By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Jets got some revenge back over Hume City Broncos in Big V women’s state championship.
With the Broncos winning the battle in round one, the Jets were able to come away with the points this time round.
For most of the match, the two teams went goal for goal, with a thriller on the cards.
A five minute patch to start the last quarter would prove to be the difference, with the Jets winning 84-74.
Jets coach Kennedy Kereama – while thrilled to get the win – said it wasn’t their best performance.
“Both coaches wouldn’t be happy with the execution in different areas on the floor,” he said.
“There were times Hume looked tremendous and times that we looked great.
“Any win away though is great.”
Kereama said they made some adjustments in the final quarter to their offense which seemed to make a difference.
He said their defence was also pretty good for that period, after not being where they had wanted it to be.
“I wasn’t happy with our defence, but there was that five minute period in the last quarter that it was great but that was it.
“That first five minutes of the last quarter was pretty crucial for us.
“Keeping them to five points and scoring 14 ourselves, it created the buffer for us and once we got that momentum, we pretty much kept the margin for the majority of the game.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Hume City Broncos vs Sunbury Jets
Kereama said both teams would only get better. The Broncos were missing import Azia Bishop with an ankle injury, while Monique Stevens missed for the Jets.
Kereama said if the two teams were to meet again this season, it would be a really good match-up.
“Hume are a pretty good team and in my opinion they have the best point guard in the league in Nicky Zammit. She is so damn good.
“BreAnna Brock has been tremendous for them, she’s strong and a real presence for them down in the paint in defence.
“Once they add Azia Bishop back, I think they will be formidable.”
Three players did the bulk of the scoring for the Jets, with Lynn Leaupepe (29 points), Orla O’Reilly (24 points) and Courtney Duever (23) combining for 76 of the 84 points.
Kereama said while some of the other players had quieter nights on the scoreboard, they had still played their roles.
“We don’t care who scores the points, we just want to win.”
Kereama said the return of O’Reilly in the last two weeks had been a big boost for the side.
In another bonus, Jacinta Beckley made her debut for the Jets.
“I said to the team it will be like a preseason again, we add Orla, who played her second game, and add Jacinta for her first game, everyone is still getting a feel for each other.
“Orla is last year’s league [grand final] MVP and you’re adding her to a team that has been mighty competitive without her.
“Jacinta is a smart player and but it will take some time.”
The Jets this week face a struggling Bulleen Boomers side.
MORE BIG V NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/hume-city-broncos-lose-hume-derby/
