Mixed results for basketballers

Wimmera basketballers returned from a one round break on the weekend, taking out three of a possible five Country Basketball League southwest conference games.

Horsham Hornets men won both of their games ahead of its round six match-up against Hamilton Hurricanes, who Ararat Redbacks fell short against on Saturday.

The Hornets women join the Redbacks in a bye week, after high-scoring performances from several players saw them split results on Saturday and Sunday.

The Hornets men got their road trip off to an ideal start, defeating Mt Gambier Lakers in the first of two wins against a top-four opposition.

The away side emerged six-point winners with strong scoring performances from Cody Bryan, 19, and Austin Mckenzie, 22, leading the way for the Hornets.

In the Hornets’ second match of the round against Millicent Magic, the Horsham team was able to overcome an early lead to Millicent to remain undefeated.

The Hornets women were not as lucky as the men’s team on Saturday, suffering a four-point defeat to the Lakers.

Ema and Maddi Iredell combined for 43 points in a match where the largest margin at any break was 10.

The Hornets redeemed themselves on Sunday, defeating their closest rival for first position on the ladder halfway through the regular season, the Magic.

Liv Jones, 18, Caitlin Story, 18, and Ema Iredell, 17, all reached double figures in the nine-point win.

In the men’s competition, Ararat Redbacks were on the end of a 15-point defeat to Hamilton Hurricanes.

Baskets came from across the roster for the Redbacks, with Fletcher Burger’s 14 points the most of any player.

A strong second quarter put the Redbacks ahead before a barrage of scoring had the Hurricanes comfortably in front for the final siren. Joshua Miller led the way for the Hurricanes with 26 points and was supported by Matthew Parker, 11, and Samuel Brewer, 10.

The Hornets will need to be wary of the explosive scoring ability of the Hurricanes when they meet at Horsham Basketball Stadium at 8pm on Saturday.

Junior tournament

The Intersport Horsham Junior Classic will also be hosted in the Wimmera this weekend, with games starting on Friday night with grand finals on Sunday afternoon.

The tournament brings junior teams from across the state to compete, with matches taking place in Horsham, Dimboola and Warracknabeal.