NAVEXA DIVISION 1 MEN
The final of three doubleheaders has come to an end for the Stingrays men as they split the weekend to maintain a second place on the Division 1 ladder.
A trip up the highway to face the Bulleen Boomers proved to be a tough test for the under-maned Rays. With only 8 healthy players on the roster the team fought hard in what was a back and forth contest right the way through. Trailing by 2 at the half some inspired defence in the second half set up a thrilling finish with a crucial block from Cohen Blythe (Pivot City) ensuring the win was secured 82-76. With an even scoring load of 5 in double figures, it was a great team effort to keep the team high in the standings. Cohen Blythe was outstanding with 24/8/4 to go with 8 steals and 4 blocks!
Sunday the boys headed home to face the Shepparton Gators. The game turned into a slugfest, in which the lead was never more than 6 for either side. The banged-up Stingrays fought valiantly but dried up offensively in the fourth managing only 9 points, marking the first time this season they failed to hit double digits in a quarter. The insertion of Michael Rebula (Vytis) sparked the team up with his 24 points and 8 rebounds, however, the tall frontcourt and late heroics from Garret Jefferson left the Stingrays stung at a golden opportunity to take the top spot on the ladder.
The team will regroup and look to Sunday where they will face Keysborough in a battle to maintain the second spot on the ladder with both teams sitting 9-3 and 9-2 respectively. Make sure you get down to the Geelong Arena this Sunday to support the men!
TOP PERFORMERS
Cohen Blythe 24/8/4 8 steals 4 blocks // 8 points 8 rebounds 10 assists
Michael Rebula 24 points 8 rebounds 2 steals
Aaron Ruiz 15 points 9 rebounds 2 steals
NAVEXA DIVISION 2 WOMEN
The Stingrays Women hit the highway once again this week, travelling to Mornington to take on the Breakers. The women, much like the men have been struck by illness and injuries over the past few weeks and it was evident in this one. Despite valiant efforts by the always terrific Jess Scannell and newcomer Carly Remmos, the team struggled against the deep Breakers, going down 74-52. Scannell posted yet another double-double with 20 and 10 to go with 3 blocks while Remmos recorded 12 points and 8 rebounds.
The Rays will look to regroup as they face Collingwood at home this Sunday and look to pick up another win against the All-Stars.
TOP PERFORMERS
Jess Scannell 20 points 8 rebounds 3 blocks
Carly Remmos 12 points 8 rebounds
Bree Matthews 8 points 5 rebounds 4 assists 2 steals
NAVEXA YOUTH LEAGUE 1 MEN
Our Youth League Men got back in the winnerβs column this week as they took care of business at home against the Hume City Broncos, 91-75. Building a 13 points lead in the first half, the boys let the lead slip to just 3 at halftime, as Hume made a late run to keep it close. An even 3rd quarter with each side scoring 17 a piece set up a final quarter showdown for the W. The United boys put on a scoring clinic while tightening up their defence, outscoring the Broncos by 13 points to take home the 16 point win. Jay Posterino (Try Boys), or Mr Consistency, was back with his usual 20 points to go along with 3 steals, while big man Jack Terrill Posted a 16 point 10 rebound double double.
The Boys will look to next week where they will face the Altona Gators at home on Saturday, before heading to Hume where they will look to replicate Sundayβs efforts.
NAVEXA YOUTH LEAGUE 1 WOMEN
Our Youth League Women headed to Balwyn High on Sunday to try and steal an away win against the Camberwell Dragons. A great first half meant that the United girls headed to the rooms with a 9 point buffer. When play resumed they were able to extend their lead by 4 and ended the game with a 17 point win 61-44. Grace Spehar was great with a 15 point 12 rebound game while Vanessa Marsh poured in 13 of her own to go with 14 rebounds and 5 steals.
The girls will look to stay in the winnerβs column as they take on the Warrandyte Venom on Saturday night at the Geelong Arena.
TOP PERFORMERS
Grace Spehar 15 points 12 rebounds 3 steals 4 blocks
Vanessa Marsh 13 points 14 rebounds 6 steals
Emmy Nekrep 11 points 7 rebounds 2 assists 4 steals
