THE Warriors had four good wins and some close losses. A lack of numbers proved costly for the women, who ran out of legs in the final term. In the juniors the Under 20 Men had a big scoring win while the Under 16 Boys Gold had a brilliant win from behind.
MEN
Pakenham played Eltham at home and had a threepoint lead at the end of the first quarter and a sevenpoint lead at halftime.
In the second half the men played hard against an aggressive Eltham, pulling a little further away each quarter. Pakenham won by 25 points.
Bill Winder took over the threepoint shooting for the week, making a total of 21 points for the game. The rest of the men shared the scoring.
Scores: Pakenham 60 d Eltham 35.
WOMEN
The Warriors fell just short against Sunbury 2 Jets going down against the home side. The Warriors suffered again by having only five players. Despite leading the Jets for the first three quarters, the Warriors could not sustain their intensity which allowed the Jets to finish on top with some impressive threepoint shooting.
In her 100th MMBL game for the Warriors Natalie Sallai played her heart out, scoring 19 points while collecting 15 rebounds. Liesl Holmes scored 14 points in her best return so far. Gemma Craven worked hard, along with Phillippa and Sarah Antoniadou, but her shooting is below her best.
Scores: Sunbury 50 d Pakenham 46.
UNDER 20 MEN
The Warriors played Sherbrooke at Monbulk and started hard and strong. At half time we were ahead by 17 points. Sherbrooke tried everything to stop the Warrfiors without success.
Cheyne Pettit and Tim Hendrikx scored 22 points each, followed by Wes Pettit on 17. Ian Mewburn was brilliant under the basket.
Scores: Pakenham 85 d Sherbrooke 52.
UNDER 16 GIRLS GOLD
In a close and physical game Craigieburn raced to an early lead. But the Warriors worked hard and eventually got shots to drop and at halftime had the narrowest of leads.
In the second half passes and shooting let Pakenham down and Craigieburn ran out winners.
Scores: Craigieburn 37 d Pakenham 33.
UNDER 16 GIRLS BLUE
Pakenham played Frankston at home and in the first half the Warriors offence was working well. The Warriors led 1110 at halftime.
During the second half Warriors let their intensity drop, while the Blues stepped it upand found holes in the Warriors’ defence. The Warriors were unable to capitalise on their foul shots and went down to Frankston.
Scores: Frankston 30 d Pakenham 22.
UNDER 16 BOYS GOLD
Pakenham played top side Melbourne Tigers. The first half was an even contest and Pakenham went in at halftime down 1721.
In the second half Melbourne managed to increase its lead but Pakenham fought way back to regain the lead. James Bridgett was a powerful target under the basket with 13 points in the second half. Goals by Tom Lorimer and Steve Luxford kept the pressure on Melbourne, while Zach Money and Nathan Page showed composure under pressure with successful foul shots to give Pakenham a well deserved win.
Scores: Pakenham 38 d Melbourne 36.
UNDER 16 BOYS BLUE
Pakenham hosted Doncaster and individual brilliance brought Dale O’Callaghan a season high of 32 points, 21 of which came in the second half. His rebounding at both ends and his efforts in running from end to end inspired his teammates to their best result to date. Jake Heylen 10 points was dangerous while Josh Dawson was unlucky to roll an ankle in the warm up. Andrew Rigby scored eight points and took offensive and defensive rebounds with two hands. Jackson Fromhold’s defensive pressure was again firstclass. After leading 3117 at halftime the Warriors went on to commanding win.
Scores: Pakenham 78 d Doncaster 38.
UNDER 14 BOYS
Pakenham played at home against Warrandyte. The Warriors had a slow start and didn’t take the opportunities when they presented themselves. The Warriors went to the line seven times to convert four points. Warrandyte was up 2314 at halftime.
Sean Armstrong (28 points) combined well with teammates, scoring 22 for the second half. Lewis Vigliarolo played good defence all night. The match came down to the wire with the Warriors coming within three points in the final minute, but Warrandyte was too strong.
Scores: Warrandyte 51 d Pakenham 45.
