Tara Murray
Melton Thoroughbreds are getting a glimpse at the future in the Country Basketball League men’s north-west competition.
The Thoroughbreds side has an average age of under 18 this season as the club focuses on giving some of the younger players an opportunity.
Coach John Allison said going with youth was their focus this season.
“When I was appointed we made a conscious effort to go that way,” he said. “That we would go with the young guys and give them the opportunity to play at the nex level and play against bigger bodies.
“There’s a couple of games we’ve lost by a lot but we have been in those games for a lot of them.
“It is good for them.”
On Saturday night, the Thoroughbreds got their second win of the season, beating the Kyneton Tigers, 85-67.
“It was very good,” Allison said. “It was pretty tough for the first half as we were feeling each other out.
“We picked up our defence and we made a few less turnovers. It was good for such a young group.”
Tyson Hamilton top scored with 21 points, while Aduto Chipuowuop had 19 points.
Allison said they still have a couple of young players to come back into the side, who are currently injured.
He said it will make a difference when they return.
At the halfway mark of the season the Thoroughbreds sit in eighth spot.
Allison said it had been a learning curve so far.
“I’ve come from an elite mindset and they are realising what it takes to go to the next step and take the next step after that as well.”
Allison said the back part of the season would continue to be about giving opportunities.
“I want to get the kids on the court,” he said. “We had 15 players and five development players.
“Most of the development players are playing and getting court time.”
The Thoroughbreds women suffered a close loss to the Tigers on Saturday night.
Melton was in front at three quarter time before the Tigers had a 25-14 final quarter to claim a 68-60 win.
Ruby Murphy top scored with the Thoroughbreds, while Ella Price scored 14 points.
Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh Lions women’s side lost both their matches.
On Saturday night, they lost to the Bendigo Braves 90-63 before losing to the Macedon Ranges Rockies, 63-58.
The Lions men’s side split their matches.
They lost to the Braves on Saturday night, 106-99, before beating the Rockies, 87-57.
