Junior Teams in LMR Basketball finals

CMCB basketball teams of Year 7 Girls, Year 8 Girls and Year 8 Boys took part in the Loddon Mallee Regional Basketball Finals on Friday 18 October at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo. All teams had a great day with the Year 8 Girls winning the Grand Final to advance to the State Finals in November.

SCHOOL SPORTS VICTORIA – LODDON MALLEE REGIONAL

Basketball Finals

YEAR 7 GIRLS

Game 1 vs Victory Christian College
The girls came out firing in this game. The intensity was high and the team was tenacious from the outset. By half-time, the score was 36-0 and by the end of the game, they had stretched the lead to win 68-4.

Game 2 vs St Joseph’s College, Echuca
After a two-hour break between games, the team faced a more competitive and aggressive side in St Joseph’s College Echuca. CMCB were a bit slow to get started and not every basket dropped. They eventually pulled away and finished with a win 46-21. This was a much better-matched game and extended the team’s level.

It was a fantastic day as everyone played their role and the sportsmanship and care of each other was commendable. The team has now qualified for the next stage of the next competition on 19 November.

Many thanks to the girls who scored, Rhylee for being the team manager, and Mrs Winfield for being the coach. Also, a big shout out to the parental support on the day.

TEAM: Mrs Rachel Winfield (Coach), Etta Place, Isabella McEvoy, Harper Gordon, Mila Childs, Rhylee Pollock (Helper), Ellie Macumber, Lilly McMaster, Sienna Raco, Elle Gilchrist, Poppy Carter

YEAR 8 GIRLS

Game 1 vs St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill
The girls got off to a great start against St Mary MacKillop College, with a full-court press creating many turnovers leading to easy baskets. St Mary MacKillop steadied their game and made some good shots, creating a very competitive game. Their pressure was a great test for the team. Strong outside shooting by the girls proved to be a game-changer as CMCB secured their first win 43-31.

Game 2 vs Crusoe College
The girls dominated the first half, starting strong with a full-court press and superb defence, forcing Crusoe into numerous turnovers. By half-time, the girls had established a commanding 25-9 lead. The team was composed and didn’t rush the ball, patiently working it around. Despite playing back-to-back games, the girls played a strong second half, completely shutting down Crusoe’s scoring opportunities. Their relentless pressure at both ends of the court led to numerous fast breaks and turnovers, ensuring another comfortable victory 46-13.

Game 3: Semi-Final vs Maryborough Education Centre
In the semi-final, the girls immediately unleashed their full-court press, forcing turnover after turnover and dominating possession. The girls showed no signs of letting up, creating endless opportunities for fast and easy layups. They displayed remarkable composure, finding gaps in the defence and taking their time in the key.

The team continued the high pace in the second half, applying pressure on Maryborough with their speed and precision. Their determination on the boards and flawless shooting from mid-range and beyond the arc sealed the win 76-12. An extraordinary effort from every player on the court secured them a place in the Grand Final.

Game 4: Grand Final vs St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill 44-26
For the grand final, the girls played against St Mary MacKillop College again. The girls were expecting a tough game and that’s exactly what it was. The first half was very physical and intense, with both teams under sustained pressure, however CMCB did go into the half-time break up 20-15. The second half was equally tense. The team’s persistent pressing defence caused turnovers that led to quick baskets, allowing them to pull away and establish a comfortable lead. Every player contributed to this hard-fought win, and their tenacity paid off as the girls finished with a fantastic win 44-26, crowning them champions!

Congratulations to all students for an outstanding day, and to Mrs Fennell for coaching. The Year 8 Girls now advance to the State Finals, to be held in Melbourne on Tuesday 19 November.

TEAM: Poppy Gladstone (Helper), Lilly Teuma, Mia Cox, Sophie McDermott, Eva Grant, Macey Pinner (Helper), Mrs Julie Fennell (Coach), Mia Wardell, Elodie Sharman, Molly Beasley, Alexis Arundell, Sienna Barnett (Helper)

YEAR 8 BOYS

Game 1 vs St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill
The boys had a great opening game, St Mary MacKillop College were applying constant pressure, but they rose to the challenge, playing a full-court press most of the game. They made good use of the ball, passing around the offensive zone to find their best opportunities to score, leading to a comfortable victory 38-26.

Game 2 vs Maryborough Education Centre
The team went out onto the court and made a strong start. They played a full-court press early to gain a significant lead, which they maintained for the remainder of the game. The boys, especially Darcy, Patrick and Eli, were able to force many turnovers throughout the game, which was reflected in the final score 63-8.

Game 3 vs St Joseph College, Echuca
The third match was the most challenging game of the day by far. St Joseph’s established an early lead as they played a tight full-court press style of game that the boys found hard to negate and left them playing catch up for the rest of the game. Darcy did a great job shutting down their major playmaker, but despite this, the rest of their team was still too strong for the team to catch back up, leading to a loss, 24-34.

Game 4 vs Irymple Secondary College
In another extremely competitive game, the boys were neck-and-neck with Irymple for the entire game, with the teams never more than 8 points apart. Archer ran a solid zone defence for the game, and the boys fought hard throughout to try and get the win, but unfortunately, they were unable to gain any significant advantage in the last few minutes of the game with the final score 40-46. Full credit goes to the team for never dropping their heads and challenging their opposition all the way.

Special thanks to Jaxon Kelly for scoring the games.

TEAM: Charlie Macumber, Bentley Geary, Archer Tuohey, Jake Rosa, Mr Shannan Merrett (Coach), Jaxon Kelly (Helper), Eli Fennell, Darcy Tyler, Patrick McNamara, Isaiah Cass