Cougars Claim Two Wins as Youth Women Advance to Semi Final
The McKinnon Cougars produced two victories across the weekend as the Big V season reached its business end, with one team advancing in the finals and another building momentum.
The Championship Women defeated Bulleen by 13 points, while the Youth Championship Women kept their season alive with an Elimination Final victory over Dandenong. The Youth League One Men concluded their campaign against Camberwell, while the Championship Men were defeated by the Dragons.
SATURDAY
CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN – McKinnon Cougars (92) defeated Bulleen Boomers (79)
The Championship Women continued their strong form, defeating Bulleen by 13 points at GESAC.
The Cougars led by three points at quarter time before Bulleen edged ahead by two at halftime. McKinnon responded in emphatic fashion after the main break, outscoring the Boomers 24-16 in the third quarter before maintaining their advantage throughout the final period.
McKinnon shot an impressive 48.5 per cent from the field while dominating inside, converting 60.5 per cent of its two-point attempts and winning the rebounding battle 50-37.
Jayvyn Nicholson starred with 37 points, 11 rebounds and five three-pointers. Katherine Vaile produced another dominant double-double with 24 points and 17 rebounds, while Amy Baum contributed 8 points and 6 assists. Sarae Beveridge added 7 points off the bench.
SUNDAY
YOUTH WOMEN – McKinnon Cougars (88) defeated Dandenong Rangers (72)
The Youth Women kept their season alive with a commanding 16-point victory over Dandenong in the Elimination Final.
The Rangers made the brighter start to lead by 11 points at quarter time, but McKinnon responded brilliantly with a 31-14 second quarter to take control of the contest. The Cougars continued to build their advantage throughout the second half to secure their place in this weekend's Semi Final against the Diamond Valley Eagles.
McKinnon shared the scoring load with five players finishing in double figures while holding Dandenong to just 35.3 per cent shooting from the field.
Arden Bailey led the way with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. Daisy Nousis added 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Eloise Leonard recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds to go with 4 points, 3 assists and 3 blocks. Maddison Carr and Holly Miller each contributed 11 points.
YOUTH MEN – McKinnon Cougars (51) defeated by Camberwell Dragons (84)
The Youth Men concluded their 2026 season with a loss to Camberwell at GESAC.
The Dragons raced out to an 18-point lead after the opening quarter and maintained control throughout the afternoon despite a more competitive second half from the Cougars.
Oliver Mann finished with 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Charlie Watts added 7 points and 3 blocks. Thomas D'Amelio and Viv Anderson-Francois each scored 6 points, with Anderson-Francois also collecting 5 rebounds.
CHAMPIONSHIP MEN – McKinnon Cougars (87) defeated by Camberwell Dragons (101)
The Championship Men were unable to overcome Camberwell, falling by 14 points at GESAC.
The Dragons established an early advantage before McKinnon battled throughout the second half but were unable to close the margin.
Troyce Manassa led the Cougars with 20 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. Luke Lyngberg shot an efficient 4-of-5 from the field to finish with 13 points, while Mitchell Barry added 12 points and 5 assists. Josh Uhr-Henry battled hard inside to record 9 points and a team-high 11 rebounds.