No clear title favourites

As the South East Coast Basketball League competitions head into the mid-season break over the festive season, neither the men’s or women’s competition sees a clear premiership favourite.

The performances so far of men’s trio of Saints, Bulldogs and Panthers indicate that any one of the three can defeat the others on any given night.

Cougars and Bulldogs women are in top two spots after Round 8.

Roos however, with the return of Sarah Nulty and Stella Mobbs suiting up for her their SECBL outing for the season, can be expected to have a strong impact on the back end of the season.

It will be interesting to see how teams line up after the holiday break when players move on to tertiary or further education and conversely, players return home after completing their studies. MEN’S ROUND 8

The Saints-Bulldogs clash was a typical run and gun game with baskets galore between these arch rivals.

Sides traded baskets in the first quarter, then Bulldogs employed an efficient team effort to finish with a three point lead at the main break, 49-46.

A gritty and determined Saints, led by Beau Douglas and Frazer Bradley compiled a crucial 29-16 third quarter and grab a 10-point lead going into the final 10 minutes. Simon Berkefeld, Sam Lock, and Ben Young worked hard to have Bulldogs trail by just five at the final siren.

Playing coach Kyle Tipene led Panthers in a strong opening against Roos, well supported by Taj Brumby and Oliver Thomson.

Roos then responded through quick transition by Jonty Collins and consistent finishing by Dale Bachmann and talented junior Sam Baron to trail by just eight at the main break, 41-49.

Strong defensive work inside by ever-reliable duo Brad Bachmann and Rob Hein then converted to scores enabled Panthers to extend their margin to 20 by three quarter time.

An effective final quarter team effort by Panthers was matched by Roos’ duo, Sam Baron, and Dale Bachmann, to produce a 24-23 finish and a final score of 98-77.

This game marked Teangi Stephens’ last SECBL game for Panthers this season. He will move interstate in the New Year to begin his tertiary studies. WOMEN’S ROUND 8

Cats had several key players missing for their contest with Bulldogs, which proved costly.

While Cats’ talented juniors worked hard, they could not match the experience and skills of the likes of Bulldogs’ Tenielle Human, Tara Bryant, and Alana Berkefeld.

Bulldogs had a firm grip on the outcome from the opening minutes, posting nine points before Niah Faulkner made a three.

Nikeisha Facey was relentless in her efforts at both ends, trying to curb scoring opportunities at one and then trying to create such opportunities at the other.

Ava Collins will miss 12 months of basketball because of a serious knee injury sustained at Pioneers training several weeks ago. This is devastating news for Ava personally and Bulldogs’ SECBL women.

Saints too, were well below full strength for their game against Roos.

In contrast Roos’ coach Deanna Nulty, received an early Christmas present with the return of Sarah Nulty and former state junior Stella Mobbs to SECBL basketball.

After a relatively even first half, Roos took control; Stella Mobbs and Brydee Starick headed a strong team effort to set up a 23 – point lead as the third quarter closed.

Lauren Van Eeden, who worked tirelessly all over the court, Jeda Hibberd and Scarlett Zalme were consistent contributors to Saints score.

Saints’ key players, Poppy Venn and Edie Easterby had relatively quiet games by their standards.ROUND 8 RESULTS:MEN:Saints 101 (Frazer Bradley 31, Harry Mules 23, Nelson Forbes 17) d Bulldogs 96 (Sam Lock 25, Simon Berkefeld 24, Ben Young 15); Panthers 98 (Taj Brumby 36, Kyle Tipene 26, Oliver Thomson 10) d Roos 77 (Dale Bachma; Cougars – BYE.WOMEN:Bulldogs 74 (Tenielle Human 20, Tara Bryant 15, Alana Berkefeld 15, Claire Mitchell 15) d Cats 41 (Nikeisha Facey 14, Niah Faulkner 7, Livvi Faulkner 7); Roos 66 (Stella Mobbs 15, Brydee Starick 14, Kelly Lockwood 11, Ellie Bouchier 10) d Saints 38 (Lauren Van Eeden 14, Jeda Hibberd 9, Scarlett Zalme 8); Cougars – BYE.JANUARY 22 DRAW:MEN (Icehouse):7.30pm – Saints v Panthers (Ct 1)8.45pm – Cougars v Roos (Ct 1)Bulldogs – BYEWOMEN:6.15pm – Cougars v Roos(Icehouse – Ct 1)7.15pm – Cats v Saints(Millicent)Bulldogs – BYE