By Lance Jenkinson
A full strength Werribee Devils has cracked the code of back-to-back Big V basketball women’s state championship premiers Sunbury Jets.
For the first time this season, the Devils went into a game with a full complement of players and showed what they can achieve together with a stunning 81-62 win on the road at Boardman Stadium on Sunday.
Devils coach Reece Potter said it was a big day in the evolution of his team.
“We’re really happy with the result, to beat a team that’s been really successful over a number of years,” he said.
“It just shows to our group that we know we can be competitive at that level.
“We certainly don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but it’s something to build on.”
Werribee showed its potency with a jaw-dropping 58-point first half to lead by 21 at half-time.
Everything clicked for the Devils on the day they welcomed second import Alexyz Vaioletama to the fold.
Their shooting was spectacular from all parts of the zones. “We shot the ball well and we found open shots,” Potter said. “We really shared the ball around, which was good to see.
“It was a really strong first half that put us in a good spot and we did enough to hang on for the rest of it.”
The big-name recruits came to the fore for Werribee.
PHOTO GALLERY: Sunbury Jets vs Werribee Devils
Import Alisia Jenkins, playing in her second game for the Devils, was nigh on unstoppable. She recorded an efficient 24 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks.
“People are going to really struggle to guard her quickness and athleticism,” Potter said. “She’d be one of the fastest players I’ve seen at this level and she’s a big, so it’s a lethal combination.”
Sarah Elworthy was commanding at the point, finishing with 16 points and six assists.
Vaioletama had a solid outing in her first game for Werribee with 12 points and six rebounds.
“Our imports played unselfishly, while Sarah did a great job as our point guard,” Potter said.
Georgia Tauschke had a big impact with her long range shooting. She hit four of her six three-point attempts to finish with 14 points and five rebounds.
Werribee’s (3-1) next test will come in a blockbuster on April 27 against Casey Cavaliers (3-1) at Eagle Stadium.
Meanwhile, it was a mixed weekend for Werribee in the men’s state championship.
The Devils opened their account with a thrilling 99-98 win over Blackburn Vikings at Mullum Mullum Stadium on Saturday night.
Unfortunately, the Devils had little time to lap up their breakthrough win as they played on Sunday, losing 114-85 to the Corio Bay Stingrays.
