James Murphy
IT may not have been a fair indication, but the Millicent Magic women’s team has reclaimed the Country Basketball League bragging rights over cross-town rival Mount Gambier.
The Magic hosted the Lakers for an anticipated ladder-leader rematch on Saturday night, but the latter was heavily depleted for the round.
As such Millicent cruised to a 28-point victory, with Emily Winter proving the difference with an impressive 32-point game.
“Emily Winter had a night out and they just didn’t have anyone who could contain her,” Millicent coach Damien Venn said.
Mount Gambier was without star Sarah Ritter, while Mikaela Horrigan, Olivia Wormald and Keryl Ousey were also painful losses from the starting five.
Millicent was not without its own absences, including Alana Berkefeld to an ankle injury and both Poppy Venn and Edie Easterby for state training.
However, the Magic remained in control throughout the game.
Lauren van Eeden was presented an opportunity to make her CBL debut and she grabbed it with both hands.
“She did really well,” Venn said.
“Defensively she was really good and she shut her player down.”
She also managed seven points, in an impressive first outing.
Emily Winter was a focal point under the basket and she was well supported by both Georgia Winter and Jasmin Howe.
The pair shot 18 and 16 points respectively, leaving the young Lakers vulnerable in defence.
Cara Nulty was the highest scorer for the Lakers and the only player to break into double figures, with 11 points.
Ambah Beveridge (nine points), Nikeisha Facey (nine) and Emily Dawe (eight) also contributed, but the hosts had the advantage of strength and experience on their side.
The win has now created a buffer for Millicent on top of the South West conference ladder, which will be valuable heading into a string of road trips.
“We are a game clear now which is good to have,” Venn said.
“Nearly all of our games are on the road now.”
Sights will now be set on a clash against Horsham this weekend, before the competition enters a two-week break over the Christmas/New Year period.
