Daly returns to SECBL court in style

Offences dominated in the Round 5 games of the SECBL last Wednesday.

While Cougars Men, under the leadership of Pioneers captain, Kane de Wit finished with a team tally of 109, the main highlight of the night is squarely in Bulldogs Women’s corner, who also saw their final score tick over the century against a depleted Cats.

The emergence of several junior players at senior level is also a mouthwatering prospect for the future of the competition.

This clash between traditional rivals Bulldogs and Panthers was judged the best contest of the night. Both teams were without their respective star players and on court leaders, Simon Berkefeld and Kyle Tipene.

Three pointers were the staple diet of the night as Bulldogs top scorer, Duncan Reid recorded five and State junior Taj Brumby bagged six from the perimeter to lead the scoring for Panthers with 26 points.

One point separated he two sides at half time, then Bulldogs managed to stretch the margin to six in the next period and, despite digging deep, Panthers could not close the gap at the final siren.

Bulldogs 88 (D. Reid 23, Shaun Lock 19, Sam Lock 13) d Panthers 84 (T. Brumby 28, B. Jachmann 18, J. Ryan 12)

The bar of the Men’s SECBL competition went up a notch or two when former Pioneers captain, Tom Daly suited up for Roos. His presence had an immediate positive impact on the game.

A mini captains’ contest unfolded between Kane de Wit and Daly within the team contest; the outcome being big scores were recorded.

Another encouraging observation was the development of promising juniors Jonty Collins, Bailey Noble and Ollie Pohlner, who have grabbed the opportunity to play senior basketball with both hands and are making the most of it.

Cougars 109 (K. deWit 29, O. Pohlner 26, B. Ousey 17) d Roos 96 (T. Daly 32, J. Collins 26, B. Noble 18)

A common factor in Bulldogs’ continuing successes is the consistently outstanding performances of Ava Collins, who chalked up her highest score for the season, 37 points.

Cats could not find the answer to curbing Bulldogs’ avalanche of baskets as they sorely missed the experience and leadership of Alana Berkefeld.

Bulldogs 103 (A. Collins 37, K. Egan 20, T. Human 20) d Cats 26 (L. Van Eeden 8, T. Rowe 8, M. Lynch 6).

A stronger line-up set the foundation for Cougars comfortable win over Roos, who are currently playing well in patches. A lift in consistency could see Roos challenge opponents to a level reflective of their undoubted abilities.

The performances of experienced Maddy Wormald and Mikaela Horrigan, along with state junior, Shayden Russell, proved crucial in this outcome.

Cougars 69 (M. Wormald 22, M. Horrigan 19, S. Russell 19) d Roos 52 (E. Bouchier 19, C. Nulty 15, M. Griffith 10)

Saints had the bye in both the men’s and women’s draw.