BASKETBALL –
At Newcastle Basketball Stadium on Saturday, May 15, three out of four Crusaders teams came away with strong wins in their games against the Newcastle Hunters, including the first season win for the open men.
For the youth women, it was a comfortable 76 – 50 win, a welcome return to form for the girls after last week’s tough loss.
The Hunters proved to be a challenge early on, taking the lead early in the first half.
Before the second however, the girls managed to pull away.
“We’ve grown used to seeing Sara Matthews fill it up from just about anywhere and tonight was no exception,” said Head Coach, Will Granger.
“Samantha McCubbin was not far behind with 13 of her own points.
“Showing great control, she managed to secure rebounds on both ends of the court, helping the girls coast to the finish line.”
The youth men’s team continued the good form with a win 107 – 82.
“It was a really good start, they went into a 10-0 run led by their captain, Hammish Loader, who was great on the ball,” said Head Coach, Mikko von Lueders.
“The boys couldn’t have asked for a better result considering their nail biting, one point win last week.
“Loader led the team this week with some solid shooting from the field, dropping in 19 points (but it was) a solid all round win for the boys with everyone playing their part.
“A special shout out to the rookie Cody Wells, playing his first minutes and scoring his first points this week.
“The points couldn’t have come any sweeter either, Cody scoring them off a dream dunk.”
Next up were the open women, who were unfortunate to come off second best in a game that ended 43 – 90.
“With 33 turnovers leading to 40 points, the ladies did not make it easy on themselves this week,” said Mikko von Lueders.
“Their work on the boards let them down too, coming up short on both ends by a significant amount.
“This game was not without its positives though, the ladies dropping in 11 three’s on 34 attempts, making them 33 per cent from beyond the arc as a team.
For the open men there was both satisfaction and relief after going five rounds without a win, now posting their first with a dominate 78 – 59 win.
“James Trustum brought another monster effort this week, grabbing another double-double with 27 points and 13 rebounds,” saiqd Head Coach, Jared Scoines.
“A special shout out goes to William Bates who stepped in for Ty McGowan 90 minutes before the game.
“He stepped up and took on arguably the best big man in the league, Myles Cherry.
“The boys were zoned in on defence, forcing 29 turnovers with multiple players coming up with a steal or two, making it look easy shutting down Chier Maker, the league leader in points and rebounds, holding him to only 12 points.
“A lot to love this week from the boys as they showed sparks of a possible flame that could ignite for the rest of the season.
All four teams will now face the Bankstown Bruins away at Bankstown Basketball Stadium on Saturday, May 22.
Source:
Media Release, May 19
Central Coast Crusaders.