Big V Milestones Headline Busy Weekend for McKinnon Cougars
The McKinnon Cougars split results across another busy weekend of Big V action, highlighted by a dominant Championship Women victory at GESAC, a strong road win for the Youth Women, and a pair of milestone celebrations for two long serving Big V players.
Troyce Manassa and Annabel Fitter were both recognised across the weekend for reaching 100 Big V games with McKinnon.
SATURDAY
YOUTH MEN – McKinnon Cougars (77) defeated by Bendigo Braves (96)
The Youth Men showed strong patches early in their road clash against Bendigo before the Braves pulled away after halftime.
McKinnon led by as many as 11 points during the second quarter, however Bendigo took control in the second half with 59 points after the main break, including a 32 point fourth quarter.
Oliver Mann led the Cougars with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block, while Charlie Watts added 10 points and 6 rebounds. Viv Anderson-francois contributed 9 points and 4 rebounds off the bench, while Jesse Ford finished with 8 points and 5 assists.
YOUTH WOMEN – McKinnon Cougars (74) defeated Melbourne Tigers (69)
The Youth Women continued their strong form with an important road victory over the Melbourne Tigers at MSAC.
McKinnon controlled much of the opening half and built a double digit lead before holding off a late Tigers comeback in the final quarter.
Arden Bailey starred with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 2 steals, while Holly Miller added 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Kayla Welsh also impressed with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, while Imogen Cook contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds.
CHAMPIONSHIP MEN – McKinnon Cougars (99) defeated by Gippsland United (104) OT
The Championship Men opened their weekend with an overtime thriller against Gippsland United on Saturday night.
McKinnon trailed by eight points at quarter time before fighting back into the contest and eventually forcing overtime in a high scoring battle. The Cougars had opportunities late, however Gippsland finished strongly in the extra period to secure the five point victory.
Kierell Green produced another dominant performance with 25 points, 20 rebounds and 2 blocks, while Troyce Manassa added 24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Mitchell Barry contributed 13 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds, while Alex Condon added 12 points and 6 rebounds.
SUNDAY
CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN – McKinnon Cougars (95) defeated Pakenham Warriors (69)
The Championship Women delivered one of their most complete performances of the season on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Pakenham Warriors by 26 points at GESAC.
McKinnon set the tone early with 54 first half points before continuing to extend the margin throughout the afternoon behind a balanced offensive performance.
Annabel Fitter celebrated her 100th Big V game during the win, while Katherine Vaile led the way with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 1 block. Sarae Beveridge added 13 points, 7 assists and 4 made three pointers, while Javyn Nicholson finished with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Jennie Rintala also contributed 13 points and 5 rebounds.
CHAMPIONSHIP MEN – Pakenham Warriors (93) defeated McKinnon Cougars (75)
The Championship Men were unable to finish the weekend on a winning note, falling to the Pakenham Warriors on Sunday afternoon.
McKinnon remained within striking distance through the opening three quarters before Pakenham finished strongly in the final term to secure the victory.
Kierell Green again led the Cougars with 28 points and 15 rebounds, while Troyce Manassa added 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Mitchell Barry contributed 5 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Alex Condon added 11 points and 7 rebounds.