Tara Murray
Wyndham had been winning the close ones this Big V men’s state championship season, but fell short to the Bellarine Storm on Sunday.
Wyndham entered the round on top of the ladder with a perfect record having shown some good signs early in the season.
Speaking before the match with the Storm, Wyndham coach Lucas Allen was happy with the season so far.
“It’s been good in terms of getting some close wins,” he said. “We’ve won some really competitive tight games and getting those early in the season is a positive for us.
“Across the league most teams have a lot of new faces that they didn’t have a last year.
“I think we’ve managed to gel and come together a little bit quicker than other sides.”
On Sunday, Wyndham started the better of the two sides and lead by four points at quarter time.
It was all the Storm in the second quarter to turn the deficit into an 11 point lead. It would be a lead they would maintain in the third quarter.
Wyndham finished strongly but couldn’t close the gap enough, losing 92-86.
Allen said one of the keys for them this season had been the spread of scorers they’ve had with several different players leading individual games.
On Sunday, five players scored double figures led by Troyce Manassa.
Allen said they still had a bit work what to do in terms of learning the system fully with only one starter from last season returning.
The change of personnel has opened up opportunities for other players, including Oskar Jones who is taking his with both hands.
“He’s been in our pathway the last three seasons,” Allen said. “He was in youth league and then a reserve last season.
“He’s done more work than anyone else in the last three years and has earned that opportunity and making the most of it.
“You do the work and you see the results.”
Allen said both imports were showing varying levels of good play as they find their feet in the side, while Daniaell Herbert was another Wyndham junior who was stepping up, taking on the starting point guard role.
Wyndham this week faces Camberwell and Pakenham.
In the women’s state championship, Wyndham came away with the win against the Bellarine Storm.
Wyndham jumped out to an early lead and controlled the game all the way through, winning 90-73.
Amanda Paschal top scored with 35 points.
Wyndham sits second on the ladder.
