Rangers ready to make a statement

By Paul Pickering
A STATEMENT will be made by the Dandenong Rangers this weekend as the two-time defending Big V champions look to silence their doubters in a blockbuster clash with Sandringham.
With a win, the Rangers will secure home court advantage throughout the play-offs and confirm their status as the yardstick in the Championship Men’s division.
A loss would give their challengers renewed hope of ending the Dandenong dynasty.
After the Rangers belted Latrobe City 123-88 on Saturday night, only the Sabres stand between the champs and an armchair ride to the grand final series.
While Dandenong has been below its brilliant best of late, the signs were promising for coach Warren Dawson in the second half at Traralgon on Saturday.
Sweet-shooting centre Brent Hobba exploded for 39 points and 16 rebounds as the Rangers outscored the Energy 64-41 after half-time.
Hobba’s performance included five three-pointers and earned him divisional player of the week honours, while Ash Cannan (25, 11) and Vince Inglima (21, 5) chipped in with typically solid contributions.
Dawson was encouraged by the way his group responded to a half-time rev-up from some vocal leaders.
“We were much more content with the second half, but the challenge is still to do it for 48 minutes,” he said.
And while the Rangers’ record is now 16-2 for the season, Dawson believes his team is ready to step up to another level.
“We’re not firing on all cylinders, but we know that this week is the beginning of our move towards the play-offs, so we want to make the most of the opportunity,” he said.
Sunday’s game at Sandringham Basketball Stadium will begin at 3pm.
Meanwhile, Dandenong’s Championship Women secured their play-off berth with a dramatic come-from-behind win at Eltham on Sunday.
In doing so, the Rangers tightened their grip on third spot with a fortnight remaining in the home and away season.
Demelza Waixel (14, 8), Amelia Todhunter (13, 7) and Fahy Phan (10, 8) were the stars as the visitors turned a four-point three-quarter time deficit into a 65-64 win.
The Rangers women will also travel to Sandringham on Sunday for a 1pm meeting with the Sabres.