Youth League sides go one from two in double-header

GEELONG United’s Youth League boys made it two wins in a row after beating Eltham in convincing fashion at the Geelong Arena.

In their first home double-header of the season with the girls side, a first quarter blitz led United to pull away and win by an impressive 38 points.

Strong team basketball was on display in the dazzling first term, with seven assists leading Geelong to pour in 38 points to Eltham’s 18 as the quarter time siren sounded.

United continued to push in the following three quarters, forcing 18 Wildcats turnovers thanks to tough defence that secured the win.

Five players scored in double digits, with Joshua Norling leading the way with 24 points. Rising star Malik Davis added 23 and 13 rebounds.

The win sees United sit at 2-1 after their first fortnight of the season, and Saturday’s dominant performance should give them plenty of confidence for another home clash this weekend.

Meanwhile, Geelong’s Youth League girls went down to McKinnon by 17 points, with inaccuracy costing them at various points throughout the match.

United shot a measly 30 percent for the game, with a slow second-quarter ultimately proving too much for them to recover from.

Captain Mackenzie Drew led the way with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists, whilst Poppy Stevens added 11 points and five rebounds.

On a positive note, all ten players who entered the match scored, indicating the capability of the well-spread offence should they tidy up their shooting.

This weekend will see another double-header at the Geelong Arena, with both sides set to face Casey tomorrow (Saturday 28 March). The girls will begin at 1pm, with the boys to follow at 3pm.

Following tomorrow’s home clash, United’s girls will then take on Knox at the State Basketball Centre this Sunday 29 March at 1pm.