United ready for double-header

GEELONG United has their sights set on securing two big wins over the coming few nights of NBL1 South action.

United will head away to take on the reigning champion Waverley Falcons tomorrow evening (Friday, April 11) before playing at Geelong Arena on Saturday (April 12) against the Bendigo Braves.

The women’s side are off to a fantastic start to the year, going 2-0 to start the season.

United beat Mt Gambier by 40 points in Round 1 before dismissing of Ballarat by 33 this past weekend.

Captain Jaz Shelley fell just shy of a triple double against Ballarat, securing 19 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists.

Hannah Hank was also in top form, pouring in 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

Head coach Megan Moody said the side were in good shape heading into the two upcoming clashes.

“It’s a great start that we’ve had. It’s fantastic to see the way the girls are playing, and to spread the minutes amongst all our players.

“It’s fantastic to see our senior players like Jaz Shelley, Gemma Potter and Hannah Hank really stepping up and leading the team.”

“We’ve got a roster where we feel we can spread the load and hopefully we can do that across the season. We know anyone is capable of getting the job done.”

She said United were weary of the power of both opposition.

“Obviously Waverley are defending champions and also national champions. They’ve got an incredibly talented roster.

“Then we back up against another formidable side in Bendigo who also have an exceptionally talented group too.

“If we come away with two wins, amazing, if we split it, we will be happy too.”

United are 1-1 on the season in men’s competition.

Demarcus Gatlin came up clutch in their last game against Ballarat, scoring 31 points and nabbing six steals in a dominant display.

Kaelen Malone, Marach Marach and Tristan Forsyth are also in good form, having scored in double digits in their recent match.

“We’ve had two polar opposite games. First game was not great, I think we were very overawed by the occasion, but last weekend it was a great bounce back against Ballarat,” head coach Grant Wallace said.

“Waverley have recruited really well, and we have our eyes on that matchup. We are just trying to get the boys fresh ahead of it.

“If Kaelen and Demarcus as our backcourt can come to the same level of intensity and we can get good production off the bench, we are in with a fight.”

The women’s match tips off at 6.30pm, followed by the men from 8.30pm.

For more information, head to nbl1.com.au/club/geelong-united