By Tara Murray
Kyneton Tigers put their name onto the winners’ list for the first time this season in the Country Basketball League north-east women’s competition.
After a round one loss, the Tigers were on a mission on Saturday night to turn things around against the Echuca Pirates.
The Tigers showed some good signs for the rest of the season in a dominant performance, winning 93-53.
Coach Chris Tighe said while he was happy with the win, he believed they could have taken it up a notch.
“It was pretty good,” he said.
“I would have liked to have won by more, as with the roster we have I think we’re better than that.”
The big margin meant everyone was able to get plenty of court time and nine of the 12 players hit the scoreboard.
Tighe said it was important to make sure everyone got court time in such matches.
Rebecca Van Kuyk, who has been part of the Sunbury Jets’ Big V state championship side, continued her good form, top scoring with 25 after scoring 17 points in round one.
Michelle Fletcher (20 points), Molly Greetham (14 points) and Brooke Mangan (11 points) also scored double figures as they spread the load around.
Tighe said the combination of Van Kuyk and Fletcher was developing well.
Fletcher missed the opening round match.
“They have just gelled really quickly and it’s good to watch. Michelle is great and she’s taken the younger girls under her wing,” he said.
He said even in the gym, the intensity level rises when she walks in.
“Beks has added some experience to the side. We’re lucky she moved to a country address.
“You have to play domestic basketball as well, so it helps Kyneton out as well.”
The Tigers, which sit 1-1, this week host the Maryborough Blazers.
Tighe said the biggest issue at the moment was picking 12 players each week.
“We can improve a lot on court and improve in running out sets,” he said.
“I’m pretty happy with how things are good. I think we’ll make a good press to the finals.”
The men’s side suffered a thrilling loss to the Pirates in the north-west competition.
The match went down to the wire but the Pirates ran out with the win on 68-64.
Meanwhile, Tighe has been appointed the Sunbury Jets’ youth league women’s coach for next Big V season.
Tighe, had been assistant coach for the Jets’ state championship women’s side the past two years.
The youth league side will probably play in the championship division after it won the division 1 title this year.
They claimed the division 2 title last year.
Tighe said it was the next step in his coaching journey and was looking forward to continue the good work done by Andrew Seidel.
“We’ve just had some tryouts and I’m happy with who turned up,” he said.
“There will be competition for spots.”
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