BASKETBALL
CBL GIPPSLAND
THE Churchill Blue Devils continud to torment their Country Basketball League Gippsland rivals, with victories in male and female divisions at the weekend.
Both teams are undefeated after seven matches following the men’s 15-point triumph over Bairnsdale and the women’s wipeout of Maffra at home on Sunday.
Club talisman Jordan Canovan said the secret to the Blue Devils’ rampaging start was simple – they are having fun.
“I think that’s the main key for both teams, we’re just enjoying it and having fun, getting around each other and playing with our friends – it’s a much more enjoyable season,” Canovan said.
“The enjoyment factor is a lot more, you get that off each other and it kind of improves and builds more atmosphere and motivation for each other.”
Women’s captain Tanarly Hood racked up a game high 19 points against Maffra to lead the Blue Devils’ scoring, bringing her season tally to 152 at an average of 21.71 per game.
Vashon Weaver’s 21-point effort for the men was his sixth consecutive double figure count in a side sharing the scoring burden. A decreased reliance on star Canovan to put up big numbers has gone a long way to Churchill’s dominance so far this season.
“We’re playing very much so as a team, we’re spreading it out,” Canovan said.
“We have so many weapons or personnel that can go from different areas on the court – they’re good shooters and good inside guys – so we’re spreading it out a lot and it’s much better, everyone’s getting involved and getting shots up and it’s hard for other teams to guard.”
Moe was unable to account for Korumburra despite a 31-point haul by Carly Mullen-Bianconi.
The Meteors reduced the half-time deficit of five to three at the final change, but a 24-17 quarter from the Wildcats sealed the win and left Moe languishing in last on the ladder.
The Moe men, led by a nine point first quarter from Nick Sedley, jumped out to an early lead against Korumburra and held on to win comfortably.
Churchill tops both ladders by a comfortable seven points from Traralgon on the women’s side, while the men are six clear of Sale.
Traralgon is fifth in the men’s draw, followed by Moe.
