LAKERS STRUT THEIR STUFF IN COUNTRY BASKETBALL LEAGUE
The Lakers Men and Women came away with mixed fortunes in the opening round of the 2016/17 Victoria Country Basketball League. After an even first half, the Lakers Women, semi-finalists last season, could not match the up tempo and impressive second half performance of debutant Millicent Magic. The Lakers’ Men, who are reigning Champions of the CBL South West Conference, proved to be too strong for Millicent Magic.
End to end basketball and limited scoring were features of the first half of the Women’s game. Scores were locked together at each of the first two breaks, 8-8 and 17-17 After the main break full court pressure defence and efficient team work in offence enabled Magic to take control, score more freely and build a final margin of 57-43. Magic’s Olivia Fuller finished well with 16 points, Keah Lynch shot well from the perimeter for 11 and Alex Walker played solid defence as well as getting 8 points.
In contrast the Lakers coughed up the ball too often as they did not adapt to the change in defence of the opposition in the second half. Rachael Hines showed her class as Lakers’ “go to” player to score a game high 18 points. Malinda Markiewicz, MVP of the League last season, had 10 and Sonia Bawden 8. Eilish and Brenna McKay, Tenille Gray and Ebony McDiarmid will join the squad for future games.
The “new look” Lakers Men, despite missing several potential starters, were far too strong for an under-manned Millicent Magic. Simon Berkefeld, outstanding player over many years in CBL, along with on court general, Chris Mason, have decided to have a break.
Their 99-57 opening round win was built on an overall relatively high team shooting percentage. Strong rebounding and effective defence had the Lakers in front 42-28 at half time. A 31-11 third quarter by the home side put the game well beyond the reach of Magic, led by Kane deWit who hit three threes and a total of 14 in this period on his way to an outstanding game high of 36 points. Magic’s Josh Murphy worked tirelessly inside and scored consistently, but did not have sustained support in offence.
Other Lakers players to score well were Matt Berkefeld and Mony Makoi on 15 while Braiden Ousey, in his typical workman- like fashion, scored 12. Caretaker Coach Doug Romain was pleased with the Lakers’ performance and commented that he expects magic to be competitive when the full complement suits up.
The next outing for the Lakers is an away trip to Warrnambool on Saturday 22nd October. Last weekend Warrnambool played Corio Bay and Colac. The Seahawks lost both games, 60-95 to Corio Bay, and Colac 83-95. The Mermaids lost to Corio Bay 56-96 and followed up with a win, 72-54 against Colac.
The Lakers host Horsham on Sunday October 30th.
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