Navexa Geelong United Youth League Men’s coach Luke Beard has urged the local basketball community to throw their support behind his team in their quest for a Big V finals berth.
United (5th, 14-7) hosts Sherbrooke (3rd, 14-6) at Geelong Arena on Sunday afternoon and will need to beat the Suns to guarantee a playoff berth if both Bulleen (7th, 13-8) and Keysborough (6th, 13-8) win on Saturday night.
However, a loss by either the Boomers or Cougars will guarantee post-season action for Luke Beard’s men, with a United win determining final ladder position.
“It really comes down to this final match and being able to perform,” Coach Beard said.
“Sherbrooke got away from us when we played them away, and I know the teams is conscious of this as we prepare for them this weekend.”
Geelong United will be without captain Seth Garcia (foot) for the rest of the season, joining Hamish Goodier and Patrick Johnstone on the sidelines.
However, NBL1 trio Jay Posterino, Jack Terrill and Jack Moran are all available.
“We know this game will be won on the defensive end of the floor,” Coach Beard said. “It starts with effort and energy, and that needs to be a real mindset.
“If we get this right, we are confident that it will translate to good offensive rythym, too.
“Being our last home game of the year, we really want as much support from the local community as possible.
“We really want to make this home game loud.”
Big V – Game Day Program – July 23
Meanwhile, the Naxeva Geelong United Youth League Women (10th, 4-17) will look to end their season with a win against Warrandyte (12th, 2-19) in the first game of the afternoon’s doubleheader.
United has lost nine consecutive games since beating the Venom 90-82 on May 21.
One of the highlights of the back end of the season has been the performance of Miley Dawkins.
The 15-year-old starred in last week’s loss to Wyndham, scoring 24 points in just her third game at Youth League level.
Tickets for Sunday’s doubleheader can be purchased at the door. Card only.
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