The Warriors’ Under16 Boys Blue side takes time out: Jake Heylen (left), James Dobson, Andrew Rigby, coach Matt Holmes and Daniel Jeavons. THE Warriors’ junior teams were forced to work hard for their points in their approach to the finals. The Under20 Men continued their winning way, Under 16 Boys Blue returned home with the points despite having several players out injured and the Under 14 Girls’ improvement continued with a convincing performance.
UNDER 20 MEN
The Warriors travelled to McMillan to play McMillan and had a slow start while McMillan scored quickly. Pakenham then started to score and by halftime the Warriors were in the lead 3222. Cheyne Pettit started the scoring spree with two threepointers while Justin Vaux helped finish the game with a couple of quick goals.
Scores: Warriors 57 d McMillan 41.
UNDER 16 GIRLS BLUE
Pakenham hosted secondplaced Ringwood and started with intensity and good teamwork.
Although the Hawks were sinking their shots from everywhere, the Warriors’ work rate was impressive. At halftime the Warriors trailing the Hawks 927.
Early in the second half the Warriors struggled to score but continued to work the ball and did not panic under the pressure Ringwood was applying. Alexandra West topscored with 10 points while Lauren Brown ended up with seven. Overall it was a pleasing team effort despite the scoreboard.
Scores: Warriors 19 lost to Hawks 49.
UNDER 16 BOYS GOLD
Pakenham played the top side Doncaster at home. Doncaster made a strong start to build an early lead but James Bridgett and Nathan Page kept Pakenham within reach. Pakenham went in at halftime down 1929.
In the second half Pakenham came out hard, playing with determination to make up for the early deficit, and tight defence slowed Doncaster’s scoring. James Bridgett made a strong target with 11 points for the half. Justin Smaluch with six points got Pakenham level with less than two minutes to play. But Doncaster managed to control play in the final minutes and take out the game.
Scores: Warriors 40 lost to Doncaster 45.
UNDER 16 BOYS BLUE
The Warriors travelled to Greensborough and met the Diamond Valley Eagles. The Eagles got a good start and soon had a handy lead. Good ball handling by James Flannery and Daniel Jeavons’ sharp shooting soon put the Warriors into the lead at halftime 2625.
Jason Budge (14 points) managed to get on top of the Eagles’ big men but again Dale O’Callaghan proved the difference between the sides, finishing with 22 points, rebounded strongly at both ends and steered the Warriors to a strong win.
Scores: Warriors 51 d Diamond Valley 46.
UNDER 14 GIRLS
Playing McKinnon away, the Warriors got a slow start, but as the game continued so did their momentum. Madielyn Dunstan displayed good skills, none better than her lefthand layup goal. Samara Griffiths played in her usual strong manner and by halftime the Warriors had broken away to a 3318 lead.
The good form continued in the second half. Mikaela Foy and Megan Wallace had outstanding games, with many steals, assists and goals between them. Stephanie Dicker and Emma Round made the most of their opportunities.
Scores: Warriors 56 d McKinnon 29.
UNDER 14 BOYS
The Warriors played Melbourne at MSAC and got a good start with the Warriors Matt Jeavons (four points), Joey Sweeney (two), Brendan Gillen (six) and Sean Armstrong (12) scoring points.
At one stage the Warriors led by six points but at halftime Melbourne was up 1816. The second half started much the same as the first, both teams playing tight basketball. Ashley Beck (13) played great offence, scoring 11 points for the half, while Sean Armstrong scored another six for the half. The Warriors missed easy points and at the end of the game it showed on the scoreboard.
Scores: Warriors 37 lost to Melbourne 51.
