Sunbury Jets withheld a determined Camberwell side to make it three wins from as many matches in Big V women’s division 1.
Impressive in their first two matches, the Jets worked hard to win against Camberwell, 80-74.
For Jets’ coach Kennedy Kereama the most impressive thing was how his side responded to being two players down. Jess Bygate and Raihania Ratana both missed the game due to injuries.
“We potentially could have dropped that match,” Kereama said. “The other girls had extra responsibility and handled it well.
“Kayla [Theodore] came into a starting role and Alex [Darby] had additional minutes off the bench. Chelsea [Burns] had to play in a forward position … she would normally play as a guard.
“Everyone had to put in a little extra work and effort. There was a lot of different combinations, and we still managed to shoot at 60 per cent in the first half.
Kereama said Bygate could have played, but she is being managed ahead of joining the New Zealand team looking to qualify for the Olympics. Ratana will miss a few weeks with a torn pectoral muscle.
The game was played at a high tempo – both sides had players in foul trouble during the match.
“Camberwell were prepared and we stood tall against a high quality side,” Kereama said.
“It was a quality game of basketball and both teams fought hard.
“Kayla, Chelsea and Monique [Stevens] were in foul trouble and, to their credit, they played out the game and didn’t get the fouls, which would have seen them come to the bench.
“We’re a side that will make big runs on the scoreboard. We were up by 10 at one stage and they made a run back, which was the reason the margin was so close.”
Emma Mahady top-scored with 22 points, while Monique Stevens scored 17 points.
“The fact that she was getting open looks is credit to the offence to get the ball in the right hands at the right time,” Kereama said.
“Emma did a good job, especially in the first half.”
The men’s side celebrated its first win of the season over Keilor on Saturday night.
Flying out of the blocks in the first quarter, the Jets held off the fast-finishing Thunder to win 85-81.
Mitch Newton, who played the whole 40 minutes, scored 28 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, while Ish Sanders also scored 28 points.
