By JARROD POTTER
THE girls kept their winning ways happening at Dandenong with a 74-68 win over Nunawading.
Former WNBL Dandenong Rangers forward Tegan Cunningham (20 points, eight rebounds, five steals) gave the current Rangers crop a few headaches – hitting 9/29 from the field, but couldn’t break the shackles imposed on her by Dandenong guard Amelia Todhunter (21 points, seven rebounds, three steals).
A fascinating tussle between the two WNBL-calibre players unfolded, with neither giving an inch as the game went into its final throes.
The Rangers hit the shots they needed to in the fourth quarter, snaring 7/8 from the free throw line to push ahead for the six-point victory.
Todhunter continued her dominant SEABL season – her best so far even including three stellar years throughout the Rangers’ three-peat – while Faith Probst (13 points, 10 rebounds, four assists) and Rosie Fadljevic (12 points, seven rebounds) toiled for the team under the ring, Rangers coach Paul Flynn said.
“They’re a quality team – sitting second in the other conference and beat us only a couple of weeks ago,” Flynn said.
“Was important to make a couple of adjustments and get a win by more than the margin they got us by last time,” he said.
Flynn also wanted to highlight the performance of Bridget Deery (14 points, seven rebounds, five assists) – giving her a starter’s slot with Aimie Clydesdale (wisdom teeth) sidelined – and seizing the opportunity excellently.
“I think Bridget Deery did a really good job,” Flynn said.
“First time she started and we increased her minutes up to 33 in the absence of Aimie and got 14 points and seven rebounds.
“It’s by far her most solid performance.”
Second in the SEABL East, Dandenong face the double-header this weekend – travelling away to Geelong on Saturday night before hosting Hobart on Sunday.
The women’s form didn’t stay on court for when the Rangers men stepped on it – downed by the Spectres 82-87.
Despite a huge 32-point third quarter, Dandenong couldn’t assail the Nunawading gap, especially following it up with an 11-25 final term.
The big three excelled – Andrew Harms (21 points, five rebounds, five assists), Tony Lewis (19 points, 15 rebounds) and Daequon Montreal (19 points, 10 rebounds) all posted sizeable stats in the five-point loss.
Dandenong’s Victorian Youth Championship women’s team will play in the inaugural grand final against Sandringham Sabres on Sunday afternoon at 4pm.
Finishing on top of the Watson division of the VYC – with a 21-1 record – the Rangers won their way to the grand final with a 91-50 elimination final win over Bulleen before snaring a 59-56 win over Knox on Saturday night to book their spot in the big dance.
