Will McPherson has single-handedly kept the RL Signs Geelong United Basketball Men’s Winter Championship finals hopes of South Geelong Kings alive after producing a career night in a nine-point victory over Vytis at AWA Alliance Bank Stadium on Tuesday night.
McPherson drilled seven three-pointers in a 48-point haul that helped the Kings overcome the Knights 88-79.
Tom Slee (13 points) and experienced big man Griffin Errey (12) provided handy support for the dominant McPherson.
Yusuf Qaafow did all he could to keep Vytis in the contest. He also landed seven three-point attempts.
Veteran trio Romas Liebich (13 points), Steve Wiasak (12) and James Osborne (11) were also solid contributors in a losing effort.
The addition of Ma’alo Hicks has proven a timely one for Wildcats as they moved back into the top four with a narrow 82-75 victory over Try Boys at AWA.
Hicks finished with 25 points, second only to Phil Renteria (29 points) in scoring for Wildcats.
Renteria was deadly from the outside, finishing with seven three-point makes in his haul.
Aaron Prendergast and Seb Thomason both scored 22 points for the Bears.
WOMEN’S WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP | ROUND 12
Jackson Bentley has produced one of the most stunning shooting performances of the 2023 season as Lara Giants consolidated second spot with a 110-73 result against CC Eagles at Geelong Arena.
Bentley returned after missing last week’s clash with YMCA in fine style, pouring in 48 points on the back of 14 three-pointers.
He had good support from Joel McFall (27 points) and Jack Burnett (23 points).
In all, the Giants knocked 22 shots from beyond the arc.
All six players for the Eagles, who were without the likes of Nathan Freind and Liam McInerney, scored in double figures.
Jamieson Hultgren was best with 12.
Surfcoasters have produced the highest team score of the season in beating Tigers 139-101 at AWA.
Led by 39 points from Ben Rigby, Surfcoasters scored no less than 29 points in every quarter, finishing with 39 in the final period.
Josh Chery (28 points), Clancy Whelan (25) and Ethan Nicholls (23) got in on the fun for the winners.
Oscar Leavold (25 points) and Riley Pendergast (19) helped the young Tigers to their highest score of the season.
Club great Nathan Herbert and rising star Hugh Buckby scored 23 points apiece as YMCA saw off Sharks by 44 points at AWA.
With David Overgaauw adding 21 points and Ash Cannan 19, Y had too many offensive options for Sharks.
Scott McCarthy battled hard for 22 points for Sharks.
NEXT WEEK – ROUND 13 – JULY 25
