Ballan Brumbies Basketball

School holidays are over, and basketball is back.

The Under14 Boys D returned to the hardwood taking on Phoenix Cannons.

Ballan jumped out of the blocks early, their speed on defense suffocating Phoenix and making up for the Brumbies relative lack of size. That swarming defense was creating turnovers and fast break opportunities, Ned Conroy and Harry Garner profiting earlier. Jaxon Giofches and Charlie Black were also piercing the Phoenix defense at will, the former clearly showing rust as he missed a series of easy opportunities. Ballan, though, were in control early scoring the opening 10 points of the game before Phoenix were able to open their account.

The diminutive Garner scored a pair of baskets late in the first half and a Toby Rewuk jumper saw Ballan close the half with a comfortable 16-2 lead.
Phoenix opened the second half with more vigour as they scored the first two baskets of the period. Their energy seemed to unsettle the Ballan boys, who took their time to regain their groove after the break.

The Brumbies did find their rhythm eventually, with Conroy, Garner and Tom Machin all picking up steals that saw Ballan ease out the lead. When Phoenix were able to slow down Ballan’s fast breaking game, Black was slicing his way to the basket and quick ball movement saw Garner and Rewuk hit uncontested jump shots.

With a pair of late Michael Kellett-Edwards baskets and Giofches at long last getting a basket on the drive, topping off an otherwise great game, the Brumbies opened their season with a comfortable 40-12 win.

RESULTS
Under 10 Boys
Ballan C 32 def Phoenix Hawks 2
Under 12 Boys
Ballan E 4 lost Phoenix Admirals 24
Ballan C White 28 lost Wildcats 29
Ballan C Blue 34 def Phoenix Eagles 19
Under 12 Girls
Ballan 18 def Saints Sky 6
Under 14 Boys
Ballan E 5 lost Wildcats 22
Ballan D 40 def Phoenix Cannons 12
Ballan C 65 def Wildcats 18
Ballan 26 def Wildcats 18
Under 16 Boys
Ballan D 47 def Phoenix Warriors 29
Under 16 Girls
Ballan 14 lost Phoenix Fawns 21
Under 19 Boys
Ballan F 37 drew Phoenix Rockets 37
Ballan B 29 lost Excies Acmy 48
Under 19 Girls
Ballan 20 lost Phoenix Fire 34