Cavaliers firm as favourites for title

CAVALIERS confirmed its championship favouritism in the Basketball Kyabram Junior League 14 and under division when it edged out Warriors 55-53 on Monday night.

A draw would have been a fitting result after 40 minutes of high intensity, end-to-end basketball, however, the result gives Warriors justified hope that it is a bona fide championship contender.

Warriors held a fourpoint lead at the half, with Wez Hill contributing 21 of his team’s 25 points. He finished with a game-high 43 points as he combined strong driving to the ring with good shooting range – he shot a trio of threepointers.

But it was Cavaliers’ superior teamwork which prevailed.

Jackson Barnett and Charlie Lloyd combined effectively in the first half for easy scores, however, their partnership dried up for much of the second. They rediscovered their symmetry in the final two minutes, evading a tiring Hill to get their team over the line.

Jackson had 30 points and Lloyd 14. Charlie Barnett (5) and Nathan Mackison (4) chipped in at important stages of the match, while Will Hooper (2) had his best rebounding game for the season.

Warriors other scorers were Shane Arnold (4), Will Campbell (4) and Ryan Hatch (2).

Lakers moved to second spot on the ladder when it overcame a Sonics 59-34.

Anthony DePasquale with 23 points continued his good form for Lakers along with Jarom Owen-Horn (17), Liam Scopelliti (12) and Blake McAuliffe (6).

For Sonics, Liam Dillon top scored with 13, new player Kalab Ford had 10, James Myers 7 and Charlees Sudholtz 4.

In the 12 and under division, Sam Marland led Sonics to a 24-16 victory over Lakers.

With 16 points, Sam was his team’s top scorer, followed by Bill Hipwell with 6.

Lakers’ scorers were: Justin Bassett (6), Joshua McMaster (4), Xavier Brennan (2) and Steven Bassett (2).

Warriors continued their unbeaten run to score a convincing 44-6 win over Cavaliers.

Lucas Kell had his best return for Warriors, scoring 18 close-to-the-ring points, while Liam Tranter also capitalised on his height for 14 points, Ollie Barnett scored 8 and Charlie Isaac 4.

Cavaliers improved on their scoreless first half with Matt DiPetta finding his range for 4 points and Liam Parr 2.

The final round of junior League next Monday night will be important for several teams to improve their ranking ahead of the season ending tournament championship series on September 12.

To learn more, visit www.basketballkyabram.com competitive