Tara Murray
The Macedon Ranges Rockies opened up their account in the Country Basketball League north-west men’s competition with a win in the local derby on Saturday night.
After losing on the buzzer in round one, the Rockies were hoping to turn things around against the Kyneton Tigers.
Rockies coach Michael Ryan said there was a lot of unknown heading into the game.
“Kyneton is a completely different team this season,” he said. “They have a whole heap of new players so we didn’t know what to expect.
“They have a strong starting five but we didn’t know what their bench would offer. They are a better side than what they were last year.
“It was good to beat them, that’s for sure.”
The Rockies led by one point at quarter time before joining out to an 11 point lead at half time/
It was more of the same in the second half with the Rockies winning 101-76.
Ryan said as the game progressed and understood what the opposition was throwing at them they were able to settle.
“We identified some opportunities for some of our guys which we saw as their weaknesses.
“Lucas Carnell and Jacob Poysner were able to play a two-man game scoring 33 points and 27 points respectively.”
For Carnell, it was just his second game at this level. He is one of three new players for the Rockies this season.
“He is just 17,” Ryan said. “He was impressive. He played a bit of youth league for Sunbury.
“It’s the first time he played against men and against Maryborough he learned a lot psychically”,
Ryan said they were still a pretty young talent with some experience around them.
Tom Scott, Mark Colverd have returned, while Nick Grantham is back this year.
Matthew Quinn though is out after tearing his achilles in pre-season training.
“The core group has returned with some new pieces,” Ryan said. “Ethan [Fiegert] has come from Ballarat and Nathan [Dowdy] from Sunbury.
“I’m happy with how we are going.”
Ryan said they were keen to be in the finals mix again after just missing out last year.
He said every win is important in such a short competition.
They will head on the road this week against Swan Hill and Mildura.
Lochlan Oellering top scored for the Tigers with 17 points.
The Tigers were back in action on Sunday against Swan Hill.
After leading by three points at half time, the Tigers were overrun with the Flyers winning 91-74.
In the women’s north-west, Kyneton claimed two wins on the weekend.
On Saturday night, the Tigers beat the Rockies, 68-50.
Alex Strawhorn and Jess Mangan scored 13 points each for the Tigers. while Grace Cooper scored 22 points for the Rockies.
On Sunday, the Tigers best the Flyers, 88-56. A 35-13 first quarter set up the win.
Alex Strawhorn to scored with 24 points.
