Youth Leaguers hit the road

BOTH holding 1-1 win-loss records, Geelong United Basketball’s Youth League Women and Men will look to get ahead of the ledger when they play away for the first time this Big V season.

United’s Youth League Women are first in action when they meet Camberwell Dragons at Balwyn High School on Saturday afternoon.

After a solid victory over Collingwood in Round 1, Jason Bannerman’s roster was on the back foot early in last week’s loss to Bulleen at Geelong Arena.

Turnovers proved costly for Geelong, which coughed up the ball 29 times.

The Dragons enter the contest off a 70-47 victory over Collingwood.

“Camberwell looks to have a few consistent scoring players, which we will have to minimise their impact,” Bannerman said.

“Our defensive pressure, along with a massive reduction in turnovers this weekend, should set us up to execute our offensive side.

“Absorbing Camberwell’s defensive pressure will also be key.”

Geelong United Youth League Men will be looking to build on an impressive display against Bulleen when it makes the short trip to Altona on Sunday afternoon.

United pulled away from the Boomers for an 86-72 victory on the back of a consistent team performance that coach Luke Beard would like to see replicated.

“The momentum that a win creates has seen great energy at training with some highly competitive work ensuring everyone is sharp and ready to go,” he said.

The clash with the Gators will also see a couple of key United players taking to a familiar court.

“This one will have a bit of feeling in it, as both Hamish Goodier and Marach Marach have come home to play in Geelong after a season at Altona,” Beard said.

“We are confident that if we have the discipline to stick to our structures and play team-first basketball, we can enter the Easter break 2-1.”

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