By Tara Murray
Sunbury Jets had no trouble accounting for the Whittlesea Pacers on Saturday night in the Big V women’s state championship competition.
The Jets produced a second 100-point score of the season, on the way to a 106-51 win.
Jets’ coach Kennedy Kereama said it wasn’t the prettiest game.
He said the Pacers stayed in zone all game, something he was seeing more of across the league, which didn’t always make the best basketball to watch.
“It was an ugly game, but we’re happy to get the win,” Kereama said.
“Our second half was much better than our first half. Our defence in the third quarter was excellent, I would have liked to see that throughout the whole game.
“It was would have been good to see some consistency.”
Kereama said defensively they created turnovers, which showed with 30 steals.
All put one player had multiple steals, Josie Stockill led the way with five.
“You can look at it two different ways,” Kereama said. “They didn’t play well, but I think credit to our defence. They had 43 turnovers, which is nearly as many points.”
Courtney Duever top-scored with 30 points, while Chelsea Kereama, Lynn Leaupepe, Stockill and Emily Conn all scored double figures.
Kennedy Kereama said one of the biggest positives of the night was giving some of the younger players time on court.
Every player took to the court, playing at least 12 minutes.
The Jets have a 4-2 record and sit among the top teams.
Kereama said he was happy with their results so far, given they are without two of their major players.
In good news for the Jets, Orla O’Reilly is set to return this weekend.
O’Reilly, who won last year’s grand final most valuable player award, hasn’t played this season due to commitments in Europe.
Kereama said he expected O’Reilly to fit back into the side quite easily.
Recruit Jacinta Beckley is expected to arrive in Australia this week. Kereama said he was unsure whether she would suit up in the next match or not.
The Jets this week face Casey Cavaliers on the road.
The Jets’ men played in the first of two double header weekends,
On Saturday night, they beat the Pacers 86-65. Ish Sanders top-scored with 33 points, while Kris Blicavs put up 19 points.
On Sunday, the Jets faced the Collingwood All Stars.
It was a close match, with the All Stars coming out on top, winning 88-83.
Sanders top-scored again, this time with 21 points, while Nathan Baker and Arthur Trousdell both scored double figures.
MORE BIG V
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