Cougars Split Results as Championship Season Tips Off
The McKinnon Cougars had all 4 Big V teams in action across the weekend, with the Championship Men and Women opening their 2026 campaigns while the Youth Men and Youth Women continued their seasons in Round 3, with both women’s teams playing their first home games of the year.
McKinnon came away with strong performances across the board, highlighted by wins from both men’s teams, while the Youth Women and Championship Women showed positive signs despite tough results.
YOUTH MEN (Sat 28/03) - McKinnon Cougars (74) defeated Melbourne University (72)
The McKinnon Cougars Youth Men made it 3 wins from 3 starts with a hard-fought road victory over Melbourne University.
After trailing 60-50 at three quarter time, McKinnon produced a strong finish, outscoring Melbourne University 24-12 in the final term to storm home and secure the 2-point win.
Oliver Mann once again led the way with 24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in a dominant performance.
Jun Lee added 11 points, while Calvin Rama contributed 10 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal as the Cougars found key scoring when it mattered.
CHAMPIONSHIP MEN (Sat 28/03) - McKinnon Cougars (82) defeated Melbourne University (71)
The McKinnon Cougars Championship Men opened their 2026 campaign with an impressive comeback win on the road against Melbourne University.
McKinnon trailed heading into the final quarter before producing a dominant finish, outscoring Melbourne University 28-9 in the fourth to secure the 11-point victory.
Josh McQueen led the scoring with 20 points and 5 rebounds, while Troyce Manassa recorded 17 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists in a strong all-round performance.
Michael Aminov added 10 points and 9 rebounds, Angok Angok contributed 12 points and 6 rebounds, and Kierell Green finished with 8 points and 6 rebounds as the Cougars shared the offensive load.
YOUTH WOMEN (Sun 29/03) - McKinnon Cougars (75) lost to Dandenong Rangers (84)
The McKinnon Cougars Youth Women returned home to GESAC for their first home game of the 2026 season but were unable to overcome the Dandenong Rangers, falling by 9 points.
McKinnon started strongly with 23 points in the opening quarter and remained in the contest throughout, but Dandenong’s consistency across the middle quarters proved the difference.
Kayla Welsh led the way with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 3 steals in a strong all-round performance, while Maddi Carr matched her with 17 points to go with 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
Holly Miller provided 11 points, while Evie Haywood added 10 points and 6 rebounds as the Cougars found solid contributions across the lineup.
CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN (Sun 29/03) - McKinnon Cougars (67) lost to Sherbrooke Suns (74)
The McKinnon Cougars Championship Women opened their 2026 season at home at GESAC but fell to the Sherbrooke Suns.
McKinnon showed strong patches throughout the contest, particularly in the third quarter, but Sherbrooke were able to hold their advantage late.
Jennie Rintala led the Cougars with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists in a strong presence inside, while Maighan Hedge added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.
Amy Baum contributed 8 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists as McKinnon showed encouraging signs in their season opener.
All our McKinnon Cougars Big V teams will now take a break over the Easter weekend before returning to action the following round.