By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham’s Youth League Men’s team was at its best for 90 per cent of game time on Saturday according to coach Braden Venning – but that is not enough against Keysborough.
Keysborough defeated Pakenham by 12 points – 94-82 – in game one of the best-of-three grand final playoff series at a full Cardinia Life.
The Warriors got the early break in the fierce rivalry, leading by six points at quarter time.
By halftime, scores were level, and a 28-13 third quarter was enough for the visitors to go up 1-0.
“It was just one run – that was the difference,” Venning said.
“Their guys hit shots at the right times and we had some dry runs for a bit – credit to Keysborough, they made it really hard and put us in situations where we were uncomfortable.
“We just needed to absorb their run and still score, even when they have the momentum.
“Across the board they’re bigger than us so we’ve got to battle harder and meet them physically.”
With next Saturday’s – and Sunday’s, if required – match being played at Keysborough’s home stadium, Pakenham’s route to the premiership is tough, but Venning said optimism remains high.
“I think we can definitely do it,” Venning said.
“We need to take their crowd out of this as much as we can.
“We need to limit quick, easy transition points and dunks and just play good, hard-nosed basketball for 40 minutes.
“The feel in the room after the game, while flat, there were a lot of positives and they know what to do to beat Keysborough.”
Jackson Grey finished with 30 points and Michael Johns scored 17 points to go with 10 rebounds for the Warriors.
