When just one of Wildcats 4/5/6 division teams had arrived for the start of the game, the dreaded forfeit loomed.
However, organisers cast their eyes to a handful of early-comer girls, and the game was suddenly alive.
Lily Murtagh immediately found her range and rattled in eight first-half points for her adoptive Wildcats, while Isla Smith (6) and Marli Kent (4) also profited for Wildcats.
On the opposing Raptors side, Zak McLennan (12 points) enjoyed the support of Layla Old (8) and Jeremy Alley (2). Jeremy’s daring coast-to-coast scoring feat was a highlight of the game.
When the Wildcats’ troops arrived early in the second half, the girls took their leave, their work done and the game alive.
Lyndsay Alley, who took some telling rebounds and scored four points in the second half, along with Clay Wilson (10), helped Zak’s team to victory 36-32.
The smallest player in the Year 6/Year 7/8 division, Jonty Sefton, took on two of the division’s tallest players and scored 18 points for his Wildcats to lead them to victory over the four-man Raptors team, 35-30. His partner in crime Sam Bruhn (7) made two three-pointers, but it was his passing skills that drew favourable comments.
For the out-of-luck Raptors — they have been narrowly on the losing end these last three matches — Brodie Thompson and Ben Chapman had 14 points each. Sam Chapman hit the scoreboard and Callen Wright had one of those games where he was in the right spot repeatedly, but the ball did not drop the right way for him.
In the other senior match, Gators star Cyhril Cullinan sprang to life in the second half, scoring an incredible 28 points. He finished with 35 points to lead his Gators to a 56-41 win over the Hornets.
Hornets were without their premier player Jimmy Hargreaves, but found some other scoring avenues in Tim Mawley (13) and Xavier Dodos (12).
In the Prep/Year 1 division, Isaac Perry scored 22 of his Hornets team’s 28 points. He was well supported by Ryder Morris (6).
But scores don’t always tell the full picture. Raptors may only have scored six points, but each of their players showed they are improving. Riley Freeman repeatedly stole the ball from the hands of his unsuspecting opponent, and he scored a goal.
Aiden Dennis contested the rebounds and scrapped on the floor well, and Lucas Alford accepted some tricky passes and dared to put the ball on the floor to make advantage. Their improvement has been noticeable.
Kyabram Youth Club is bringing basketball back to its community. Basketball was lost when the town’s basketball association ceased to exist about 20 years ago. The club’s aim is to give Kyabram and district basketball enthusiasts an opportunity to play in their own town again.
Adults play Sunday afternoons and primary and secondary aged girls and boys play on Mondays.
A pre-school learn-to-play for boys and girls is also on Monday evenings.
For information on how to join Kyabram Youth Club's basketball offerings, go to www.kyabramyouthclub.com
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