Tara Murray
Melton Thoroughbreds’ men’s side remained undefeated, while their women’s side lost their first match of the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League on the weekend.
After last week’s matches were postponed due flooding, both Thoroughbreds were back on court in a double header.
On Saturday night, the Thoroughbreds faced the Macedon Ranges Rockies.
It was an even start for the men’s side, with scores locked at 15-apiece at quarter time.
The Thoroughbreds kicked into gear after the first break to lead by eight points at half time.
The third quarter was their best quarter, winning it 24-9 to put the game beyond date. They finished off the match, winning the last quarter 16-11, to win 74-46.
Bol Bok was the standout with 20 points, while Blake and Liam Allison scored 15 and 13 points respectively.
The Thoroughbreds headed back to the Macedon Ranges on Sunday, this time to play the struggling Kyneton Tigers.
The Thoroughbreds flew out of the blocks with a 39-14 first quarter and increased the lead to 38 points at the main break.
While the game was over, the Thoroughbreds continued to control the game, winning 107-53.
Jai Everitt top scored with 21 points as four players hit double figures. All but one player hit the scoreboard.
The Thoroughbreds sit on top of the ladder, but have played more games than the other two teams who are undefeated.
Thoroughbreds coach Mick McCallum said they had exceeded their own expectations early on.
“We knew we where going to have a competitive side but the team as worked really hard and the results are showing that,” he said.
“The way that they have all come together and really gelled as one [has been impressive].
“A lot of these guys hadn’t played together before so to be able to do this so quickly has been a huge advantage for us.”
McCallum said they needed to stay locked into what we are doing and stick to the task that is at hand in the coming weeks to keep the momentum going.
The women’s side also got a good win against Rockies on Saturday night.
After an even first quarter, the Thoroughbreds turned the game with a 20-5 second quarter to open up an 18 point lead at the half time.
The match was fairly even in the second half, but the damage had been done with the Thoroughbreds winning 65-44.
Ameir Majur top scored with 12 points as three players hit double figures.
The Thoroughbreds then faced Kyneton on Sunday in Kyneton.
The Tigers got the jump on the Thoroughbreds and led by eight points at quarter time. The Thoroughbreds worked back into the game and led by one point heading into the final quarter.
The Tigers found another gear in the final quarter, winning it 22-12, and with it the match 74-65.
Trinity Steele was the standout for the Thoroughbreds with 23 points, while Mackenzie Reddrop chipped in with 18 points and Jessica Kivimets scored 16 points.
The Thoroughbreds sit fourth with a 3-1 record.
Meanwhile, the Bacchus Marsh Lions had a tough night out against the highly rated Maryborough Lady Blazers on Saturday night.
The Blazers jumped out of the blocks and led by 11 points at quarter time. They continued to grow the lead throughout the game.
They won the third and fourth quarters each by 13 points to seal an 89-49 win.
Rebecca Marshall top scored with the Lions with 12 points.
The Lions currently sit in fifth spot with one win from their three games.
In the men’s, it was a closer game but the Blazers still came out on top against the Lions.
The Blazers dominated the first half, leading by 22 points at the first break.
The Lions responded in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to 13 points heading into last break.
They weren’t able to keep that going, losing 77-65.
