After gracing the historic hardwood of Leisuretime Sports Precinct to open the new Big V season, the Navexa Geelong United Basketball Youth League Women and Men will hit the floor at Geelong Arena this Saturday night.
Both teams will face Bulleen in Youth League One action, with the Boomers women coming off a victory over Warrandyte, while the visitor’s men split a road-double with a big win over Altona and a narrow loss to Wyndham.
For Geelong United’s women, coach Jason Bannerman will be keen for his roster to build on an impressive defensive effort in a 54-33 victory over Collingwood.
“This will be a game that will require us to be accountable defensively to limit their scoring,” he said.
“Offensively, we need to be a lot more patient and control the pace of the game.”
After leading by as much as 17 points early in the third quarter, the Geelong United men were outscored 47-24 for the remainder of the contest, as the All Stars ran out 82-76 victors.
Coach Luke Beard says despite struggling to score down the stretch, he was comfortable with the shots his players took.
“Reviewing the tape, 90 per cent of the shots were the right shot – feet set, good inside touch as kick-outs,” he said.
“It was the shooting percentage; we went 3-31 from the perimeter.
“So, nine per cent is going to make it hard to win a game.
“And some of our offensive structures we can definitely improve on.”
Both games will be played on the Geelong Arena Showcourt.
Tip-off for the women is at 5pm. Men at 7pm.
Tickets are $8 at the door. Card only.
