THE 2023 South East Coast Basketball League winter season is shaping up as an exciting competition.
After one full round of five weeks, the men’s competition is tight at the top, as three teams – Bulldogs Blue, Saints and Panthers – lead the competition with identical 4/1 win-loss records.
Interest is also centred on Roos, Cougars and Bulldogs White, who are all in contention for the prized fourth spot come finals time.
Looking at Roos recent performances and improved team work, it would not surprise if they join the top three as genuine contenders for the top two spots on the premiership ladder in September.
While Saints Women remain the only unbeaten team of the current SECBL season, the five other teams are making steady improvement, determined to see action in the finals series.
MEN
Panthers 104 (K. Tipene 28, O. Thomson 25, B. Jachmann 15) d Cougars 84 (T. deWit 20, B. Male 14, W. Wimshurst 11).
After an even start Panthers progressively gained control to lead 83-65 at the last break, followed by a relatively even finish.
Features of the game included the eye-catching performance by Ollie Thomson and the impact of team leader Kyle Tipene for Panthers.
On the other hand, Toby deWit continues to give his all and received solid support from juniors Will Wimshurst and Seth Fraser.
Roos 117 (N. Forbes 30, J. Wilkinson 23, J. Berkefeld 12) d Bulldogs White 52 (D. Hendreck 18, A. Tos 9, C. Asiddao 3).
It was a long night for Bulldogs White as Roos scored a round-high 117 points, issuing a warning to opponents.
Roos’ depth of scoring was reflected in four players scoring 20 points or more.
Keeping in mind Luke and Matt Black did not suit up for White, due credit must be given for the sustained efforts of the Bulldog White players led by Dane Hendreck.
Saints 77 (J. Haggett 20 H. Mules 16 J. Bowden 15) d Bulldogs Blue 65 (B. Young 22, S. Lock 13, D. Reid 11).
Saints’ men, through a confident start, coupled with an unusually slow start by league leader Bulldogs Blue, set up a 12-point win.
Talented trio Jack Haggett, Harry Mules and Jackson Bowden took the home side out to an unexpected 20-point lead at half time.
While Blue came to life in the second half, outscoring Saints 45-37, it was Saints’ night.
Quiet achiever Ben Young led the scoring for Blue.
WOMEN
Saints 72 (E. Easterby 24, P. Paul 22, A. Dean 11) d Cats 60 (L. Van Eeden 17, T. Rowe 15, E. Denton 12).
The Saints/Cats womens’ game was entertaining as the young guns of the association strutted their stuff at home.
A 20-8 first quarter saw Saints in control and the game unfolded in this vein.
There were several players missing in each line-up, including Poppy Venn and Mackenzie Burke for Saints along with key playing coach Allana Berkefeld for Cats.
Eadie Easterby finished with a game-high 24 points, while the improving Lauren van Eeden had 17.
Roos 47 (E. Bourchier 16, L. Norman 11) d Bulldogs 38 (T. Human 11, A. Collins 11, K. Collins 8).
This contest developed into a defensive challenge in which scores were hard to come by.
At the final break Roos led 34-31 and then extended the lead to nine at the final siren.
The win came from another strong performance by Ellie Bourchier and Lauren Norman, backed up by consistent efforts from team mates.
Ava Collins (11) and Tenille Human (11) continue to shoulder the responsibilities for Bulldogs.
Panthers 20 d Cougars 0 on forfeit.
