Hume City Broncos have pulled off an impressive win against Knox Raiders in Big V men’s state championship division.
The Broncos starting five gelled on Saturday, delivering a top shooting display to knock off the Raiders 107-94.
The Broncos started the better of the two sides and led by 13 points at the first break.
After a more even second quarter the Broncos led by 11 points at the main break.
The third quarter was similar to the first, with the Broncos having control and extending the lead to 24 points.
The Broncos knew the Raiders would throw one last challenge at them, but the extent of the Hume lead was too great.
For coach Broncos Kelvin Bowers it was a rare win against the Raiders.
“They’re a really good team, which I’ve struggled to bet,” he said.
“It was a fantastic win. We’ve still got a way to go, but it’s a step in the right direction. We’re starting to get more cohesive and gain that trust.
“We’re not going to rest on our laurels.”
It was at the offensive end that the Broncos really starred, with all five starters reaching double figures and the team shooting at 59 per cent from the field and a remarkable 60 per cent from beyond the three point line.
Lee Jeka, Trevor Clayton and Mike Rose all scored at least 20 points.
Bowers said that while everyone knew what Jeka, Rose and Clayton could do, it was the performances of Shaun Prendergast and Luke Egan that have stood out.
“Shaun needs to be more aggressive on the offensive end,” he said.
“Luke is turning back time and I really admire him. To be 42 and the dedication he puts in to get his body in shape every game. He’s the heart and soul of the team.”
Bowers said that despite the positive signs so far, the Broncos were sit 2-2 heading into the Easter break and that there was a long way to go.
He said that defensively they would get better – and would need to if they were to match it with the top teams.
Getting more minutes into the bench and developing other options were other areas which the Broncos would focus on in the next few weeks once they have a fully fit squad.
On Saturday night, the starters all played at least 34 minutes.
“I can’t continue to play them for that many minutes,” Bowers said.
“It was a game we really needed them on the court.
“We’re developing players. Phil Renteria has had some really good games. We’ve had some players injured. Once we get all the pieces together, I think we’ll get better.”
The Broncos’ women’s side suffered its first loss of the season, losing 69-63 to the Raiders.
The Broncos, without Sam Guastella, who has returned to Luxembourg, started slowly and were always on the back foot.
Viv Saad scored 26 points with Nicole Zammit scored 22 points.
