Overtime Thriller Highlights Busy Weekend for Cougars
The McKinnon Cougars produced another competitive weekend across Big V, recording victories in the Championship Women and Youth League One Men while the Championship Men and Youth Championship Women faced tough opposition.
The Championship Women delivered a dominant 46-point victory over Warrandyte, while the Youth League One Men prevailed in a thrilling overtime contest against Camberwell. The Youth Championship Women battled through a difficult double-header against Casey and Sandringham, while the Championship Men were unable to overcome Warrandyte despite another balanced offensive performance.
The weekend also featured two significant milestones, with Sarae Beveridge celebrating her 100th Big V game and Mike Aminov reaching his 50th Big V appearance for the Cougars.
SATURDAY
YOUTH MEN – McKinnon Cougars (75) defeated Camberwell Dragons (70) OT
The Youth Men produced a determined comeback before holding their nerve in overtime to defeat Camberwell by five points on the road.
Camberwell controlled the opening half and led by 13 points at the main break, but McKinnon steadily worked its way back into the contest. The Cougars restricted the Dragons to just seven points in the third quarter before forcing overtime with a strong finish to regulation. McKinnon then outscored Camberwell 11-6 in the extra period to secure an impressive victory.
Oliver Mann starred with 22 points, 3 rebounds and 2 three-pointers, while Viv Anderson-Francois added 17 points, 6 steals and shot 75 per cent from the field. Charlie Watts contributed 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, with Oliver Ledger collecting 7 rebounds.
YOUTH WOMEN – McKinnon Cougars (63) defeated by Casey Cavaliers (80)
The Youth Women opened their double-header with a tough road contest against Casey.
McKinnon remained within striking distance throughout the opening half, trailing by just four points at halftime, but Casey gradually extended its advantage after the break before a strong final quarter secured the result.
Holly Miller led the Cougars with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Kayla Welsh added 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals, while Zoe Johnson contributed 7 points and 9 rebounds. Evie Haywood chipped in with 8 points.
CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN – McKinnon Cougars (97) defeated Warrandyte Venom (51)
The Championship Women delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, cruising to a commanding 46-point victory over Warrandyte at GESAC.
McKinnon exploded out of the blocks with a 35-point opening quarter to establish control before continuing to build its advantage throughout the afternoon. The Cougars dominated the glass, won every quarter and shared the scoring in another polished team performance.
Katherine Vaile led the way with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Javyn Nicholson recorded a double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds. Maighan Hedge added 17 points and five three-pointers, Sarae Beveridge contributed 11 points, and Amy Baum finished with 8 points and 8 assists.
CHAMPIONSHIP MEN – McKinnon Cougars (87) defeated by Warrandyte Venom (95)
The Championship Men fought hard but were unable to overcome Warrandyte, falling by eight points at home.
The visitors established an early advantage before McKinnon stayed within reach throughout the middle stages. The Cougars won the final quarter 31-21 but were unable to erase the earlier deficit despite a spirited finish.
Josh McQueen paced McKinnon with 16 points, while Mitchell Barry and Josh Uhr-Henry each scored 14 points. Michael Aminov provided an important spark off the bench with 12 points, and Kelsey Espeut added 10 points.
SUNDAY
YOUTH WOMEN – McKinnon Cougars (75) defeated by Sandringham Sabres (85)
Backing up less than 24 hours later, the Youth Women again showed plenty of fight despite falling to Sandringham.
The Cougars remained within a point at halftime and stayed in touch through three quarters before the Sabres pulled away in the final term to claim the victory.
Arden Bailey produced an outstanding performance with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Holly Miller added 13 points, while Trinity Vakacavu contributed 11 points. Eloise Leonard filled the stat sheet with 9 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds, while Zoe Johnson added 8 points and 4 rebounds.