By Tara Murray
A new era kicked off for Wyndham in the Big V competition on Saturday.
After a summer of change, the first two Big V sides were in action.
While the two senior sides don’t kick off until March 30, the two youth league sides were in action on the weekend.
In the men’s Victorian youth championship competition, Wyndham went down in a close one to the Diamond Valley Eagles at home.
The Eagles led by three points at quarter time and then six at the main break.
That would be the difference as they won 91-86. It would be the closest that Wyndham got in the final quarter.
Captain Brodie Salter was the standout for Wyndham with 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Adam Arkadio had 16 points, nine rebounds and five steals while Spencer Smith had 15 points and seven rebounds.
Coach Aaron Bensted said it was a solid first round game from the group.
“Big learnings we can take out of it where we can see what it begins to take to physically compete at this level,” he said. “We take away a few positives that we can continue to build on this season with our young group.”
The youth league women’s division 1 side started the season with a back-to-back.
It kicked off the season away to the Coburg Giants. It was a tough start, with the Giants winning 98-71.
Coach Matt Stephens said it was a highly competitive and physical game.
“While the result didn’t go our way, the team’s spirit and energy were outstanding,” he said.
“We’re especially proud of Freya Byrne, Nada Elmaghraby, Aluk Kuol, and Elena Papakirikou for making their Big V debuts.
“Their effort and composure set a strong foundation for what’s to come.”
Wyndham was then back in action at home on Sunday against the Albury Wodonga Bandits.
It was a hard fought tussle, with Wyndham getting the win, 51-44.
Wyndham led by four points at half time and eight points at the main break and were able to hold the Bandits.
Kiana Dayao had 13 points and three steals, Jayda Guzel scored nine points while Anaam Ali had four points, six rebounds and three assists.
Stephens said it was good to see the side back it up that way.
“Coming off a tough game the night before, the team showed incredible resilience and determination,” he said.
“It was a hard-fought contest, and to come away with the win is a testament to their grit and teamwork.
“Everyone contributed, and we had some standout performances with players really stepping up when it mattered most.”
The Wyndham youth league men’s side faces Eltham and Frankston this weekend, while the youth league women’s side faces Eltham and Geelong United.
