Written by Kira Collins, 2024 BV Rookie Reporter Program
Round 3 of the 2024 Championship Men is wrapped up and had some tight losses, as well as some convincing wins. Wyndham also continued their undefeated start to the season!
McKinnon (95) def Shepparton (92)
The round started with a tight game between McKinnon and Shepparton. After trailing by 11 points at half time, Shepparton lifted their scoring in the second half to fall just short, going down 95-92. Steve Wooten led the way for McKinnon, scoring 37 points, including 5 three pointers. He was well supported by Mitchell Barry, who recorded 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 13 points.
Devin Thomas (24 points) and Jayden Coke (22 points) were the leading scorers for Shepparton. Coke had an opportunity to tie the game for the Gators in the last few seconds with his long-range shot falling just short.
Bellarine (90) def Camberwell (82)
Bellarine and Camberwell fought out a tight game at Bellarine Secondary College. With scores tied at three quarter time, the Dragons hit the lead early in the final quarter when Christopher Elder hit 3 of 3 from the free throw line. The Storm then went on a 15-point run to lead by 12 with just over 5 minutes remaining. Camberwell were unable to claw their way back, with the Storm taking out an 8-point win.
Bellarine had an even contribution of scorers, including Kavione Green who in addition to his 18 points, pulled down 15 rebounds to go with 5 assists and 4 steals. Luke Liesegang led the way for Camberwell, dropping 30 points (including 5x 3-pointers), 13 rebounds and 2 steals.
Keysborough (118) def Pakenham (92)
Keysborough had comfortable 26-point blowout over Pakenham on the Saturday night. The Cougars set the tone in the first quarter going on a 13-0 run, finishing the quarter leading 31-19. The Warriors got going in the next two quarters matching Keysborough, leaving them within reach at 3 quarter time. The Cougars kicked away again in the last quarter, winning the term by 14 points.
Anthony Williams recorded a double double for Keysborough, finishing with 19 points and 10 assists. James Spencer registered 21 points, shooting at 89% and going 4/5 from 3-point range in his first game in the Cougars outfit.
Joe Davis led the scoring for Pakenham with 19.
Sunbury (81) def Blackburn (76)
Sunbury and Blackburn had a close game with Sunbury finishing victorious. Sunbury started strong, leading by 11 at the first break. The Vikings fought their way back, winning the next 3 quarters, however, it wasn’t enough to get them over the line. The efforts from the bench were ultimately the difference for the Jets, winning the bench points 33-13.
Joshua Yorke-Frazer was ultimate for the Jets, with 26 points and 5 rebounds. Kortland Martin (20 points) and James Legan (21 points) were the leading scorers for Blackburn.
Melbourne University (100) def Western Port (85)
Melbourne University led for all but 17 seconds of the match. Starting strongly, they lead by 13 points at quarter time and 21 points at the half. Western Port responded well in the third quarter, going on a 17-0 run to get within 4 points. Melbourne Uni then scored 17 of the next 19 points to take a 19 point into the final quarter. Despite outscoring Melbourne Uni in the final quarter, Western Port were unable to close the margin, going down by 15 points.
Ricardo Time came off the bench finishing with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists for Melbourne Uni. Western Port’s Liam Ingram finished with 26 points alongside Russell Permenter with an impressive 20 points and 13 rebounds. 
Hume City (114) def Blackburn (100)
Hume City and Blackburn had a high scoring game, scoring 214 points collectively. The first half was tight, with the Vikings leading by 3 points at half time. The Broncos had a strong third quarter, winning the term 36-22. Despite James Legan’s efforts with a whopping 43 points, including 11/16 from beyond the 3-point arc, Blackburn were unable to come out with the win.
Blackburn’s Kortland Martin finished with 20 points and 11 assists. Zach Mckenzie finished with 31 points and 11 rebounds for the Broncos.
Wyndham (118) def McKinnon (85)
Wyndham had a strong win over McKinnon, scoring from the tip and not being headed for the entire game. After an outstanding first quarter, racking up 40 points, Wyndham lead by as much as 41 in the final quarter, finishing with a 35 margin. Wyndham had an even spread of scoring across the board with the team shooting over 60% from the field.
The highest scorers for Wyndham were Oscar Jones, scoring 26 points in just under 20 minutes and Myles Thomas with 24 points. Mitchell Barry had a strong game for McKinnon, racking up 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assist and 5 steals.
Will Wyndham be able to continue their undefeated run-in round 4?
