Tara Murray
The Sunbury Jets took lessons learned in the previous week to take a one nil lead against the Hume City Broncos in their Big V men’s state championship semi final series.
Having played each other in the final round of regular season, the two local council rivals were back on court together on Saturday night.
The Broncos hosted game one of the best-of-three semi final series, but it was the minor premiers in the Jets, who got the upper hand, winning 82-68.
The Jets jumped out of the blocks and led by 12 points at quarter time. The Broncos reduced that to seven at the main break.
A 36-22 third quarter would be the match winner for the Jets, who were able to hold on to win 82-68.
Jets coach John White said the chance to play the same team at least three, possibly four times in a row was valuable.
The Jets won the final regular season game by one point.
“There were a few things we worked on from last week’s game,” he said. “Some things we didn’t do well.
“We knew what to do with the personnel. We were able to get a good look some some their guys and things were fresh in our minds.
“The little things that they do well. You could really hone in on those small things.”
White said he was happy with about a quarter and half of their game, meaning there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
He said the game had been played along the lines they thought it would.
“We expected it to be a physical game, which it was and we handled it really well,” he said.
“Next week we’re expecting some more of the same. There’s a bit of feeling out of last night.
“We’ll make the adjustments we need to deal with some of that.”
Ish Sanders had his usual impact with 24 points, playing all but one minute of the game.
It was the performance of Maxwell Barkeley that was the standout, who top scored with 32 points.
“He thrives in these situations, he’s a big game player,” White said. “He has found his spot playing with the local players.
“He came up big and his confidence is up which will only be positive for the rest of the season.”
The Jets will host game two and if needed game three at Boardman Stadium.
White said they’re keen to play in front of their home crowd and give them some reward for all the support they’ve given throughout the season.
The Jets youth league men’s side kept their season alive in division 2.
On Saturday night the Jets lost to the Keysborough Cougars, 98-82.
They were back on court Sunday in an elimination final, beating the Melton Thoroughbreds, 101-79.
Josh O’Connell top scored with 24 points.
White said it was good for the boys to keep their season alive, having struggled with injuries the last few weeks.
