Tara Murray
Wyndham has ticked off its first aim in the Big V women’s state championship division.
Last season’s championships were focused on winning their first three games to be undefeated at the Easter break.
Wyndham coach Gerard Hillier said they were really happy with how they had started and that they were also injury free which was a big bonus.
On Saturday night, Wyndham faced its toughest test to date, playing the Sherbrooke Suns.
Wyndham led by three points at quarter time, before increasing that to 14 at the main break. The Suns stuck with Wyndham, trailing by three points at the last break.
Wyndham stepped it up late to come away with a 96-71 win.
Hillier said the match was a good challenge for them.
“I was really impressed with Sherbrooke,” he said. “I thought it had been our toughest game despite what the scoreboard said.
“They are really well structured and have good shooters. I expect them to be at the pointy end of the season.”
There were plenty of contributors for Wyndham with Amanda Paschal leading the way with 29 points.
Dyani Ananiev chipped in with 22 points, while Holly Dolny and Zoe Zwerling both scored 17 points.
Wyndham was again able to get their whole squad on the court.
“We were able to pull away at the end a little bit, so that was a luxury,” Hillier said. “The starting five are getting us into position to get the young kids on.
“They are holding their own and it makes it a lot easier for managing players.”
One of the stars so far for Wyndham has been Ananiev. After a massive impact for Wyndham in its championship season, Hillier said she had taken her game to another level.
“It’s come after a full WNBL season with the squad [Bendigo Spirit] and training in the environment,” he said.
“Being mentored by some of those players and coached by Kennedy Kereama. She’s gone to the next level and it will hopefully push some of the other young players to go to the next level as well.”
Wyndham has the weekend off due to the Easter weekend. Hillier said they would have been happy to keep playing as they had momentum, but will use it to give the squad a bit of a break.
Several players are part of state teams, so currently have big loads.
Meanwhile, Wyndham’s men’s side also had a big win on the weekend, beating the Western Port Steelers on Sunday.
Wyndham trailed by two points at quarter time, before a 37-14 second quarter gave them control of the game.
Wyndham won the last two quarters to come away with a 112-76 win.
Oskar Jones top scored with 32 points, while Maurice Howard had 29.
Wyndham sits in fourth spot at the break with a 2-1 record.
