Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh women’s team will play finals for the first time in the Country Basketball League north-west competition.
The Lions had the bye on the weekend in the second last round, but had already done enough to secure their spot in the top four for the first time.
Lions coach Monique Caparello said it was pretty exciting for the group.
“It’s the first year we’ve made finals and the girls are rapt,” she said before the second last round.
“We have a bye this week and there’s two rounds to go and we’re happy to have secured that spot.
“The top four is locked in. I don’t think we can move anywhere even if we pick off a win against Kyneton.”
Caparello said there had been plenty of challenges this season, but she was happy with how the group had developed throughout the season.
She said in such a short season it was a bit all over the place at times.
“Injuries have put us back a little bit, but everyone should be all good going into finals,” she said.
“It has allowed some of our development players to hit the floor and get a couple of minutes.
“Two of our juniors Ella Sedge and Bella Griffiths both scored their first points in the league.”
Caparello said in the short period of time there had been massive growth in the group with the younger ones thriving on their opportunities.
“The development players were around last year and we’ll likely be back again next season,” she said.
“Being around the group they have improved and it’ll be really good for the group moving forward.”
The Lions finish the regular season on Saturday night against the Kyneton Tigers.
The Tigers will also play finals.
“They are contending for top spot,” Caparello said. “It will be a tough game before finals”
The Lions men’s side also had a bye on weekend. They will also play finals.
Meanwhile, Melton Thoroughbreds women’s side claimed back-to-back wins on the weekend.
On Saturday, the Thoroughbreds beat the Maryborough Blazers, 95-58.
Elle Price top scored with 20 for the Thoroughbreds.
On Sunday, they backed it up with an 80-62 win against the Macedon Ranges Rockies.
Price and Ruby Murphy had 20 points each.
The Thoroughbreds men split their two matches.
On Saturday night, they lost to the Blazers’ 86-78, before beating the Rockies, 92-77.
Tyson Hamilton top scored with 18 points in the win.
