Wallan Panthers’ women’s side has secured a finals berth in its first year in the Basketball Victoria’s Country Basketball League.
Panthers coach Warren Taylor said he was thrilled to have sealed a finals spot with one round still remaining in the regular season of the north-east division.
“Locking up a finals spot was our main goal when we kicked off six months ago,” he said.
“That was the aim before we found out how much the league had improved over the off season, so the achievement is even better than what we expected.”
The Panthers locked up their finals spot with convincing wins over Castlemaine and Echuca on the weekend.
In the Panthers’ first match for 2016 they started slowly against Castlemaine, but quickly found their feet to lead at quarter time.
Once in front the Panthers controlled most of the game winning 66-45.
“Solid defence and good ball movement saw us step it up a level in the second quarter and we led by 16 points at half time,” Taylor said.
“After the break we were able to move some players around and keep everyone fresh, even managing to stretch the lead out to 18 before Castlemaine hit back.
“Credit to the girls they steadied and put their foot back down to run away with a comfortable win.”
Sarah Taylor was strong in defence for the Panthers, while Jayda Hunter (17 points), Alex Darby (14) and Gemma Jackson (13) scored double figures.
Taylor said it was another slow start against Echuca, a side also in the hunt for a finals spot.
“For the first team in many games we struggled to find our defensive feet, catching some silly fouls,” he said.
“We still had a one-point lead at quarter time, but Echuca certainly had the momentum which they carried it into the second quarter.
“Guards Alex Darby and Megan Marasco stepped it up for us and proved to be the difference when we really needed. They led a 10-0 run for us.
“The run coincided with foul trouble for Echuca’s star guard Erin Hill. They went seven minutes without a goal.”
Leading by 10 at half time the Panthers stepped it up in the second half to win comfortably 65-41.
“The third quarter was all Wallan,” Taylor said.
“Six different players scored for the quarter which we won comfortably, 19-8.
“If it didn’t seem large enough a task for the visitors, an 11-0 opening three minutes to the final quarter from us put the game beyond all doubt.”
Seven players scored at least five points, including Megan Marasco and Jordyn Grubusic, in an even team spread.
Darby continued her great form with a best on court performance.
Focus now turns to the final round of the season, when the Panthers play Wangaratta and Shepparton.
“We are likely finish third regardless of results this weekend but we have two really big games to finish our regular season,” Taylor said.
“Shepparton beat us last time we played them. The girls are pumped for the weekend and the chance to play finals.”
