Tim Mawley was particularly festive, swishing 17 points for Hornets and leading them to a 36-20 victory over Wildcats in Kyabram Youth Club’s Grade 6/Year 7/8 division.
The Hornets were without their premier big man Jimmy Hargreaves, but Tim seized the day and slotted five first-half buckets, helping his team to a 19-8 half-time lead and they were never headed. Mercurial Jonty Sefton was again Wildcats’ top scorer with 11 points, followed by Sam Bruhn with seven.
In the other division match, Raptors forgot their ‘nearly wins’ of recent weeks, and with Ben Chapman in charge, bested Gators 45-30.
Ben was dynamic on the boards and from range, finishing with 21 points. But it was his leadership of his team which stood out most. Brody Thompson was also good in scoring 12 points.
The Gators were also without their best player for the match, but fought on credibly to out score their opponents in the second half. In probably his best game for the season, Hunter Mallon was strong through the middle of the court and cut off many passing attempts and launched many attacking moves.
Hot off his experience representing Rochester in tournament play, Liam McInness was top scorer for Gators with 18.
Ryder McCormack shot the lights out for Hornets in Grade 4/5/6 division, scoring 18 points and leading his team to a 34-18 win over Wildcats. Kaden Cooper (8) also shot well. For the vanquished, Hunter Mallon scored 12 of his team’s total.
Other notable scorers throughout the competition were: Marli Kent (38), Indi Kent (22), Nate Carmody (20), Isaac Perry (20), Wes Smith (12), Zak V (10), Ryder Morris (10), Seth (10), Ryan Carmody (8), Sam Hill (12).
Organisers are particularly thankful for the support of parents Kaihla King, Mark Ciavarella, Paul Newman and Lauren Parker who stepped forward to fill the breach in the umpiring ranks. Their efforts saved the day for the final round which was a make-up week caused by the Rochester floods.
Adults have their last matches for the year on Sunday at Kyabram Sports and Entertainment Centre at 5pm. All are welcome.
The second half of the summer season for children begins on Monday, February 6.
Kyabram Youth Club is bringing basketball back to its community. Basketball was lost when the town’s basketball association ceased to exist about 20 years ago.
The club’s aim is to give Kyabram and district basketball enthusiasts an opportunity to play in their own town again.
Adults play Sunday afternoons at 5pm and primary and secondary aged girls and boys play on Mondays from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.
A pre-school learn-to-play for boys and girls is also on Monday evenings.
For information on how to join Kyabram Youth Club's basketball offerings, go to www.kyabramyouthclub.com
