Wallan Panthers will make the most of a weekend off in the lead up to the Country Basketball League’s women’s north-east finals.
With third spot and a final appearance already secured, the week off couldn’t come at a better time with key players battling injuries.
Gemma Jackson missed the final two matches of the regular season with a wrist injury, while Tracy Tuesley is battling an achilles injury.
Coach Warren Taylor said it was good to not have to rely on other results going their way this weekend.
“A 10-6 finish in our first season and third spot isn’t bad for a team that comes from no actual base,” he said.
“There are no junior teams or domestic teams to feed from, and just a limitation to players which are living locally.”
The Panthers split their final two games of the regular season on the weekend.
On Saturday night, they faced Wangaratta without Jackson, Tuesley and Emma Renton.
Having beaten them by 50 points the last time the two teams played, Taylor was confident of another win despite being undermanned.
A lack of height for Panthers proved to be their downfall as they lost 50-45.
“After leading at half time by three points, Wangaratta exploited our defensive breakdowns and dominated the second half with smart reversal and good use of their 6’3″ star Carly Perso,” Taylor said.
“Missing Tuesley and the 6’1″ Renton inside proved to be the difference, as Perso and fellow forward Chloe Storer found easy baskets on the end of good ball movement.”
Taylor said Alex Darby with 20 points was the standout for the Panthers
Having only taken up basketball seriously 12 months ago, Darby’s game continues to go from strength to strength.
After being named Big V youth league division 2 women’s rookie of the year while playing with the Sunbury Jets, Darby has excelled with the Panthers.
“She was constantly putting the team on her back and doing all she could but it wasn’t enough in the end,” Taylor said.
Jayda Hunter chipped in with 17 points.
Taylor was expecting a battle against Shepparton on Sunday, with the winner to lock up third spot on the ladder.
The Panthers were still missing Jackson and Renton, while Tuesley returned on limited minutes.
“The start was super important and it was all us,” Taylor said.
“A 23-8 first quarter stunned Shepparton who just could not find an answer to Alex Darby (seven points), Megan Marasco (seven points) and Karina Marasco (five points).”
The lead proved to be the difference between the two sides, as the game turned physical.
The Panthers won 59-48.
“The game became a rugged physical battle with players hitting the floor almost every play,” Taylor said.
“Thirty-six fouls were called and maybe as many as that missed. It was a very tough game to coach.
“Scoring tightened up after the first quarter with Shepparton only able to narrow the gap back to as little as six a couple of times. We were able to hold our nerve against their physical play and run the game out.”
Despite almost playing a whole game the night before, Darby backed it up with a season high 25 points.
The Panthers will face Wodonga in a semi final on January 20.
“They are the only team we haven’t beaten this season and is a challenge I can’t wait for,” Taylor said.
“We were so close to getting them in round one when we really didn’t have any structures or team play worked out.
“This should be a great opportunity to make a grand final.”
