Written by Elly Kirlis, 2024 BV Rookie Reporter Program
Round One of the 2024 Championship Women season is in the books, which saw some tight encounters and plenty of action this past weekend.
Sunbury (80) def McKinnon (70)
In a tight first half by both teams, the Jets put their authority down in the third quarter, 18-4. Going on a 10-2 scoring run, the Jets shot the ball well from a three-point range. Chloe Hilderbrand was in top form on the court, finishing with 32 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, whilst Abby Hildebrand finished with 18 points, six rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Wyndham (81) def Bellarine (72)
With Wyndham controlling the first half, the Storm made a fight back in the third quarter, 21-7 before Wyndham controlled the last quarter, 25-22. Both teams had big scoring runs of their own, 11-5 by Wyndham and 12-4 by the Storm. Wyndham’s shooting from three-point range was the difference in the last quarter, 60% to the Storm, 38%. Amanda Paschal finished with 22 points, six rebounds, six assists and six steals.
Bulleen (76) def Warrnambool (61)
In a battle of the champions from 2023, with the Mermaids winning the Division One title, the Boomers showed why they are one of the teams to beat in 2024. Winning three out of four quarters, the Boomers controlled the third, 18-15 and 17-16 last quarter. The Boomers shot the ball well from the field, 52% and controlled the points in the paint, 40-34.
Maxine Allen showed her class, finishing with 20 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal, whilst Amy Baum and Keli Romas played a big role offensively, finishing with 18 and 13 points respectively.
Sherbrooke (70) def Camberwell (69)
In an entertaining four quarters of basketball, the Suns pulled away in a thrilling encounter. Whilst the Suns had the momentum in the first half, the Dragons came back strongly in the contest, 25-10. Sooalo, Gardner and Pal combined for 47 points, whilst Valos and Smith contributed well to their role in the Dragons comeback.
Hume City (86) def Pakenhan (79)
After a strong start by the Warriors, a 29-15 third quarter proved to be the difference. Taylor Edwards was instrumental from the field, finishing with 32 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, whilst Labros and Overby combined for 26 points off the bench.
Warrnambool ((86) def Sunbury (84)
The Mermaids kick started their campaign in the championship division with a victory over the Jets in a thrilling encounter. Whilst the Jets won the second quarter 27-20, the Mermaids had strong contributions from Crichton, Nielacna and McKinnon, whilst Sewell also played her role well, finishing with 10 points.
Following an exciting start to our Women's Championship Division, all eyes are now on Round 2. For some teams, it is about maintaining momentum from their season start, while others are eager to secure their first victory of the season.
