Wallan Panthers are hoping a strong first half to the season will set them up for tilt at the Big V women’s division 2 finals.
In their inaugural Big V season the Panthers were confident of being around the mark with the squad they had assembled, but it wasn’t until they got onto the court they would get a clear indication.
With one round before the Queen’s Birthday bye weekend, the Panthers sit second on the ladder with a 9-2 record.
Panthers’ coach Warren Taylor said it had been a pleasing start to the season.
“We enjoyed some big wins early but as teams started to develop their games we’ve seen the league even out a little and it has made for some really good basketball,” he said.
“Really pleasing has been solid wins against Mornington and Melbourne University, who will both be thereabouts come August.
“The highlight for me is how well we have been able to lock down on some good teams defensively. We currently hold the best defensive record in the league holding teams to just 48 points each game.
“We held Mornington to 27 points, Blackburn to 32 and Melbourne Uni to 46 and especially in those last two games that has been the difference as we have struggled lately to get our offensive game going.”
Not surprisingly it’s some of the more experienced players which are leading the way for the Panthers.
Jacinta Scott, who came from state championship side Hume City Broncos, has been the key for the Panthers.
Using her experience she’s averaging 16 points per game and leading the competition in three-point and free-throw percentage.
“Jacinta has stood out as not only starring for us but would arguably be in the best two or three players in our division right now,” Taylor said.
“Jacinta’s all round game has been outstanding and we know going into the second half of the year she will be a big target for our opponents to try and stop.”
At the defensive end it has been Sarah Scott and Gemma Jackson who have stood out with Taylor saying they’re some of the best defenders in division 2.
Haylee Cooper-Maclean and Emmie O’Nial have shown glimpses at the offensive end, while Sarah Mellington and Jayda Hunter have started to hit some real form.
Taylor said the bye had come at a perfect time giving the side the chance to refresh and get focused for a tough second half of the season.
“Our last few games have not been our best with some external pressures and the loss of veteran Tracy Tuesley prior to the Craigieburn game. However our group is now looking more determined and looking forward to the challenge of turning some form around.
“After the long weekend we have a huge month against some quality teams and we know we will need to be heading back towards our best if we are going to be competitive enough to achieve our goal of playing finals this year.”
Mellington and Jacinta Scott won’t get the Queen’s Birthday weekend off with both being selected to participate in the All-star origin weekend.
Mellington will representing Country at the upcoming Big V origin game while Scott will compete in the three-point shootout.
The men’s side remains in contention for a finals sitting fifth with a 7-6 record.
Keenan Gorski sits second in the division’s scoring, averaging 22 points per game and Demtrius Robinson’s 11 rebounds per game the third best in the division.
Jaak Ponsford and Kane Molloy have been strong contributors.
It’s been a season of near misses for the youth league men’s side which has suffered three one-point losses and another two losses under five points.
Jake Gardiner and Dev Pretty are pacing the young Panthers scoring while Brad Butler and James Metaxotos have been valuable.
