By Trevor Jackson
THE Mount Gambier Lakers men broke through for their first win of the 2021-22 Country Basketball League season on Sunday at the Icehouse, with a 90-74 victory over Horsham Hornets.
The weekend was expected to provide a double-header, with Saturday’s game against Colac Kookas first transferred to Portland, before being called off due to unforeseen circumstances.
Sunday provided plenty of entertainment for the supporters in the stands, with a big 28-point game from Kyle Tipene setting up the win, which included six three-pointers to boost his numbers.
A strong first term from both sides saw the Lakers lead at the break with a 26-22 scoreline.
However, a strong defensive effort in the second term had the Lakers in the box seat after banging on 23 points while holding Horsham to just 12.
That provided what would be a winning margin, as the Hornets won the next term by one point lost the final quarter by just two.
Tipene’s efforts around the basket were well supported by the likes of Nelson Forbes, who drained five three-pointers on his way to 21 points, while Sam Stafford and Jordan Hollitt both finished with 14.
As the season enters the Christmas break the Lakers sit down on the bottom of the ladder after four rounds of play have been completed.
A couple of forfeits have not helped, while a close two-point loss to Portland in the opening round could have pushed the Lakers up a few spots had they prevailed.
The Lakers have looked to use Portland for home games if the Covid-19 restrictions cause any issues, which has been the case so far.
As a result they have been unable to field full sides, with some players yet to have their second vaccine and some reluctant to cross the border.
Basketball development manager Tom Daly said some players had other commitments as the short eight-round season was thrown together at late notice.
“Unfortunately up until the weekend our first three trips were on the road to Victoria,” he said.
“A lot of our guys work and have families and it is a busy time of the year.
“With the mixture of that and not wanting to go over the border because of the risks, a lot of the guys have been unavailable.
“We have had to postpone a couple of games and had junior guys coming in which is good for them and good for the future but has made it tricky.”
The weekend’s win over Horsham showed the side is up to the task with a more complete roster.
Daly said while it included more of the senior players, there were still some young players who stood up, including Forbes.
“Nelson has been playing with me at the Roos in the A Grade comp and has been picked in the Pioneers Academy,” Daly said.
“He works hard on his game and listens and learns, he has a good eye and a good technique.
“He is a good talent.”
For the remainder of the season the majority of the Lakers games are pencilled in for the Icehouse.
Daly said a lot would now depend on what towns can cross the border to play, which could have a major bearing on how the Lakers finish the season.
“We will either play our games here or some here and some home games in Portland,” he said.
“We hope we will have most of the team here now with a full senior side.”
The Lakers will now have to wait until January 9 before their next hit-out against the Warrnambool Seahawks, currently set to be played at the Icehouse.
