Round 13 tips off this weekend! Check out our Games of the Week previews below:
Championship Men
Keysborough v Melbourne University
An important 4th against 5th match-up earns this week’s game of the week as Keysborough host Melbourne University, both teams come into this game knowing that there could very well be finals implications based on the result. Whilst Keysborough already have the season series tied up, the last time these teams met was in Round 10, Keysborough got the job done by 8 points, courtesy of a high-scoring 4th quarter. Melbourne University was led by Joel Rimes with 31 whilst Isaac Turner poured in 26 points in his first Big V game. Keysborough’s scoring was well spread over the night led by Anthony Williams with 22 points and well supported by Naoum Lazis who had 20 to go with his 8 rebounds. Melbourne University will be needing a better spread of scorers to change the result in this one, whilst Keysborough will look to continue the trend this season helped by the recent form of Isaiah Geathers who has been running hot.
Championship Women
McKinnon v Wyndham
An important game that could be a preview of what to expect in our first week of finals. McKinnon who are trying to hold on to 4th position welcomes the undefeated Wyndham Basketball to GESAC in what is promised to be an absolute blockbuster. After a slow start to the season, McKinnon have started to find some improved form of late through the relentless work of Briana Gray and Emily Suckling. Will they have enough to slow down Amanda Paschal and the seemingly unbeatable Wyndham? The first time these teams met in Round 4 it was Wyndham who came away with a comfortable 26-point win led by Paschal with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. It wasn’t her usual running partner Ananiev who came along for the journey in this one, it was Zoe Zwerling who provided the additional scoring punch with 26 points of her own. If McKinnon can cause the upset, it will certainly send a message to the rest of the league for the run home!
Division One Men
Gippsland United v Shepparton
The stage is set for what could very well be one of the games of the season as the top-of-the-table Shepparton Gators head to Gippsland to face the impressive Gippsland United. Shepparton have been impressive this year with a mix of experience and youth making up their well-balanced roster whilst Gippsland United have achieved a seamless transition into Division One after winning Division Two last season. When these two sides met back in Round 4 it was a low-scoring affair after an impressive first quarter set the Gators up for success. It was Matt Andronicos with 13 points and 13 rebounds who had a strong influence in this one, well supported by veteran point guard Matt Bartlett who had 12 points and 9 assists. For Gippsland United, who were without star guard Ben Barlow they struggled to find a standout star on the night with Jordan Canovan being their most impressive with 11 points and 9 assists. We are expecting a much higher-scoring and free-flowing affair this time around so get down to check it out!
Division One Women
Mildura v Warrnambool
The last time these teams met it was the Mia Mills show at Warrnambool, the young point guard finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead her team to what was one of their most impressive wins of the season. The Mermaids did a fantastic defensive job on Tyra Johnson who was kept to 15 points at just 27%, they will need the same this time around to limit her input at the Hothouse. One major factor that comes into play as well is league favourite Vanessa Power, she wasn’t able to make the journey to Warrnambool in Round 5 so will be raring to go as they welcome the top-of-the-table Mermaids to the Hothouse. The people of Mildura will be out in force for this country rivalry, be sure not to miss out!
Division Two Men
Whittlesea v Altona
What more could we want? A 1st and 2nd battle between the undefeated Whittlesea Pacers and the visiting Altona Gators. The Pacers have been in solid form all season led by stars Gabe Evans and Pat Green who have carried a very efficient scoring load for their team. For the Gators, they have had several contributors that have popped up across the season, led by the league-leading scorer Adam Anderson and star point guard Nick Patel. These two duos create what is going to be a great back court battle on display at Mill Park, be sure to get down to see what could be a preview of this year's Division Two Men Grand Final!
