By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham’s senior women’s season came to a close on Saturday evening with a 95-67 loss to Bellarine on the road.
The Warriors got the first two baskets of the game before Bellarine went on an 18-2 run to take the lead, led by Bridgette Rettstatt and Courtney Strait.
Pakenham’s deficit stretched beyond 10 points early in the second quarter and reached 16 by halftime, with the absence of Stella O’Loughlin, playing in Pakenham’s Youth League grand final, off the bench amplifying pressure on the starting five.
Briahna Whatman played all 40 minutes and looked after the ball well while Erica Meyer got into foul trouble early, limiting her defensive impact.
She was fouled out after 17 minutes on the court, during which time she picked up 11 rebounds and limited Rettstatt, with her impact highlighted by having the best plus-minus of the Warriors.
Her absence forced Pakenham to make some changes defensively, which, coupled with a poorer field goal percentage, led to the margin swelling to a match-winning score.
Another tough factor to overcome was Bellarine turning it over just five times.
“We couldn’t stop their firepower essentially – we were about 10 points light on,” coach Rob Dielemans said.
“We had the same amount of shots but in some areas they were really good.”
“The group has grown exponentially over the year.
“We were 3-5 and didn’t look like making finals so to turn a few things around defensively and get more explosiveness offensively was really pleasing.
A critical component of the form lift was the form of Breanna Mackenzie, nominated for defensive player of the year.
“Her intensity on the ball and willingness to get up and into space makes people uncomfortable and her ability off the ball is really good,” Dielemans said.
“She’s quick to react and when she’s in the lanes, she rarely gets beaten in the backcut.
“That ability to maintain pressure on the ball and one pass off the ball and get to skip passes.
“Her game definitely translates to playing NBL-1 and not just being a role player, but being a (key) player. She’s elite enough to guard WNBL –level talent. She’s flat-out fast.”
The coach was also full of praise for import Haille Nickerson, whose time with Pakenham came to an end on Saturday night after three seasons.
Nickerson has been reliable and provided excellent leadership for the Warriors during her time involved.
The coach pinpointed Pakenham’s road win against Warrnambool, where she put the team on her back and helped them come back from 13 points down, and her ability to shine against quality imports against Wyndham as highlights of her season.
“Haille’s been amazing – a constant offensive threat and is able to make something out of nothing,” Dielemans said.
“She can run the floor and finish in transition.
“She’s a good community-minded person. A coach’s dream who goes out and gives everything she has for herself and the team.”
