McKinnon Cougars Youth Teams Open Big V 2026 Campaign
The McKinnon Cougars Youth Women and Youth Men opened their Big V 2026 seasons on the road on Saturday night, with the women battling the Dandenong Rangers while the men secured an impressive win over the Westgate Imperials.
Both teams showed promising signs to begin the season as the Cougars youth program continues to build momentum heading into the early rounds of the competition.
YOUTH WOMEN (sat 14/03) - McKinnon Cougars (70) lost to Dandenong Rangers (78)
The McKinnon Cougars Youth Women opened their Big V 2026 campaign with a competitive road contest against the Dandenong Rangers on Saturday night.
McKinnon made a strong start to their season, taking control early to lead 19–12 at quarter time. The Cougars moved the ball well offensively and created quality looks as they established the early advantage.
Dandenong responded in the second quarter to edge ahead by half-time before producing a decisive third period, outscoring McKinnon 27–16 to create separation heading into the final term.
Despite the deficit, the Cougars continued to compete down the stretch but were unable to close the gap as the Rangers secured the eight-point result.
Kayla Welsh led the scoring for McKinnon with 13 points while Eloise Leonard added 11 points along with 4 steals, 3 blocks and 2 assists in a strong two-way performance.
Zoe Johnson made a major impact off the bench with 9 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, while Natalie Keane and Holly Miller each added 8 points.
Arden Bailey contributed 7 points and Keira Price added 6 points in an efficient performance off the bench.
YOUTH MEN saturday (sat 14/03) - McKinnon Cougars (79) defeated Westgate Imperials (64)
The McKinnon Cougars Youth Men opened their Big V 2026 campaign with a strong road win over the Westgate Imperials on Saturday night.
McKinnon set the tone early and built control in the first half, taking a 45–24 lead into the main break after a dominant second quarter.
Westgate responded strongly in the third term with 32 points to reduce the margin, but the Cougars steadied in the final quarter and finished the game strongly to secure the 15-point victory.
Oliver Mann led the way for McKinnon with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in an impressive all-round performance.
Calvin Rama added 13 points while Jun Lee provided a valuable spark off the bench with 10 points.
Charlie Watts controlled the glass with 11 rebounds, while Oliver Ledger and Thomas D’Amelio each added 6 points.
The McKinnon Cougars Youth Women return to action this weekend with a double-header, facing Geelong United on Saturday night before taking on the Knox Raiders on Sunday afternoon. The McKinnon Cougars Youth Men will travel to face the Bulleen Boomers next Saturday night.