Intermediate basketball teams show the teamwork

SCHOOL SPORTS VICTORIA – STATE QUARTER AND SEMI FINALS

Intermediate Basketball

Intermediate Boys

The Intermediate Boys Basketball team arrived at the Bendigo Stadium for the Sandhurst competition full of enthusiasm. Despite the challenges of coordinating a cross-campus team consisting of both Year 9 and Year 10 students, the boys were eager to showcase their skills after limited training opportunities together.

The fixture was favourable to CMCB as they found themselves in a competitive but manageable pool. The opening game against Weeroona College saw the boys establish early control and maintain their composure throughout. Considering this was the first time they had played together; they did a great job of playing as a team. Tall players, Isaiah Cass and Charlie Dickins, were strong in the air which helped set up many attacking plays, which helped the team run out comfortable winners 29-17, and set the tone for the day ahead.

The second match, which was against Eaglehawk Secondary College, proved to be another dominant performance. A powerful contribution from Archer Tuohey saw CMCB get off to an early lead. Jaxon Kelly, Blaine Schelfhout and Eli Fennell played particularly well, while Year 10 players Cash Caldis and Mackay Mitchell found their 3-point range and sunk several long-range shots. The boys controlled the game from start to finish, securing a convincing 35-14 victory.

The final pool game was against Crusoe College, and even though the boys came away with the win, it was a very scrappy game. The team was unable to hit a 3-point shot, but they were able to get to the free throw line for some foul shots. A great defensive game from Cash and Archer saw them shut down Crusoe’s best player, helping the team come away with a 32-14 win.

These three convincing wins saw the boys finish at the top of their pool, earning them a well-deserved place in the Grand Final against Bendigo South East College.

The Grand Final proved to be the most challenging encounter of the day. We always knew BSE would be tough and we would have to really work hard to get the win. Despite the boys’ best efforts and some quality basketball on display, they were unable to maintain their winning streak. In a hard-fought battle, CMCB went down 25-31 to a well-prepared BSE team.

Whilst the result was disappointing, the teamwork and character shown by all players throughout the day was to be commended. Every member of the squad contributed to what was ultimately a successful tournament. The boys should be proud of how they conducted themselves both on and off the court and hold their heads high, despite falling short in the final.

Mr Matt Andronicos (Coach)

TEAM: Declan McEvoy, Isaiah Cass, Charlie Dickins, Archer Tuohey, Blaine Schelfhout, Mr Matt Andronicos (Coach), Jaxon Kelly, Cash Caldis, Eli Fennell, Mackay Mitchell

Intermediate Girls

An excited team of Year 9 and Year 10s took to Red Energy Arena to contest the Sandhurst Intermediate Girls Basketball competition. After some line-up changes to accommodate player availability, the tournament got under way in a rush. Game 1 against Eaglehawk Secondary College saw the team come together and quickly establish their game style for the tournament. With the lead taken care of early, the team settled into the second half in a relaxed manner, taking the win 46-8.

Game 2 followed a similar pattern which saw the bench players seamlessly rotate onto the court and into the game, as they added points to their name. It was another win for the girls, 55-8 over Weeroona College.

Game 3 started quickly with some impressive steals as the girls were able to fire ahead. They also found time and space to sharpen up their accuracy around the 3-point arc. Another convincing win resulted against Crusoe College (39-10) which saw them buoyed to move into the finals rounds.
In the semi-final against East Loddon P-12 College, the girls continued their upbeat approach and quickly asserted their control of the game. Maintaining their reputation as a fair sporting team, the girls were able to support their opponents to score, while taking a commanding lead, and moving to the final as they secured a 40-10 win.

The Grand Final match up was against Marist College Bendigo, and as consistent as clockwork, the early steals and conversions had the team in front and destined for success. Every player found their way into the action as they took brought home the trophy with a convincing 41-5 victory and secured a spot at the Regional Finals Day in October.

However, the greatest result of the day was the continued encouragement and praise that came from our opponents and coaches, who despite the results, were very complimentary of the team’s manner, approach and sportsmanship right throughout the tournament. Congratulations girls.

TEAM: Mr Colin Hogan (Coach), Poppy Gladstone, Rhylie Jones, Sophie McDermott, Rhylee Pollock, Lexie Fennell, Mia Cox, Rylee Marsh, Alexis Arundell, Lilly Teuma, Alannah Prowse