WARRIORS Basketball Club’s senior men’s and women’s teams were both defeated last week, while in the junior competition five of the seven Warrior teams have made it into the finals.
The under20 men’s late season surge has also taken them into the finals.
The under18 girls also made it in with a topthree finish, the under16 boy’s gold finished on top and the under16 boy’s blue had a great win in the final round.
The under14 girls are looking good, ending top of the ladder after another big win, while the under14 boys finished third after losing narrowly to the second team.
MEN
Playing Eltham the Warriors made a slow start, as the Wildcats were able to control the game early and never let the Warriors back into the match.
The most promising aspect of the game was the form of new guard Matthew Jon who will be a fine acquisition for the Warriors with his speed and skill up the court.
Scores Warriors 55 lost to Wildcats 70.
WOMEN
The Warriors went down fighting to secondplaced Sunbury Jets in a spirited performance at Coburg Stadium.
With only five players available on the night, the Warriors seemed to thrive on adversity by overcoming a sluggish start to outscore the Jets in the second half.
Gemma Craven (15 points), Natalie Sallai (14 points) and Laura Craven (12 points) contributed well to the scoreline, while Sarah Foss and Hayley Da Silva, in only her second game after a long layoff, defended grimly.
The team has a bye this week ahead of its finalround clash against Whittlesea in a doubleheader home game with the men’s team on 14 September at Pakenham Stadium.
Scores: Warriors 47 lost to Sunbury Jets 60.
UNDER 20 MEN
Travelling to Ringwood it was a mustwin game for the Warriors.
After a close first half, the Warriors were able to gain the advantage in the second half to claim a spot in the finals.
Scores Warriors 54 d Ringwood 47.
UNDER 16 BOYS GOLD
Playing Waverley, the Warriors started slowly as the Falcons made the early running, but by halftime Pakenham was ahead 1310.
In the second half the Warriors pressured the Falcons into mistakes as guards Kris Devey and Cheyne Petitt forced numerous turnovers, while the defensive intensity from Francois Le Cordier set up scoring opportunities for Nick Fromhold (nine points).
Jacob D’Arcy (five points) was again lively, rebounding and running the floor while Gavin Pauline was a strong presence on the boards.
Centre Steve Marson (15 points) had a great night rebounding and finishing off the guard’s work up the court as the Warriors won to finish on top.
Scores: Warriors 32 d Waverley Falcons 28.
UNDER 16 BOYS BLUE
The Warriors played their final game for the season at home against the highly ranked Sherbrooke side.
The Warriors had a confidenceboosting start with Justin Smaluch staring under the basket, shooting accurately with 16 firsthalf points, giving them a narrow lead at half time 2623.
Pakenham played disciplined basketball in a tight second half where scoring went goal for goal.
Justin Smaluch was strong at both ends of the court, scoring another six points in the second half giving him 22 points for the game.
James Bridgett worked hard for nine points giving him 13 for the game.
Zach Money (seven points) and Steven Luxford (six points) made the most of their opportunities, while Tom Lorimer and Chris Williams worked hard to keep the pressure on Sherbrooke, with no easy possessions.
Scores: Warriors 49 d Sherbrooke 46.
UNDER 14 GIRLS
In the last round the Warriors played one of their best games at home to Sherbrooke.
Alexandra West scored a promising layup on her nonpreferred side in the initial seconds and from then on there was no catching the Warriors.
At halftime they lead Sherbrooke 23 to 8.
The second half, with great team work, the Warriors dominated in all areas.
Jacinta Rich was a steady force with her consistent and clever ball handling. Amelia Aidone, out of her sick bed, showed real grit to put in her usual effort.
The win sends the Warriors into the finals in top spot.
Score: Warriors 44 d Sherbrooke 15.
UNDER 14 BOYS
The Warriors travelled to Keilor where they met the top team in Keilor Thunder.
From the opening toss, the pace of the game was electric with both teams playing good defence, making scoring very difficult.
James Dobson was on the end some good teamwork by James Flannery to score the first points of the game.
The scoring went point for point until Jake Heyen found some space and hit the board with a big three pointer and then not to be outdone, Brendan Gillen also landed a three to help put the Warriors nose in front at half time 1918.
The battled intensified in the second half with Jason Budge taking on anyone who dared to challenge him under the ring and shooting six from eight at the foul line.
Jackson Fromhold again stepped up when needed and shot two consecutive three pointers to give the warriors handy fivepoint buffer well into the second half.
With fresher legs the Thunder lifted and broke down the defensive pressure to level the game and eventually overrun the warriors to win 39/44.
Although losing, the Warriors have secured third place on the ladder.
Scores: Warriors 39 lost to Keilor Thunder 44.
