Ballan Brumbies Basketball

Round 2 of Ballarat Basketball Association action saw Ballan Brumbies Under 14C boys face a major challenge without starting centre Angus Tranter, taking on the giant lineup of Phoenix Bullets.

Ballan were clearly unsure of how to manage Phoenix’s height early, especially 13 year old, 6’2″ centre Yaroslav Vyrodov, who towered over every other player on the court. His mere existence forced Ballan’s defense to collapse in an effort to crowd him out, allowing Barry Lockett to hit the games opening two baskets for Phoenix.

At the other end, Ballan were focusing of Vyrodov’s shot blocking presence rather than the basket as they missed easy shots. The Brumbies were implored to use their superior speed and skill to crowd the Phoenix ball handlers, create turnovers and get running. That focus saw Cruze Miller get out on the break, making one shot but missing another as Ballan finally found their feet. Will Rogers drove hard at the Phoenix defense but struggled to find help early, his kick-out passes coming to naught.

Fletcher Garner and Brody Grech both hit long jumpers – given Phoenix’s pronounced height advantage, Ballan’s main source of offense – to bring the game level before Lockett again scored to close out the half, Phoenix leading 9-7 in a defensive struggle.

Ballan started the 2nd half poorly, continually leaving Phoenix players open for easy shots though they were not able to capitalise on their ascendancy. Only Lockett and Mason Bladier, who was automatic at the free throw line, were able to hurt the Brumbies.

Slowly but surely, Ballan started to find their way back into the game through their defense. Grech, Jack Clark and Albie Eskdale took turns holding the Phoenix bigs, Vyordov and Declan Johnson, off the glass, whilst the guards attacked their ball handlers.

Ballan picked up steals on three consecutive possessions, Grech and Lachlan Prosser exchanging passes before the latter fed Garner for a basket, Clark picking Lockett’s pockets then feeding Garner for another hoop, before Garner himself intercepted a pass that led to a Grech jump shot.

With the game back in the balance both teams played to their strengths. Phoenix hammered Ballan inside with offensive rebounds providing repeat possessions, the Brumbies using their superior shooting to try to stretch the Phoenix defense out.

The lead changed multiple times in the final few minutes. Lockett hit a tough baseline floater to give Phoenix the lead, a Grech jumpshop answering for Ballan. Bladier converted a layup only to be answered by a long Garner two.

A loose Prosser pass saw Lockett put Phoenix up with 90 seconds to play. Garner – playing an inspired 2nd half – again stepped up, beating his man before draining a long jumpshot to put Ballan back on top.

The Brumbies dug in to force a series of Phoenix misses before the ball spilled out of bounds with 1.4 seconds remaining, the referees pointing in Ballan’s direction. Clark inbounded the ball to Miller who ran out the clock for a dramatic, hard fought 25-24 win for the Brumbies.

Ballan Brumbies have places available for junior boys and girls as well as senior places available. For information please contact us through the ‘How To Join’ section at www.ballanbrumbies.com.au

 RESULTS

Under 10 Boys

Ballan D 10 lost Drummo Dragons 28

Ballan C 60 def Wildcats 6

Under 12 Boys

Ballan C 36 def Excies Acmy 14

Under 12 Girls

Ballan 16 def Saints Comets 4

Under 14 Boys

Ballan F 14 def Phoenix Razorbacks 8

Ballan D 26 def Saints Bulls 17

Ballan C 25 def Phoenix Bullets 24

Under 14 Girls

Ballan D 24 def Drummo Dragons 11

Ballan C 34 def Excies Acmy 12

Under 16 Boys

Ballan F 16 White lost Saints Falcons 64

Ballan F 6 Blue lost Sovereign Knights 46

Ballan D 31 lost Wildcats 33

Ballan C 54 def Phoenix Colts 18

Under 19 Boys

Ballan F 50 def Wildcats 28

Ballan D 61 def Phoenix Chargers 26

Ballan C 34 lost Phoenix Warriors 46

Under 19 Girls

Ballan 43 def Celtic Tigers 21