62-61 with one quarter to go, it looked like we were set for a thrilling final 10 minutes.
It wasn’t to be though as Ballarat went on a 9-0 to begin the final quarter. From there, Dandenong were unable to make inroads, as the Miners had all the answers.
The Miners ran away 95-84 winners, as Davon Usher (31 points) and Marvin King-Davis (20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists) were too much for the Rangers.
Lucas Barker was a workhorse all night, playing all 40 minutes and registering a ridiculous triple-double of 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. His ability to run the offence is exactly what we’ve become accustomed to over the years.
The women, playing without star Tess Lavey who is competing in the Commonwealth Games, were no match for Ballarat.
Ballarat took the lead early and Dandenong were unable to get back into the game, as the Miners led all night, eventually claiming a 73-51 win.
Leia Hanafin (14 points, 5 rebounds) was impressive, whilst Taylah Giliam (9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists) battled valiantly all night.
In what was an impressive turnaround, the Rangers were able to put that defeat behind them quickly as they bounced back against the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in their home opener on Sunday.
After a tight first half, the Rangers asserted themselves in the second half, outscoring their opponents 38-22 as they lifted their defensive intensity.
After a strong performance on Friday night, Leia Hanafin was again impressive for the Rangers as she dished out 10 assists, as well as scoring eight points and grabbing four steals. Tayla Roberts (21 points, 11 rebounds) was dominant on both ends.
Dandenong ran out 80-61 winners.
In round two action, both teams will be taking on the Sandringham Sabres in a double-header on Saturday night at Dandenong Stadium. The women tip-off at 5pm, whilst the men take the court at 7pm.
BIGV
In Casey BigV action, the Division 1 Women continued their undefeated start to season, handling the Werribee Devils, 71-64.
Tarryn Wilkin (11 points, 9 rebounds) and Tanarly Hood (14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists) led the way for the Lady Cavs, but it was a total team effort with major contributions from the entire squad.
Hood’s game was one of leadership and determination as she played all 40 minutes, whilst Kelley Patterson’s 16 points – including four triples – were crucial down the stretch.
Unfortunately for the State Championship Men, the Blackburn Vikings were too strong as they recorded their maiden win in season 2018.
Despite the 84-71 loss, there were some fine individual performances that prove, if they can pull it all together in time, this team can make some noise.
Raheem Lemons (17 points, 11 rebounds), Brandon Polk (10 points, 15 rebounds) and Matt Donlan (15 points, 6 rebounds) continued their strong starts to the season.
Donlan’s three-point shooting is vital to the Cavs; his ability to create his own shot and shoot off the catch makes him a tough cover for any defence.
Brendan Trewella, who has dominated this season for Blackburn proved to be the match-winner for the Vikings. He was simply unstoppable, recording 25 points (10/13FG), 7 assists, 6 steals and 4 rebounds.
Both the Youth League Men 1 and Youth League Women 2 tasted victory over the weekend.
The Youth League Men 1 were dominant against the Coburg Giants, recording a 65-92 win.
Luke Beard poured in 29 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, whilst Hunter Marks continued his strong run of form with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Youth League Women 2 took care of business against the Werribee Devils, 66-51.
Lauren Tuplin again showed her class with 23 points and 5 rebounds, whilst Tess Young added 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in a commanding performance.
