Bendigo’s hot streak continues

The Champions IGA Bendigo Braves Women are flying, stretching their ladder-leading winning streak to a perfect eight against Hobart at Red Energy Arena on Saturday night.

Bendigo went in without WNBL star Amy Atwell, back-up centre Erin Condron, and young gun Jessica Mangan, and were down 2-10 in the first two minutes.

However it wasn’t long before Kelly Wilson, Meg McKay, and Cassidy McLean took control, with the Braves leading 24-20 at quarter time.

A 15-7 run in the first three-and-a half-minutes of the second quarter, while only missing two shots, saw Bendigo’s lead extend to 54-40 at the main break. McLean hit 13 for the quarter and Poppy Blanch nine.

The third term was a defensive masterclass from Bendigo, holding Hobart to just 15 and scoring 30 themselves, McKay 14 of those.

The 84-55 three-quarter time lead blew out by another 10 in the first minute and a half, with Bendigo cruising to a 110 to 66 win, and filling up the stats sheet.

Ten of the Braves’ 11 players scored, with McKay and McLean (25 each), Caitlin Richardson (12), Wilson, Blanch, and Madi Sexton (11), and Kasey Burton (10) the others to reach double figures.

Wilson finished with an astonishing 19 assists, four more than the enter Hobart team.

The one-sided scoreboard presented coach Mark Alabakov with the opportunity to give his young stars big minutes, and they didn’t disappoint.

“Our youth are showing us just how ready they are,” he said.

“I gave Caitlin a big defensive job on Paige Bradley and she did it brilliantly. Poppy’s shooting form continued, and Livinia Cox is a 16 year old who shows maturity beyond her years.

“As  (WNBL legend) Carrie Graf used to say, if they’re good enough to play, they’re old enough to play.

Alabakov put his team’s success down to a quality culture

“Every week it’s a total team effort. I keep saying that, but it’s true,” he said

“It’s amazing what you can achieve when you have a happy team that feels believed in.

“I wanted to clean up the offensive end this week, and with 28 assists and 10 scorers, we certainly did that.

“We will continue to be tested so we have to make sure we are as clean as we can be.”

Photo - Craig Dilks Photography