THE Warriors men’s team paid for a slow start against a polished outfit while the women continued to improve, reflecting the preparation going into games with a solid win. In the juniors the Under 14 Girls had a good win while the Under 16 Girls Blue team played a thrilling draw. The winning run of Under 16 Boys Blue came to an end and the Under 20 Men had a bye.
MEN
The Warriors played the strong Whitehorse lineup, were overwhelmed in the first quarter and down 2411 by quarter time. Bill Winder scored eight points. In the second quarter the Warriors outscored Whitehorse 1413, which set the tone for the rest of the game. Pakenham was able to mix it with Whitehorse but couldn’t make up the deficit, losing 7159.
Bill Winder (20 points) led the scoring with fine support from Jamie Stow (16) while Damian Johnston (nine) and Leon Stapley (six) were contributors.
WOMEN
The Warriors moved up two places to fifth in the MMBL Premier League after an exciting win at home against the Craigieburn Eagles.
After an even first quarter the Eagles led 2015 at halftime. Pakenham trailed 2728 with a quarter to go. The Eagles led by three late in the last term before the Warriors steadied ands Nicky St Clair scored six important points. Pakenham won 3833.
The team is starting to reap the benefits of regular training sessions with a more structured offence and solid defence. The Warriors had the luxury of four players on the bench, which helped them to finish strongly. In a team effort the scoring was shared between guards Gemma Craven, Hayley DaSilva and tall Genevieve Abbott, who scored five points each. Centre Natalie Sallai (12 points) was outstanding and the game’s top scorer.
UNDER 16 GIRLS GOLD
Mornington opened strongly scoring first before Jacinta Rich put the Warriors on the board. By halftime the Warriors were up 1816.
In the second half the Breakers pressed hard to gain the lead in spite of good intercepts from Amelia Aidone and strong drives from Courtney Duff. In a close finish the Warriors went down 2925 in a great game, foul shots letting them down.
UNDER 16 GIRLS BLUE
The Warriors played McKinnon at Waverley and missed early opportunities to score with foul shots, which would prove costly. The Warriors managed to get their game on track and, despite a threepointer by the Cougars on the halftime buzzer, were ahead of McKinnon at halftime 16 points to 12 points.
Sloppy defence by the Warriors early in the second half allowed McKinnon 10 points in the first few minutes from outside shots. Pakenham then had a job on their hands and battled to catch the Cougars. April Hart displayed class with steadying baskets and the game ended in a tie at 31 points each.
UNDER 16 GOLD BLUE
At Sandringham the Warriors met the Sabres. The Warriors got their customary slow start and were forced to chase the Sabres for the rest of the game. The first half was very short on highlights with Dale O’Callaghan (eight points) leading the way. At halftime the Warriors trailed 1526.
The Warriors lifted after a successful threepoint attempt by Jake Heyen. The Warriors started running with Daniel Jeavons adding six points and James Flannery scored two threepointers which got the warriors back to within three points off the Sabres at the 10 minute mark. But the Sabres responded and held on for a good win over the Warriors 5147.
UNDER 14 GIRLS
The Warriors started slowly against thirdplaced Camberwell 4 and did not make full use of their height or numbers advantage when Camberwell started with four players. At halftime Pakenham led 115. In the second half the Warriors took control by using their height to advantage, Samara Griffiths topscoring with 10 points and Stephanie Dicker scoring six. Pakenham went on to win 2715.
UNDER 14 BOYS
At Sandringham, the Warriors put the unbeaten Sabres under terrific pressure. The defence forced a number of turnovers but the Warriors could not finish their good work with points. Sean Armstrong (six points) and Brendan Gillen (10) brought the ball up the court quickly. At halftime Pakenham trailed 1225. Sandringham didn’t score until the 10minute mark of the second half, when the Warriors were only six points down, but the height of the Sabres was the difference. Sandringham won 4128 in a good display.
