BIG V WRAP 13th & 14th July 2024
CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN
SATURDAY
BELLARINE 86 d MCKINNON 66
(Courtney Strait 16, Bridgette Rettstatt 14 & 14)
SUNDAY
BELLARINE 92 d PAKENHAM 67
(Courtney Strait 23, Chantelle Hall 18)
Our Championship Women took another strong step to locking in a home final in the opening week of the playoffs, with two comfortable wins on the weekend.
On Saturday night, it was a 20 point win against McKinnon on the road despite the home side getting the early break at quarter time to lead. From the start of the second term, the Storm took control of the contest and weren’t headed for the rest of the contest.
The great factor in this contest and what makes this team a danger, was the spread of scoring for the Storm, with five players chalking up double figures, along with Bridgette Rettstatt’s presence in the paint.
Courtney Strait began a very nice weekend individually, top scoring with 16 points, whilst Rettstatt’s 14 points and 14 boards also contributed nicely to the victory.
Then on Sunday, the wagon continued to roll along, with a 25 point win against Pakenham at Storm HQ, in a similar style top the previous night’s win.
Again, the Storm conceded the lead by just one point at the first break, grabbed the advantage early in the second and then cruised to victory against a potential fellow finalist.
Courtney Strait was right on target on Sunday, collecting 23 points for the game, including a blistering barrage from downtown, hitting her first three point attempts for the match, to shock the visitors early.
There was also another excellent spread of scoring for the Storm with five players again with double figure returns for the match. Chantelle Hall also proved difficult for Pakenham to manage, with 18 points patrolling the paint.
YOUTH LEAGUE MEN
BELLARINE 83 d SURFCOAST 69
(Ashton Lantzke 14 & 11, Bailey Goodgame 12)
A very nice way to end what has been a tough season 2024 for our Youth League Men’s team on Sunday, as they scored a 14 point win against cross-town rivals Surfcoast at Storm HQ.
Whilst Surfcoast had early control of the contest, Bellarine were not to be denied as they set about dismantling their opposition across the second and third quarters, outscoring the visitors 53 to 27 across the two terms, setting up an eight point lead with one to play.
Ashton Lantzke play one of his best games for the season, leading at both ends of the court, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds for the game and getting great support from Harry Crane, Elijah Ottosen-I and Jamieson Renkauskas, whilst Bailey Goodgame also chipped in with 12 points to be the key players in the game.
To Coaches Nick Stamatopoulos, Baden Giblett, Christian Sanderson, Team Manager Michelle Giblett and our players, thank you for giving your all across the season and representing our Club in 2024. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
YOUTH LEAGUE WOMEN
BELLARINE 55 lost to SURFCOAST 57
(Lucy Howard 20)
A very costly loss for our Youth League Women as they fell to cross-town rivals Surfcoast by two points and in the process, cost themselves a home final in the first week of playoffs, dropping to fifth place on the ladder.
A slow first half was the difference, as the Chargers were in control early and took a 12 point lead into the rooms at half time, however, Bellarine returned with more focus after the break and at least matched it with Surfcoast in the third term but still trailing by 12 with one to go.
It was a much better last term for the Storm as they really impacted the scoreboard and kept the home side in check. However, it was a case of leaving their run too late as the Chargers inflicted their second loss on us this season.
Lucy Howard was a standout for the Storm with her 20 points, the only player to make double figures for Bellarine on the night.
We’ll now be on the road in a sudden death Elimination Final at Mornington on Saturday night, to remain in the hunt.
CHAMPIONSHIP MEN
BELLARINE 92 lost to MCKINNON 128
(Kavione Green 31, Nick Velasquez 22)
The run home is proving tough for our injury depleted Championship Men, as they concede another big loss, on the road to McKinnon on Saturday night.
Up to half time, it was anyones contest, with scores locked at 59 each in a high scoring contest, however, after the break, last years Champions took control of the contest and dominated the remainder of the contest, outscoring the Storm 69 to 23 in the second half, to completely snuff out any chance of a Storm victory.
McKinnon completely dominated the final stats sheet, out rebounding the Storm 54 to 34 and getting 31 points off their bench, compared to our 10 and getting 22 points from turnovers, to our four.
KG top scored for the Storm with 31 points and Nick Velasquez finished with 22.
THIS WEEK
SATURDAY 27th JULY
Youth League Women Elimination Final Bellarine v Mornington at Mornington Basketball Stadium 5:00pm
Championship Women Bellarine v Sunbury at Boardman Stadium 7:00pm
Championship Men Bellarine v Western Port at Bellarine Sports Centre 6:00pm