It was a massive week for our four Big V teams as we begin to hit the half way point of the season. With some teams finding great form and others looking to get back on track for the second half of the season there’s plenty to read in this weeks Big V recap.
NAVEXA DIVISION 1 MEN
Another doubleheader this weekend saw our Stingrays head to Bellarine for the first of the annual rivalry games. A Back and forth game saw a 17 point lead built by the Stingrays over the first half slowly evaporate into the fourth. Being outscored by 11 in the second half the Stingrays were able to hang on in the dying minutes to secure a 6 point win. Jack Moran (Surfcoasters) was inserted into the starting line-up and did well to steady the ship with a 16 point 13 rebound double double. Michael Rebula’s (Vytis) 11 and Rody Spoormakers (SG Kings) 10 off the bench also helped with the scoring load.
Sunday the team headed to the jetty to board the ferry across to Southern Penn. Being one of only two losses on the season, the Stingrays were out for some revenge, and with Sharks’ import, Dareon Jones out, it was all Corio the whole way. An emphatic 27 point win pushed the team to 2nd on the Big V ladder and within striking distance of leaders Melbourne Uni. Against the Sharks, Dane Bow (Try Boys) reminded the league of how good his sharp-shooting is as he poured in 24 points in just 18 minutes including 6 threes. Lachlan Headlam (Vytis) was also great with 13 while Rody Spoormakers (SG Kings) was great off the bench again with 11.
The team will look ahead to the weekend where they will face Bulleen in East Doncaster before heading to the Geelong Arena to take on Shepparton. Two win’s this weekend would push the team to the top of the ladder so make sure you get down to support your Men!
TOP PERFORMERS
Dane Bow 24 points (6-10 from 3) 4 rebounds 2 assists
Jack Moran 16 points 13 rebounds
NAVEXA DIVISION 2 WOMEN
It was a tough day out for our Navexa Division 2 Women as they fell to a well-drilled Blackburn side 41-75. The offensive rhythm just wasn’t there for the team on Sunday as they struggled from the field connection on only 23% of their shots. Being outrebounded by 19 throughout the game, missing Holly Robinson (Surfcoast) and Abby Loughhead (YMCA) was definitely a contributing factor. For the Rays, Alex Trezise (Sharks) led the way with 16 points and was backed up by Jess Scannell’s 10 point 11 rebound double double.
The girls will head to Mornington on Sunday where they will look to get back in the winner’s column and climb the ladder.
TOP PERFORMERS
Alex Trezise 16 points 3 rebounds 2 assists
Jessica Scannell 10 points 11 rebounds
NAVEXA YOUTH LEAGUE 1 MEN
A double header this weekend saw our Youth League Men hit the road to Collingwood on Saturday night to face the All-Stars. Missing key starters the Men put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell to the hot shooting All-Stars. Kuol Reech led the way with 14 and 1- and was backed up well by Matthew Jennings (CC Eagles) 13 and 8 but it was not enough as the team went down 111 to 70.
Sunday was a new day as the boys hit the Geelong Arena for a clash with the Craigieburn Eagles. A back and forth game saw the team head to the main break with a slim 3 point lead. However, the toll of Saturday’s affair was too much as the Men ran out of legs in the second half falling away for a 7 point loss.
The boys will look to bounce back on Sunday at home as they take on the Hume City Broncos.
TOP PERFORMERS
Kuol Reech 14 points 11 rebounds
Matthew Jennings 13 points 8 rebounds
Patrick Johnstone 16 points 9 rebounds 4 assists
NAVEXA YOUTH LEAGUE 1 WOMEN
Also lining up for a double header this weekend, our Youth League Women hit the highway to Craigieburn on Saturday night for a battle with the Eagles. A back and forth game saw the Eagles take control late in the third and hold on for a 14 point win as the final buzzer sounded. Alana Anthony led the way with 12 points.
Sunday the girls hit the floor against McKinnon looking for some revenge. However tired legs and some tough shooting meant that it was just not to be as they fell 53-76. Vanessa Marsh (Pivot) led all scorers in the game with 17 while Grace Spehar impressed again with 17 rebounds.
The girls will look to bounce back against Camberwell at Balywn next Sunday.
TOP PERFORMERS
Alana Anthony 12 points 3 rebounds 3 assists 3 steals
Vanessa Marsh 17 points 4 rebounds 4 assists 4 steals
Grace Spehar 7 points 17 rebounds
