Written by Jai Simmons, 2024 BV Rookie Reporter Program
As Round 1 of the Big V Men’s Championship comes to an end, we look back at the highs and lows of the weekend’s action.
McKinnon (86) vs Sunbury (70)
We start off with a Saturday night blockbuster at GESAC between McKinnon and Sunbury. It was epic which saw the reigning champions storm towards their first win of the 2024 season. After a dominant 3rd quarter, McKinnon were able to create a buffer that posed a challenging task for any Sunbury comeback. Adam Anderson’s prolific performance scoring 28 points ultimately helped McKinnon start the season winning. Although there were times throughout the game when Sunbury showed promising signs, with a strong performance from Joshua Yorke-Fraser, scoring 20 points with a commendable 8 rebounds and 3 steals. This provided Sunbury with some spark; however, it just wasn’t enough to get the edge over McKinnon.
Shepparton (71) vs Wyndham (85)
Wyndham faced the newly promoted side, Shepparton at their home stadium on Saturday night. Shepparton performed admirably all night, leading at various stages, including at the major break. Wyndham came out of the blocks strong in the third quarter and doubled Shepparton’s tally, propelling Wyndham to their first win of the 2024 Season. Shepparton were able to run closely with Wyndham and looked to be the better team on occasions throughout the second quarter, with great pressure and some notable steals. Shepperton have an opportunity in the back-end of their double header to secure their first victory.
Bellarine (105) vs Blackburn (79)
Saturday night saw Bellarine host Blackburn at Bellarine Secondary College with both teams hoping to start the season with a bang. It was a dominant performance from the Bellarine Storm in their first game of the season. Despite finishing on the bottom ladder in the 2023 season, they were able to put last year's woes to bed and displayed their intentions for the 2024 season. Blackburn were initially able to challenge Bellarine and applied decent pressure in the first quarter, however, this didn’t last as Bellarine continued to outscore Blackburn at every break for the remainder of the game. Eliminating any hopes for a Blackburn comeback by limiting the Vikings to just seven points in the final term. A standout 31 points from Kavione Green added to Bellarine’s success, as well as placing him first for the highest point-scorer of Round One and featuring in our All First Team for Round 3. There are many positives to take away from Bellarine’s perspective, they just need to back up their performance in Round 2.
Camberwell (82) vs Keysborough (107)
The Camberwell Dragons faced Keysborough on Saturday night at Boroondara. Both teams looking to start the season strong, it was Keysborough who were able to charge away with the win by scoring a commanding 36 points, compared to Camberwell’s 21 points in the second quarter. In the team’s last two meetings in 2023, Keysborough were able to secure the victory on both occasions. After a mediocre 2023 season, Camberwell continued their search for a win to start the season. Despite Camberwell’s Round One loss, they face newly promoted Shepparton in Round 2. A win is crucial next week if Camberwell want to consider themselves championship contenders.
Melbourne University (86) vs Hume (77)
For the final game on Saturday evening, Melbourne University hosted last season's runners-up, Hume. After a momentum-shifting game, Melbourne University were able to come out on top, after an important fourth performance. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Melbourne University. Hume looked to be in pole position to run away with the win after outscoring Melbourne University by 9 points in the second term. Hume even saw themselves up by 3 points at the final break before Melbourne University showed their class and shifted the momentum back towards themselves. Assisted by Nicholas Masunda’s 23-point contribution, Melbourne were able to runaway with their first win of the season.
Western Port (71) vs Shepparton (76)
Shepparton’s second game in Round One was a huge success for the newly promoted side. After a difficult defeat in their opening game against Wyndham, Shepparton were able to put things right in what was a highly intense affair and what was also the closest game of the round. After leading for 32 minutes, Western Port couldn’t hold off the fast-charging Gators who came home strong and sealed their first win of the season. Despite Ingrams spectacular performance for Western Port making 8 out of his attempted 12 field goals, helping him reach 23 points as well as 6 rebounds and 4 assists, Shepparton were still able to come away with their first and very important win of the 2024 season.
Pakenham (114) vs Hume 81
Hume faced newly promoted side Pakenham in search for their first victory of the season, after suffering defeat in the first game of their double-header to Melbourne University earlier in the round. Hume were hopeful to turn their first performance around with a win against the Warriors. However, Malik Colvin-Seldon had his own plans, scoring 26 with a field goal percentage of 71% as well as grabbing 9 rebounds. The game was dominated by Pakenham who also had Cody Frederikson, racking up 21 points while also assisting 6. The Warriors’ dominant display in the Men’s championship opening round, proves they are certainly in the hunt for this year’s championship. For Hume however, a win next week in Round 2 is vital for Broncos who continue their search for their first win of the season.
After an eventful opening round for our Men’s Championship Division, the attention turns to Round 2, where many teams will be looking to continue their successful start to the season while others will be trying to seek their first win of the season.
