By Lance Jenkinson
A seismic 78-point turnaround in the positive has seen spirits soar at the Werribee Devils in the Big V women’s state championship.
After losing by 39 points to Keilor Thunder last week, the Devils served up a dose of their own medicine with a 39-point win this week, crushing a young and inexperienced Bulleen Boomers 94-55 at Eagle Stadium on Sunday.
Devils coach Reece Potter said his side took full advantage of an opposition team finding its feet.
“A little bit less experience in the opposition this week,” he said.
“Bulleen might end up struggling a bit this year.
“From our point of view, a really good result, we took care of business.
“We were able to rotate through in the end and play some younger players and give them some experience.”
New import Alisia Jenkins made a world of difference for Werribee.
The power forward/centre was a dominant force, scoring 29 points to go with 16 rebounds.
Not bad for a player who arrived on Wednesday and had to quickly get up to speed with a new system.
“She got in Wednesday, practised Wednesday night and Thursday night,” Potter said.
“She’s fitted in well with the group already and around the club.
“She’s a rebounding machine, gets after the ball as good as I’ve seen anyone.
“She’s a really solid all-round player.”
The player to benefit most from the addition of Jenkins was Sarah Elsworthy, who had 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals.
Elsworthy could revert back to being a traditional point guard, facilitating the ball while also finding her own shot with considerably less pressure.
“That loosened Sarah up to be able to create a bit more for herself,” Potter said.
“Sarah did a good job of creating for others.
“She played a true point guard role.”
Werribee is set to get even stronger ahead of a date with three-peat champions Sunbury Jets away on Sunday.
The Devils second import, Alexyz Vaioletama, arrives this week.
The only concern for Werribee is a nagging foot injury to Jessica Slade, which limited her to just three minutes of court time against Bulleen.
Potter insists that Slade was just managed and will take to the court for the clash with the Jets.
In men’s state championship, Werribee Devils had a daunting time of it against the two leading teams on a double header weekend.
The Devils went down to McKinnon Cougars 111-92 away on Saturday night, then succumbed 129-110 to Hawthorn Magic at home on Sunday.
After conceding 110-plus in each of the first three games, the Devils have their headaches on the defensive end.
Werribee will be hoping for a remedy on another double header weekend, where they visit Blackburn Vikings on Saturday night and host Corio Bay Stingrays on Sunday.
MORE BIG V NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/craigieburn-eagles-enjoy-a-winning-weekend/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/melton-thoroughbreds-overtime-thriller/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunbury-jets-pull-through-under-pressure/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/keilor-thunder-falls-short-against-storming-jets/
