The Warriors put up a spirited performance against highly ranked Melbourne University at Pakenham Stadium but were unable to overcome a slow start, losing by eight points in a lowscoring game. The Warriors squandered numerous opportunities, which allowed University to race to a 130 lead at quartertime. The Warriors outscored University for the rest of the game but could not bridge the gap, losing 3341.
The Warriors had the luxury of 11 players and the defence looked better with the return of Nicky St Clair, who topscored with 12 points. New player Nyadol Nyuon brought muchneeded height.
UNDER 18 BOYS
Playing Blackburn, the Warriors started well and kept front to lead 2315 at halftime. In the second half the Vikings stepped up in defence and the Warriors scoring options dried up. It was left to Josh Parker and Shane Hart to carry the load while Blackburn had a big second half to win 4236.
UNDER 16 BOYS GOLD
Playing Hampton Park, the Warriors took the early lead, sharing the scoring to be up 2217 at halftime. Steadying shots from Cheyne Petitt (13 points) including two threepointers, kept the Warriors ahead while the defensive efforts of Francois Lecordier (six) played a big part in keeping Hampton Park at bay. The Warriors won 4335.
UNDER 16 BOYS BLUE
Pakenham played Mornington at home. Pakenham got a strong start, building an early lead. Justin Smaluch was a strong target under the basket with 12 firsthalf points, James Bridgett assisted with eight points, allowing Pakenham to go in at halftime leading 2827.
In the second half saw Mornington regained the lead with a number of unanswered baskets. But Smaluch helped keep Pakenham in touch, scoring 16 of 20 points for the half, giving him 28 for the game. Pakenham was unable to make up the deficit and was beaten 4855.
UNDER 14 GIRLS
The Warriors played fifthplaced Sherbrooke at Monbulk and missing sharpshooter Shiona Dickson due to a fractured wrist. Sherbrooke was ruthless and with accurate outside shooting led the Warriors 1810 at halftime. After the break the players regrouped and Hannah Morgan and JamieLee Daraio were able to add a few quick baskets to the Warriors’ score. The Warriors matched the home team in the second half but couldn’t narrow the gap as Sherbrooke proved to be too tough, winning 2820.
UNDER 14 BOYS
The Warriors hosted the Keilor Thunder in a battle for second spot. Keilor started at a blistering pace and soon muscled their way to a commanding lead, being allowed to score at will. Jackson Fromhold and Justin Grigg applied good defensive pressure and forced some turnovers, but at halftime Keilor was leading 228.
In the first eight minutes of the second half the Warriors more than doubled their score with great attacking play by James Flannery (five points) and Dale O’Callaghan (nine) while defensive pressure and team spirit lifted. But the Thunder rallied and scored timely points for a well deserved 3226 win.
