A solid shooting performance has helped the Navexa Geelong United Youth League Men pull away from Bulleen after half-time for an 86-72 win over Bulleen at Geelong Arena.
Led by a combined 33 points from backcourt duo Jay Posterino (18 points) and Seth Garcia (15), United shot the ball at 46.7 per cent from the field, compared to the Boomers’ 34.2 per cent.
Leading by six points at the main break, United consolidated its advantage with an 18-16 third quarter.
Geelong ensured there would be no comeback from the visitors, with the margin staying in double figures after Garcia made a three-pointer to open the final quarter.
“The energy and effort we were able to produce for four quarters combined with a willingness to play in-your-face physical defence resulted in us being able to pull away in the last quarter,” coach Luke Beard said.
“Every player contributed and played their role.”
As well as Garcia and Posterino, Hamish Goodier (10 points) reached double figures in points, while the stat lines of Jack Terrill and Marach Marach were impressive.
Terrill finished with seven points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Marach contributed nine points, nine rebounds, four blocks, three steals and two assists.
His points haul also included a memorable windmill dunk.
United next faces Altona this Sunday at Altona.
Meanwhile, the Geelong United Youth League Women were unable to back up their stirring Round 1 win over Collingwood.
Jason Bannerman’s roster was on the back foot early at Geelong Arena, trailing 22-9 at quarter time.
“Unfortunately, 29 per cent from the field won’t impact a game,” Bannerman said. (It’s) stating the obvious, but scoring is the key,” Bannerman said.
“Bulleen were a good shooting team and made the most of every opportunity.
“We struggled to look after the ball and, as a result of turnovers, we played a hell of a lot of defence.”
Cashide Green top scored with 15 points while also grabbing four rebounds and dishing four assists.
Kayla Blazko contributed 15 points, Georgia Cox had nine points, and Phoebe Calvert had eight points and ten rebounds.
Like the Youth League Men, the Women are on the road for the first time this season ahead of the Easter break with a trip to Camberwell on Saturday night.
