By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham’s youth men remain undefeated and on top of the youth league two ladder following a 77-69 win over Sunbury on the road and big win over Albury Wodonga on Sunday.
The hosts came out hot against Pakenham, racing out to a 15-4 lead with Zak Martinez hot with his shooting.
The Warriors were able to slowly reel them back in, a Kaleb Beveridge layup midway through the second quarter giving them the lead for the first time in the game.
That was the only lead change of the game, with the Warriors on top from that point onwards.
“It was really cool to see the fightback from the boys: no-one panicked and good things happened,” said coach Braden Venning.
“Zak Martinez hit four threes in the first quarter then only three more points for the rest of game.
“We started double teaming him: our team defence was outstanding.”
Sunbury cam heard midway through the last quarter, closing to within two, but Venning praised his team’s ability to stave off the challenge.
“Teams are definitely putting up fights and making adjustments; we’re just rolling and plying some good basketball,” he said.
Kaleb Beveridge and the Small brothers all played excellent games, with Ethan Small making five of nine threes.
It maintains his lead on three points made across the youth league two competition, with 24, going at a percentage of 55 – second, given a minimum of 10 shots.
They backed it up at Cardinia Life by mauling Albury Wodonga 110-66.
Aaron Small made 26 points including seven threes at a percentage of 63, while Jackson Grey finished with seven points and seven assists.
A common theme of Pakenham’s strong start to the season has been their even spread of contributors and depth.
With Hayden Melsen out with an ankle injury and Cal McNiff missing with general soreness, the Warriors ability to grit out the win underscored the squad mentality.
And despite scoring 71 more points than any other team in the competition, the Warriors have no-one in the top 29 individual scorers in the competition.
McNiff sits 30th with 13.8 points per game, with Kaleb Beveridge, Luke Rawiri, Jarred Small, Aaron Small and Ethan Small all averaging 11-14
“Everyone has shown they can step up on their day,” Venning said.
Further strengthening that mix, Pakenham is set to regain Cooper Lanting, who returns from USA in time for the round 9 against Whittlsea.
The undefeated streak is seeing Pakenham get the best version of opponents, with the next challenge being third-placed Wallan.
“We’ve got the targets on our backs, everyone wants to be the team that knocks us off,” Venning said.
“We know that we are getting their best efforts so there is always challenges and each team poses a unique challenge but we just lock in to what has worked for us.”