Division Two Women
Collingwood vs Wallan
After a very close battle in Round 12 with Collingwood almost taking down the undefeated Gippsland United, they now come across the next-best Wallan Panthers. Falling short by just 6 points, their heads should be held high and looking to take down a very strong Panther unit with an MVP candidate named Kylah Collins. Wallan have won just 2 of their last 5 hoping to make it 2 on the trot will be looking to get on a role as the finals loom while Collingwood needs to get some wins on the board to scrape into the finals. Anaya Rodisha had a massive game in Round 12 with 43 points to go with 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Collins and Dalmau solidifying 2nd position continuing to put heat on Gippsland. Can Collingwood knock off the 2nd seed Wallan after an ever-so-close loss to Gippsland United?
Victorian Youth Championship Men
Sandringham vs Dandenong
A single header out in Sandringham as they host the top seed in Terril Dandenong Rangers. Two teams with NBL1 calibre players moving in and out of their rotations, it’s always interesting to see who shows up and what coaches do adjust. Sandringham have won 4 of their last 5 games, possibly moving into the top 2 or even 1st after this weekend making it a very big game. Dandenong will be coming off a Saturday night game hoping to go 2-0 for the weekend to solidify their position on top of the table. With or without full-strength teams, each group prove to be some of the best in the league. Dandenong took out their first battle back in round 7 by just 9 points, can Sandringham get some redemption?
Victorian Youth Championship Women
Casey vs Altona
It's a battle for the top spot for 1st vs 3rd, 11 and 4 records! Altona took out the first clash 77 to 52 at home with Cassie Dodemaide going for 16pts and 13 rebounds. The Gators hold the top seed with head to heads and are able to take 1 game up on everyone else with a doubleheader this weekend. Casey with just one game, can take 1st by winning by more than more than 25 points, along with other games going their way. The Gators have won 4 of their last 5 games dropping their most recent while Casey winning 3 of their last 5 it seems like it’s anyone’s game. Will Altona have the legs for a Sunday clash away from home or will Casey’s fresh bodies and home-court advantage be too much?
Youth League One Men
Keysborough vs Wyndham
Keysborough are on the edge of finals looking to move up while Wyndham are comfortably sitting in 2nd place. Wyndham on the road Saturday Night against the Cougars have a 5-3 record away from home and is looking to make it 6-3. Their last interaction was back in Round 5 with Wyndham holding on by just 11 points. Joshua Norling went off for 30 points proving himself as one of the best scorers in the league. Keysborough had no answers even after shooting 40% from the land of plenty yet turning the ball over 22 times. Both units playing doubleheaders in Round 13, these games mean a loss as to where they may end up on the ladder come finals time.
Youth League One Women
Wyndham vs McKinnon
A 4th vs 5th collision over at Eagle Stadium as Wyndham host the Cougars who are right behind them in the race towards the finals. Both groups are in great form with Wyndham on a 3-game winning streak to McKinnon’s 4. Colliding back in Round 10 it was McKinnon who took out the W 88 to 77 with Natalie Keane and Eloise Leonard going for 23 points apiece. McKinnon seemed to move the ball better than Wyndham with 17 assists for the game. Look to Round 13, both groups will have to follow this game up with Sunday games. Who will take advantage going into Sunday’s games holding onto their winning streak?
Youth League Two Men
Mornington vs Western Port
It looks to be a thriller over in Youth Two Men as neighbours Mornington host Western Port in a 2nd vs 3rd battle! The Breakers sit just 1 game ahead of the Steelers after some big games recently. Mornington seems to be in the best form across the league currently on a 7-game winning streak whilst Western Port have won just 3 of their last 5 games. It was back in Round 3 where we saw one of the biggest score lines with Western Port taking the win 105 to 102. Kurt Alaimo went for 24 points to go with 9 rebounds and 6 assists.
Youth League Two Women
Whittlesea vs Albury Wodonga
It’s the third clash between the Pacers and Bandits down at Mill Park. It was back in Round 3 when Albury took out the first game by a mere 3 points before fast tracking to Round 9 where Whittlesea got one back with a big win 80 to 54. Georgie Salinger showed up in both battles averaging 15.5ppg as did Indiana Bodley averaging 15ppg. Looking to Round 13, Whittlesea sits just one position above the Bandits in the race for the finals hoping to move into the second chance opportunity. Falling to 4th or 5th they face the Round 1 elimination final, a position neither team want to be in.
