Tara Murray
It was a winning start to life in the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League for Melton Thoroughbreds’ men’s side.
With the club entering sides for the first time, Saturday night was a big night for the association.
The men’s side had a big win, beating the Echuca Pirates 84-45 in the north-west conference.
The Thoroughbreds jumped out of the blocks to lead by 10 points at the first and it was extended to 18 at half time.
The Thoroughbreds best quarter was the third, which they won 28-7, to put the game beyond doubt.
The last quarter was even, but the damage had already been done.
Liam Allison top scored for the Thoroughbreds with 15 points as six players hit double figures.
Speaking before the game, Thoroughbreds men’s coach Mick McCallum said it was an exciting time for the club.
He said they wanted another development pathway for the club’s juniors who are nearly ready to make a leap into the senior level
“It’s awesome, ”he said. “It is so good for the club to be able to give the players another option to stay and play In Melton and not have to look elsewhere for the same opportunity.
“When in our try out stages there was a big focus on finding players that want to stay on and play Big V in Melton next season.
The Thoroughbreds inaugural side is full of familiar faces that have played in Melton’s Big V side previously.
Bol Bak, who played for Keilor Thunder in the National Basketball League 1 South competition this year, is one player returning to the club.
McCallum said their side is one that could be around for while.
The side we have put together is a reasonably young side to try and give them the experience they need to make the next step in the Big V program,” he said.
“The speed that the team can play at will mean they should be an exciting team to watch play. I’m expecting big things from my five senior players in Blake and Liam Alison, Jackson Jones, Koby Skinderis and Bol Bak. Not only to lead the way but to help with the junior players.”
McCallum said while winning was always the goal, they were aiming to be competitive this season and improve the group for future Big V and CBL seasons.
The women’s side also started the season with a win, beating the Pirates 64-56 after scores were level at three quarter time.
Jessica Kivimets top scored with 22 points.
