Our Navexa Division 1 Men hit the highway to take on the Bellarine Storm on Saturday night in a must-win game to advance to the semi-final round. Coming into the game confident they could knock off the Storm, the Men started off quickly behind some efficient scoring from Marc Goodwin to open up what was at one stage an 8-point advantage.
Fighting back late the Storm regained their composure and levelled the scoring at 23 a piece through 10. In what was a horror final five minutes of the first, Corio saw Michael Rebula succumb to a knee injury that would see him sidelined for the remainder of the game, while wing Rody Spoormakers would also come off the court limping with an achilles injury that would keep him off the court for the next two quarters.
The Storm were firing coming out of quarter time jumping out to a 12-point advantage with their full court passing the thorn in the side of Corio Bay. The Stingrays were not out yet though as they fought back to even the score up before heading to the locker room down just 2 points.
Looking down the barrel, the team retook the court down to just 10 available players. Putting up a fight early the Storm were able to capitalise on the depleted and injured Stingrays as three quick threes in the final few minutes sunk the Rays to an 11-point deficit.
With 10 to play the Men were unfortunately unable to regain any sort of momentum as Bellarine ran away 25-point winners.
While it was not the result the team had hoped for, it was an incredible effort by this team to push through high levels of adversity all season. Rarely having a full line-up available, the team pushed through a struggling middle point of the season to ensure a finals campaign and finished the regular season with a 13 and 9 record. With the exception of only a few games, the Men were able to take it to every team all season long no matter the personnel snagging improbable wins wherever they could.
In what was their final game at a senior level for Dane Bow, Michal Rebula and Kye Baulch, we would like to congratulate them all on amazing careers and wish them well on their journey after basketball. We are sure it wonβt be the last time we see them on the court in some capacity and look forward to seeing them back on the court in the local competition.
That wraps up Big V 2022 for Geelong United Basketball and the Corio Bay Stingrays. In what was a challenging year for all four teams, we are incredibly proud of the victories, tough losses, and growth that all 4 sides have seen in the past 10 months. In the first full season under the Geelong United banner, I personally am excited to see what 2023 and beyond holds as new and old players are for sure ready to take the next step in their careers.
We would like to thank the volunteers, supporters and players for ensuring that Big V 2022 was a success and cannot wait to see you all in 2023!
Photo: Jamie Rutter
