By JARROD POTTER
SEABL – round 9
BENDIGO was no match for the Rangers with both Dandenong teams snaring SEABL wins on Saturday night.
What was billed as the top-of-the-ladder showdown didn’t disappoint as Dandenong and Bendigo kept at each other’s heels throughout the clash.
In a tight game – separated 64-57 in Dandenong’s favour – the small things added up with the Rangers forcing more Bendigo turnovers and nailing 36-to-29 per cent from the field.
Shining through the stoic demeanour of Dandenong triple-premiership coach Larissa Anderson was a wry grin as her star centre Lauren Scherf (11 points, 7 rebounds) started drilling jumpers from around the key, on top of Scherf’s usual domination under the basket.
Also impressing were Amelia Todhunter (13 points, 7 rebounds), Jacinta Kennedy (14 points, 5 rebounds) and Aimie Clydesdale (10 points, 6 rebounds).
The Rangers men finished the job by eviscerating the visiting Bendigo 99-69 as Darren Perry’s charges left no trace of the Braves.
An 18-assist master class by the unselfish Rangers made the Braves timid as Dandenong dished off through star guard Andrew Harms (9 points, 5 assists) – who returned for his first match in over a month.
Tony Lewis (31 points, 10 rebounds) and Daequon Montreal (23 points) made sure the league would be worried as Bendigo could not extinguish the premier import pair’s on-court rampage.
A step-up in minutes proved handy experience for young guard Michael Wearne (5 points, 3 rebounds) while Owen Odigie (13 points, 5 rebounds) also relished his chance to shine at Dandenong Basketball Stadium.
With a 9-1 record, Dandenong’s women top the SEABL East conference while the men improve beyond a .500 record to move into fourth with a 6-5 record.
Dandenong will host Brisbane in a double-header on Saturday night in its SEABL round 10 clash.
