Youth Women
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Round 6
Eltham Wildcats 59 def Camberwell Dragons 51
Top Performers: A. Burrows 11 points/5 rebounds, M. Stagoll 9 points/8 rebounds, K. Toohey 8 points/9 rebounds
The Youth Women headed to Camberwell on Sunday for an Anzac Day clash against the Dragons at Balwyn High School.
The Dragons had control of the game in the first half going into the main beak with an 8 point lead (29-21) that quickly increased to 11 behind a T. Ellingworth three point basket 16 seconds into the start of the third period. The Dragons maintained a 10 point lead for the whole third quarter until a Keely Gray 3 point basket at the end of the period not only cut the lead to 7 but also wrestled some momentum the Wildcats way.
Eltham completely outplayed the Dragons in the last quarter, Coach D’Wayne Hogan stopped changing up his defence which allowed the Wildcats to contest more shots and put more pressure on the Dragons offence. Eltham were relentless turning defence into offence while attacking the ring and getting to the free throw line 32 times (making 21 of them) and getting the Dragons into foul trouble.
The Wildcats outscored Camberwell 18-3 in the fourth period en route to their second win of the season.
Coach Hogan was delighted with the performance of his team.
“We never gave up. We valued possession in the second half and reduced our turnovers. I was also really pleased that we had a great spread of scorers with everyone contributing in the game.”
The Youth Women are back at home this Sunday when they take on Geelong United at Eltham High School, tip off 12pm. Tickets on sale now, click here: https://www.trybooking.com/BQWLI
Youth Men
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Round 6
Eltham Wildcats 75 def by Knox Raiders 95
Top Performers: S. Whelan 22 points, T. O’Connor 12 points, K.Agosta & A. Bandilovski 11 points
Eltham battled hard in the first half on Sunday against the top of the ladder Knox Raiders keeping the game close despite only shooting 23% from behind the three point line and 60% from the free throw line. The Raider 4 point lead at halftime would blow out to 15 as Knox outscored Eltham 22-11 in the third. The Wildcats fought their way back into the game halfway through the final quarter cutting the lead to only 4 points with an O.Magbegor basket but the Raiders closed out the game hitting five three point baskets lead by A. Shelley’s (39 points) offensive outburst.
Coach Craig Stratford credited Knox’s performance while finding positives for his group to takeaway from the game.
“They [Knox] were competitive on the boards and rebounded in numbers well, they were good defensively as we struggled to score.
“I liked how we stayed in the game and fought back in the fourth quarter cutting the lead to four. Unfortunately our defensive pressure wasn’t at the level it needed to be to contain their scoring and that is something we will continue to work on and get better at each week.”
Eltham will look to redeem themselves when they take on the Hawthorn Magic this Sunday at Eltham High School, tip off 2pm. Tickets are on sale now: https://www.trybooking.com/BQWLI
