This week was an all-away affair as our 4 Big V teams hit the road for some big road trips in round 9. Check out how all our teams went below!
NAVEXA DIVISION 1 MEN
Our Division 1 Men headed to Shepparton this week looking to redeem themselves after a tough 3 point loss to the Gators just 2 weeks prior. Carrying some injured bodies and a slim frontcourt, the Stingrays were played off the floor for the first time in 2022, as they went down to the hot shooting Gators, 107-77. A 17-1 start did the Stingrays no favours as they were outscored in all 4 quarters on the way to a season-low 30 point loss. Struggling on offence the Gators seemingly could not miss as they connected on 67% of their threes, and shot 55% from the field for the game.
On the other hand, a struggling Rays outfit managed just 33% from the field as the three-point shot was just not falling. For the Rays, Cohen Blythe (Pivot City) tried his hardest to help the Stingrays, posting 23 points to go with 4 rebounds and 5 assists, while Aaron Ruiz contributed well with 18 points and 3 rebounds. Kye Baluch (SG Kings) was best off the bench with 11.
The Men will look to bounce back against Keysborough this Sunday, to retain their top 4 spot on the Division 1 ladder.
TOP PERFORMERS
Cohen Blythe 23 points 5 assists 4 rebounds
Aaron Ruiz 18 points 3 rebounds
NAVEXA DIVISON 2 WOMEN
A tightly contested game for our Division 2 Women has seen them go down to Gippsland United 63-75 on Saturday night. Jumping out to an 11 point lead at the half, the Stingrays Women struggled to battle back the deficit that Gippsland had created. Managing just 32% from the field, the offence just was not clicking on the night as the Rays went just 7 of 25 from the three-point line.
Carly Remmos, has impressed since her injection into the lineup. led the way with 17 points and 6 rebounds and was backed up well by Bree Matthews (Pivot City) who added 14 and 6 of her own. However, Gippsland was just too good on the night.
The team will look to regroup before taking on Surf Coast at home on Sunday.
TOP PERFORMERS
Carly Remmos 17 points 6 rebounds 3 steals
Bree Matthews 14 points 6 rebounds 2 assists
NAVEXA YOUTH LEAGUE 1 MEN
Hitting the road on Saturday night, our YL1M headed to the Dragonโs den to take on the undefeated Camberwell. A close game throughout, the final score certainly did not reflect the game as a whole in this one. Missing starters to the NBL1 men, Geelong powered through and made it a close contest against the undefeated Dragons. trailing by just 8 at the half, the boys were more than in this one. Some good shooting from Patrick Johnstone (YMCA) and Matthew Jennings (CC Eagles) kept the boys close, however, the 4th quarter was all Camberwell as they pulled away to win 107-80.
An even game stats-wise, the game came down to shooting percentage, and with the Well converting on 60% of their threes and 55% of all field goals, they ultimately were just too good in the end for the shorthanded United boys.
The team will look to next Sunday when they will take on the Craigieburn Eagles.
TOP PERFORMERS
Patrick Johnstone 20 points 5 rebounds 1 steal
Matthew Jennings 17 points 3 rebounds 1 assist
NAVEXA YOUTH LEAGUE 1 WOMEN
Our Youth League Women hit the road down to Sherbrooke on Sunday to take on the Suns as they make a mid season push into the top half of the league. A close first half saw the girls leading by just 5 points in what looked to be a tight one down the stretch. The girls came out of half time firing to extend their lead to 13 before taking over in the fourth to take an easy 29 point win.
The win now pushes them 1 game behind the finals pack as they look to push their way into playoff contention.
Grace Spehar was once again on fire registering 12 points and 10 rebounds to go with 2 steals in just 16 minutes, while Vanessa Marsh also did her thing with 12 points of her own to go with 3 steals. Alaina peacock off the bench had a team-high 13 points to ensure the Suns could not steal a win.
The girls will now look to Sunday where they will look to steal a win from Bulleen and a spot in the top 6.
