THE Warriors’ senior teams both went down in close finishes against more fancied opponents while in the junior program the highlight was the magnificent performance of the undermanned under16 boys’ Gold team while the under16 girls’ Blue team had a good win and the under16 boys’ Blue team remained unbeaten.
MEN
The Warriors travelled to Eltham to take on the strong Wildcats lineup but the Warriors matched the home team, which led by only four points at halftime. Leon Stapley was the main scorer in the first half, scoring four threepointers. Jamie Stow was also a strong player.
In the second half the Warriors started slowly, but came back well with great teamwork. Tim Hendrikx and Bill Winder worked hard inside and with great offence Pakenham came close, but was pipped at the post by two points.
Scores: Eltham 64 d Pakenham 62.
WOMEN
The Warriors travelled to Warrandyte and almost upset the higherplaced home side.
The game was a lowscoring affair with both defences playing well. The Warriors still struggled in offence and their accuracy at the basket has been down in recent games. Only two points separated the teams in the final minute, but crucial fouls sent the home side to the foul line where Warrandyte put the result beyond doubt.
New player Tegan Blaby added welcome height, while Sarah and Phillippa Antoniadou have also improved since their debut. Natalie Sallai was tireless at both ends of the court in scoring 13 points.
Scores: Warrandyte 24 d Pakenham 19.
UNDER 20 MEN
The Warriors played at home against Sandringham 2. What the Sabres lacked in height they made up for in speed and strength. In a good strong game Pakenham was in front at the halftime mark 2722.
The Warriors played a fine team game with everyone getting the ball in to the taller Tim Hendrikx, Ian Mewburn and Jamie Stow. Sean Dixon brought the ball up and controlled the game until early in the second half, when he twisted his ankle and ended up at the hospital emergency department.
In the second half the Warriors lost the plot and were not playing as a team, which cost the Warriors the game.
UNDER 16 GIRLS GOLD
Warriors played Broadmeadows at Broadmeadows. Accurate shooting by Shiona Dickson from the foul line gave the Warriors first score. Broadmeadows responded with eight quick points, finding the gap in the Warriors’ defence. The Warriors then regrouped and great passing and teamwork enabled them to bridge the gap. However Broadmeadows kept the lead at the break with a 2520 lead.
In the second half the Warriors were off to a quick start but Broadmeadows perfected its outside shooting and continued to find gaps in the Warriors’ defence. Confident ball handling by Courtney Duff and Jacinta Rich kept the Warriors in contention but Broadmeadows was calm under the pressure were able to hang on to win.
Scores: Broadmeadows 48 d Pakenham 43.
UNDER 16 GIRLS BLUE
Playing Westernport at Somerville on Friday night, the team was rewarded with a good win. Starting off slightly disorganised, the team soon settled and showed poise and patience in offence and scored at each opportunity. Halftime scores were Warriors 19 to Steelers 10.
In the second half there was strong rebounding and tight defence.
Although Pakenham was dominating, the team could not capitalise on many foul shots. But it was a good, even effort, each player doing their bit to go home winners.
Scores: Pakenham 36 d Westernport 22.
UNDER 16 BOYS GOLD
Pakenham played at Forest Hill against Nunawading Spectres with five regular players missing, but was assisted by two fillin players, Jack Watson and Troy Nicholls. James Bridgett was strong offensively with 16 firsthalf points. Chris Williams’ late goal tied the scores at halftime 18all.
The even contest continued into the second half until two threepointers by Watson gave Pakenham a boost. Nicholls and Williams both worked hard, scoring four points each, and James Bridgett with nine points gave Pakenham a small lead. Blake Schrieber was strong in defence, pulling down many rebounds. With five tired players Pakenham showed great spirit to hold on to win.
Scores: Pakenham 41 d Nunawading 35.
UNDER 16 BOYS BLUE
The Warriors played the Wildcats in Eltham. The home team skipped out to a sixpoint lead early but the Warriors kept cool heads and continued to play their own brand of basketball and before long had evened the score at 12 apiece. After the tardy start the Warriors played great basketball to get back into the game and were only trailing 2122 at halftime.
The Warriors maintained their defensive pressure in the second half and started to get on top after a purple patch by Jake Heyen with eight consecutive points, which swung the game the Warriors’ way. In what was a great team effort the Warriors came away with a satisfying 12point win.
Highlights for the game were Jason Budge’s 16 points, Jackson Fromhold’s secondhalf defensive pressure and James Flannery’s 12 points from four threepoint shots. Dale O’Callaghan scored 12 points.
Scores: Pakenham 59 d Eltham 47.
UNDER 14 BOYS
In round three at Eltham against the Wildcats Pakenham started slowly, missing easy shots, but with strong work inside from Sean Armstrong and a couple of fast breaks from Brendan Gillen kept the Warriors in touch. In the first half Pakenham was outscored 10 to 17. In the second half Tim Millier chipped in with a couple of rebounds and Lewis Vigliarolo, returning from injury, with a good performance in defence. The under14 boys showed spirit, matching Eltham’s 24 points in the second half. At the end of the game it was the lack of height that cost Pakenham.
Scores: Eltham 41 d Pakenham 34.
