By Tara Murray
Melton Thoroughbreds produced their best performance of the Big V men’s division 2 season at the weekend.
While the Thoroughbreds have had bigger wins points-wise, coach Joe Hooks said he was pleased about the way they went about the match against the Craigieburn Eagles.
“We’ve had problems gelling and coming together,” he said.
“The wins we have so far are against the teams we’re supposed to beat.
“In my opinion, it’s the first win we’ve shown we can play together and accept roles.
“We’ve worked towards the common goal, which was the pleasing thing for me.”
A strong final quarter was the difference against the Eagles in the 82-70 win.
The Thoroughbreds led by two points heading into the final break.
Even though it wasn’t the cleanest performance they were able to win the final quarter 29-19. “There was a couple of times we didn’t execute and we got their import [Damon Smith] into foul trouble and didn’t make the most of it,” Hooks said.
“We messed around with the ball. The boys did a good job after the time out.
“For the most part we did it together.”
Import Chris Johnson had a double-double, top scoring with 20 points. Three other players scored double figures.
Hooks was also impressed with the performance of the three youth league players, Koby Skenderis, Fernando Rios-Rodriguez and Jackson Jones, who stepped up.
“I was proud of them. I would have them all the time if I could,” he said.
Hooks said the playing group had now set the standard they need to match each week.
“If we take the same attitude for the rest of the season, it can take us back to another tilt at the title.
“That attitude totally reflects the fact that we were playing for a common goal, we need to continue with that.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Melton Thoroughbreds vs Craigieburn Eagles
The Thoroughbreds have this weekend off for the Queen’s Birthday.
Hooks said it was frustrating the bye had come at this point.
“I really wanted to build momentum,” he said.
“After the bye we travel to play Mildura, which is sitting on top.
“It will be a tough one.”
Hooks said there was still a possibility that they would add another player to the squad in the coming weeks.
Hooks, who wouldn’t name the player, said if he joined the side, he would take them to another level.
He said they have until June 12 to sort the situation out.
“If he is approved he will help take us up a notch as a team.”
Meanwhile, the Thoroughbreds’ women’s side had a tight loss against the Blackburn Vikings.
The Thoroughbreds were left to rue a poor final quarter, which they lost 21-9, in the 59-51 loss.
Jenna Conroy top scored with 17 points, with Stacey Procak the only other player to score double figures.
The youth league men’s side had a massive 102-68 win against Coburg Giants at the Melton Indoor Recreation Centre.
Dau Akol and Mayuol Makuac top scored with 16 points.
MORE BIG V NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunbury-jets-roar-into-contention/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/craigieburn-eagles-bounce-back/
