Coach Luke Beard is confident the Navexa Geelong United men will carry some momentum into the Big V Youth League 1 finals series after finishing the regular season with an impressive 16-point win over Sherbrooke at Geelong Arena on Sunday afternoon.
United locked away a home elimination final against Camberwell after using a 23-12 third quarter to setup the 95-79 victory.
“It’s a credit to the players; they’re enjoying their basketball, and that’s infectious,” Coach Beard said.
“That momentum goes onto the court, and we’ve got to hold our nerve when things don’t go our way.
“We’ve got to wrestle that back.
“The maturity and development of their game is getting to that.”
Despite the absence of captain and playmaker Seth Garcia, who will miss the rest of the season with a foot fracture, Geelong United had no issues creating scoring chances.
Eighteen of its 34 field goal makes were from assists, with Bailey Bruce – who also scored 20 points – and Jack Terrill finishing with four dimes.
“Bailey really stepped up,” Coach Beard said.
“He did a fantastic job of controlling our offence and directing.”
STATS: GEELONG UNITED YLM VS. SHERBROOKE
Marach March was simply outstanding in finishing with 26 points, 18 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Jack Moran came off the bench to contribute 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
“If you talk energy, he’s got some of the biggest energy,” Coach Beard said. “It’s really about capturing that and using it to our advantage.
“Having him come off the bench and flying for rebounds, it’s a luxury.
“In terms of the bench, I’m confident in the ability of all of them.
“(Will) McPherson came on in the second half and gave us some good minutes. Big Al (Deng) was great. And even Kuol (Reech) at the end, he really injected something for us as well.”
Coach Beard hopes to have Patrick Johnstone return from injury for the matchup with Camberwell.
However, he confirmed Hamish Goodier would run out of time to get back no matter how deep into the finals Geelong United goes.
Details for next weekend’s final are yet to be confirmed. Keep an eye on Geelong United Basketball’s social media accounts for more information.
