Cougars Proud of Youth Women’s Remarkable Journey
The McKinnon Cougars’ Victorian Youth Championship Women have finished a memorable 2026 season following a 71–59 Preliminary Final loss to Kilsyth on Saturday night.
After finishing 8th with a 12–10 record, McKinnon defeated 5th-placed Dandenong Rangers and minor premier Diamond Valley Eagles on the road to reach the final 4.
The Cougars entered Saturday’s Preliminary Final as the lower-ranked team but again showed the resilience that had driven their finals run.
Kilsyth led 19–15 after the opening quarter and took a 3-point advantage into halftime. The Cobras extended the margin to 5 by 3-quarter time, but McKinnon continued to fight.
Daisy Nousis scored 6 points during an important 4th-quarter run, including 2 free throws that put the Cougars ahead 59–58 with just over 5 minutes remaining.
Kilsyth responded with the final 13 points of the game to secure the victory and a place in the Grand Final.
Nousis led McKinnon with 16 points and 9 steals, while Arden Bailey finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
Kayla Welsh recorded 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, with Maddison Carr adding 7 points and 9 rebounds.
Despite shooting just 25.3% from the field, McKinnon gave itself opportunities through its effort and defensive pressure, collecting 24 offensive rebounds and 24 steals.
The performance brought an end to a finals campaign in which the Cougars produced 2 of their best wins of the season.
McKinnon overturned an 11-point quarter-time deficit to defeat Dandenong 88–72 in the Elimination Final before travelling to face ladder leader Diamond Valley.
The Cougars again responded after trailing at quarter time, scoring 25 points in the 2nd period before holding off the Eagles to claim an 85–77 victory.
Many of the players have progressed together through McKinnon’s junior representative program before reaching the Big V level. The team’s run to the Preliminary Final reflected years of development, shared experiences and commitment to the Cougars program.
MBA General Manager Anita Ledger congratulated the players and praised Head Coach Ryan Potter and his support staff following the team’s finals run.
“We are incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and congratulate every player on an outstanding season,” Ledger said.
“Ryan and his support staff have played an important role in the team’s journey. Ryan’s commitment to the players and his belief in their potential deserve enormous credit.
“To reach the final four after finishing eighth was a wonderful reflection of the character, resilience and belief that have developed within this group.
“This is a talented and special group of young women who truly exemplify the Cougars culture. They have represented McKinnon with pride, given our entire community so much to celebrate and created a pathway for our younger Cougars to aspire to.”