BASKETBALL –
The Central Coast Crusaders have won five out of six matches over the weekend of June 19 – 20, home against the Sydney Comets and away against Penrith Panthers.
The Youth Men, who currently sit atop the Waratah 1 League ladder with ten out of twelve wins, had a double win weekend, firstly 86 – 64 at home over the Comets and then away against the Panthers, 68 – 107.
The wins have brought the team to a nine game straight winning streak, which Head Coach, Mikko von Lueders, points as being due to his team’s depth and mental strength.
“We came into this game with some significant injuries,” Lueders said.
“We needed to dig deep and stay disciplined and that’s exactly what we did in getting the result that we wanted in the end.”
The team’s attacking game was also a big asset in both games, with six players reaching double digits against the Comets and four against the Panthers.
The successful weekend was then bookended with a hard earned state award, giving credit to their hopes for winning back to back Waratah titles.
Meanwhile, the Youth Women team had another successful weekend with two wins of their own.
Against the Comets, a comfortable win was secured, 65 – 53, with a blowout win following against the Panthers, 51 – 86.
Sara Matthews scored a total of 51 points throughout both games, cementing herself as the teams’ go to scorer.
Abbey Cracknell tied the teams’ consistent shooting efforts with some steady playmaking, which has become a staple for the team throughout the season, and Bronte Moore scored her season highest with 14 points against the Panthers.
These two results have brought their wins in a row tally to six and their total to nine, keeping the girls atop the ladder with Manly nipping at their heels.
For the Open Men team, a loss against the Comets, 73 – 90, was made up for with a win against the Panthers, 68 – 107.
The boys were eager to get the win on Saturday and were on track, leading the game by a relatively comfortable margin until late in the third quarter.
Tye McGann showed off both his size and veteran skills, scoring 10 of the Crusaders’ first 12 points.
He finished with 26 on a very efficient 12-15, but in the end, the boys ran out of steam, going down at home.
The frustration must have lit a fire under them as the boys came out swinging the next night in Penrith.
Taking a commanding lead and running with it, James Trustum paved the way with his 28 points, followed by Tom Akamarmoi’s 20 and Jacob Cracknell’s 16 with 7 assists and 7 rebounds.
Hopes for the Men reaching the post season basketball finals are still alive, but they have got their work cut out for them as the season reaches its halfway mark.
Source:
Media Release, Jun 23
Central Coast Crusaders