Hume City can again lay claim to being the top team in the Big V basketball women’s state championship after securing back-to-back titles on Sunday.
But the Lady Broncos had to do it the hard way in their three-game grand final series with the Ringwood Hawks.
The Hawks took the opening game in Broadmeadows, 67-53, on August 17, leaving the Lady Broncos to do something they’d never done before – win game two and three on the Hawks’ home court – to take the title.
Hume City gave itself a chance by winning game two, 68-54, on Saturday night.
“I think the big loss last week played into our hands,” Lady Broncos coach Warren Taylor said.
“It took the pressure off. Instead of trying to fix one or two things, we decided to try some new things in defence. The Hawks found it difficult and Amber Hegge was in foul trouble, which didn’t help them. It was the best defence we’ve played all year.”
Hume City’s Colleen Planeta top scored with 26 points, while Lauren Bennett had 13 points and Rebecca Romeo scored 10.
Taylor said the win gave the Lady Broncos the confidence boost they needed for game three. “We scored really well early on and had a range of shooters in both games, which is something we sometimes struggle with.
“Everyone was talking about the depth of the Hawks, but it annoyed me they didn’t think we went that deep.”
The Lady Broncos took control of game three early, heading into half-time on Sunday with a 12-point lead. The Hawks fought back after the break, putting plenty of defensive pressure on the Lady Broncos. But Hume City hung on to win, 65-59.
“The second half wasn’t pretty,’’ Taylor said. ‘‘They kept fighting back and we couldn’t score. In the end we were able to hold on.”
Planeta again led the way for the Lady Broncos with 24 points.
Taylor said the feeling after winning this year’s title was different to last year, when the Lady Broncos were loaded with tested talent.
“We’re a lot younger and less experienced.
‘‘We’ve gone through adversity … we’ve got players who will go under the knife in the next couple of weeks. I’m relieved and excited.’’
