Ballan Brumbies Basketball

Ballan Brumbies returned to the hardwood last week as the basketball season resumed after the summer break.

The Under 14 Boys White took on Drummo Dragons looking to consolidate top spot on the ladder.

The boys started strongly as pesky defense from Jaxon Giofches and Charlie Black panicked Drummo’s ball handlers, seeing the Brumbies two diminutive guards racing away for a series of easy baskets. When Logan Cassar connected on a short jumper inside, the frustrated Dragons coached called for a time out, his side trailing 12-0.

Ballan didn’t let up. Another layup to Giofches and a putback by Paul Karimi after strong work on the offensive glass, saw Ballan extend their lead to 18 before Toby Knight finally got Drummo on the board.

Another basket to Paul Karimi, fed by younger brother Philip after an interception, saw Brumbies lead comfortably at the half, 22-4.

To their credit, Drummo didn’t drop their heads, increasing their defensive pressure in the 2nd half. Their intensity stopped Ballan from getting easy baskets, limiting the Brumbies to contested attempts. Cassar was able to score under pressure and Black adjusted by getting to the free throw line, keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

Leo Reid, celebrating his birthday, and the elder Karimi were immense on the offensive glass, giving Ballan’s scorers multiple attempts at the hoop, from which Black and Giofches benefited.

Drummo scored a pair of late baskets – a slaloming layup from Ryder Macklin a highlight – but it came to naught as the Brumbies ran out comprehensive 35-8 victors.

Under 10 Boys D lost to Saints Hornets 8-38
Under 10 Boys B lost to Saints Pistons 10-41
Under 12 Boys E defeated Sovereign Knights 24-20
Under 12 Boys C defeated Wildcats 39-10
Under 12 Girls defeated Saints Comets 12-3
Under 14 Boys F White defeated Drummo Dragons 35-8
Under 14 Boys F Blue defeated Sovereign Knights 27-17
Under 14 Boys D defeated Celtic Tigers 40-25
Under 14 Boys C defeated Wildcats 42-33
Under 14 Girls B defeated Drummo Dragons 19-14
Under 16 Boys G White defeated Wildcats 36-26
Under 16 Boys G Blue lost to Phoenix Rollers 10-63
Under 16 Boys E lost to Sovereign Knights 17-40
Under 16 Boys C defeated Phoenix Supercats 48-30
Under 19 Boys H lost to Phoenix Ninjas 32-33
Under 19 Boys E defeated Phoenix Lions 33-24
Under 19 Boys D lost to Exies Acmy 38-56
Under 19 Girls drew with Phoenix Fire 30-30