School holidays are over, and basketball is back.<\/p>\n
The Under14 Boys D returned to the hardwood taking on Phoenix Cannons.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.
\nPhoenix 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s fast breaking game, Black was slicing his way to the basket and quick ball movement saw Garner and Rewuk hit uncontested jump shots.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n