By Hayley Wildes
The Pakenham Warriors came away with one win and two losses in Round 9 Big V action.
The Division 2 Men were unable to match the firepower of Craigieburn as the Eagles asserted their dominance in the final quarter to run out 87-70 winners at Cardinia Life on Saturday night.
Big man Josh Bjelan (17 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists) was a force on both ends of the court as he tried his best to keep the Warriors in it. Robin Maartens also chipped in with 12 points.
It wasn’t enough though, as three Eagles scored at least 19 points to spread the load and grab the win.
The loss was Pakenham’s second in a row and they now sit sixth on the ladder with a 5-5 record.
The Youth League 2 Men made light work of the Western Port Steelers at home on Saturday evening. Leading from start to finish, the Warriors took control in the first quarter and ran out 99-81 winners.
Ned Weideman gave the Steelers defence fits as he caught fire, finishing with 35 points (five triples) in an efficient and dominant display. Weideman wasn’t content with just scoring though, also recording 15 rebounds, 5 assist and 2 blocks.
Lee Belton added 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.
Pakenham remains fourth on the ladder with a record of 8-3 – just one loss more than the top-placed Melton Thoroughbreds.
The Youth League 2 Women were unable to overcome a slow start against the Blackburn Vikings on Sunday afternoon.
The Vikings jumped out to a 23-8 lead early, but to the Warriors credit, they fought back and almost pulled off a most unlikely comeback win, falling agonisingly short 69-70.
Samantha Neil (13 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, 4 blocks) was tremendous all game, while Sarah Thomson (16 points) top-scored for the Warriors. Ellie Coutts (8 points, 6 assists, 5 steals, 4 rebounds) was her usual do-it-all self.
The loss was Pakenham’s second of the season and the team still sits second on the ladder with an impressive 7-2 record.
The weekend was one of milestones for Pakenham, with Ben Gaze, Aidan Jenkinson and Tobie Dean celebrating 50-game milestones, and Craig Drew and Brad Szalek the magical 150.
In Round 10 Big V action, the Division 2 Men will head to Coburg on Saturday night to take on the second-placed Giants, while the Youth League 2 Women face the Southern Peninsula Sharks on the road on Saturday night.
The Youth League 2 Men have a busy weekend ahead, with a 6pm clash against Craigieburn at Cardinia Life on Saturday, before heading to Collingwood to battle the All Stars on Sunday afternoon.
