TOM HAYES
BASKETBALL
GIPPSLAND UNITED By TOM HAYES THE girls have done it. Gippsland United’s women’s team has undoubtedly been the most dominating team in the Big V second division this season, and have proven it by taking out the Grand Final. On Saturday, August 19 at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, United claimed the flag, and promotion to Division 1 after the win. They welcomed Wallan to the GRISS, the second-best team throughout 2023, but still by some margin. Gippy United capped off another dominant display to round out the 2023 season. Wallan did have the btter of them in the first quarter, but from there on out, it was one-way traffic for the Gippsland side. After a challenging first quarter, going down 20-17, Gippsland rallied and hit Wallan back with a quick response. They scored 21 of their own points to Wallan’s 14, to then take a four-point lead into half time, and they were just getting started. The damage was done in the third quarter, which saw Gippsland annihilate their opponents, boosting their margin by 11 more points to 15 (67-52). Gippsland didn’t want to give Wallan any chances of a comeback, doing so by winning their third-straight quarter of the game to close out the game and the championship. A further 22-20 final quarter score led the Gippy girls to an 89-72 win over Wallan. Lauren Tuplin and MaKenzie Miller starred for United, both ever-so-close to triple-doubles. Tuplin top-scored with 25 points – which included three three’s, she also added 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals to her stat-sheet. Miller closed with 20 points, a monster 16 rebounds and nine assists, as both girls played more minutes than any other, both over half an hour. Joanna Watson was also influential as the only other double-digit scorer with 11 points, she also had seven boards and five assists. It is clear that new head coach Brad Rooff has had some impact since joining for this season. Rooff mentioned his coaching mantra that he and the team had discussed all season long; CREATE. Commitment, Respect, Effort, Attitude, Teamwork, Enjoy. When reflecting on the season that Gippsland United had, it might become clearer as to why they had the eventual winning formula. Another team focus that was implemented was One Dream, One Vision, One Team, One Mission. “The support we had in the crowd felt like we were at the Matildas game!” Rooff added. “It has been an exciting journey coaching women’s sport for so long and having seen the crowd sizes increase and the support of our women in sport is so amazing. “I am a father of a daughter and son, and so excited for the future growth and development of women’s sports around the world.” Gippsland United will enjoy a lengthy break as champions, and return fit and ready to fire in 2024 in Division 1.
