THE Warriors’ mens team enjoyed their home game, leading all the way, while the women’s team won by forfeit. In the VBA program the Under 20 Men had an outstanding win from behind while the Under 18 Girls looked set for a finals berth following their big win. The Under 16 Boys Gold had a thumping victory while the Under 14 Boys stayed in the race for a finals double chance.
MEN
The Warriors opened well against Craigieburn and led 1311 at quartertime with Sean Dixon looking after the ball up the court while Daniel Stow was a threat from the threepoint line. Pakenham maintained the defensive intensity in the second term to edge further ahead 2622. Josh Parker and Jamie Stow scored important points from the line and the Warriors were able to make a useful break and led 4031 by threequarter time. Guard Leon Stapley in the last quarter scored 10 points and the Warriors went on to a good 6146 win. Poara Te Paki (10 points) ruled the boards and Bill Winder (23 points) scored consistently all game.
UNDER 20 MEN
Mill Park proved difficult to find for a couple of players and the game against Whittlesea started late, the Warriors giving up 10 points. With the bare starting five the Warriors worked hard to get back into game and by halftime had done well to narrow the margin to six points. Hard defence from Jon Parkitny and Sean Dixon held up the home team’s game and the Warriors hit the front in the second half, when Rhyce Backman scored six threepointers. Pakenham went on to win 5549 in a tremendous effort.
UNDER 18 GIRLS
The first half was a lowscoring affair against Blackburn with the Warriors up 112 at halftime and both defences were on top. In the second half the Warriors were able to maintain defensive pressure and open up attacks to take a convincing 3311 win. An even spread of scorers got the Warriors moving. Madeline Press scored nine points and created plenty of scoring chances around the basket.
UNDER 18 BOYS
The Warriors started well against Melbourne Tigers with a good even spread of scorers in the first half and the Warriors led 2928 at halftime. In the second half Michael Belli had a hot hand with 10 points but the Tigers were able to nudge ahead to win 6055 in an entertaining game. Brad Clough scored with a couple of neat shots while Michael Blyth and Ian Mewburn each finished with 10 points and Tim Hendrikx 13 points.
UNDER 16 BOYS GOLD
Playing at Keysborough the Warriors were able to quickly gain control. Francois Lecordier made some great intercepts to set up plenty of layups for guards Kris Devey and Cheyne Petitt. Centre Steve Marson scored 12 points and the Warriors were up 449 at halftime. Pakenham maintained control, Nick Fromhold converted some good drives at the basket and the athletic Jake D’Arcy made a welcome return and rebounded well. The Warriors were big winners 7220.
UNDER 16 BOYS BLUE
The Warriors played Blackburn Vikings at home. Blackburn made a strong start and built an early lead while Pakenham struggled offensively. The Vikings continued to score with relative ease, giving them a healthy 3418 lead at halftime.
In the second half Pakenham was able to counter the Blackburn attack and Justin Smaluch made a strong target under the basket, scoring 17 points for the game, James Bridgett assisted well with 16 points and Pakenham outscored the opposition in the second half. Pakenham however was unable to make up the earlier deficit and Blackburn won 6150.
UNDER 14 GIRLS
The Warriors played fifthplaced Ringwood away. The Hawks’ intensity and many Warrior turnovers meant the Warriors trailed 611 at halftime.
Hannah Morgan worked hard under the basket to score the majority of the Warriors’ points. Although the girls all worked hard to keep up defensive pressure on Ringwood they were well held and unable to penetrate Ringwood’s defence. Each side scored 10 points in the second half and Pakenham was unable to make up the deficit, going down 1621.
UNDER 14 BOYS
Pakenham hosted topplaced Keysborough and opened with fine skills and team play. The Warriors skipped to a comfortable lead early in the first term. When Keysborough rallied, Jason Budge (22 points) took over and dominated at both ends. Budge finished the half with 12 points and the Warriors led 2718.
Adam D’Arcy (eight points) and Jackson Fromhold’s defence frustrated the taller opposition and forced many turnovers. James Dobson scored nine points and Dale O’Callaghan seven. In what was a great team effort the Warriors had a convincing 5533 win.
