By JARROD POTTER
SEABL – round 16
GRITTING teeth to secure the 84-48 win over Launceston meant more than just the victory for Dandenong.
The Rangers cheered even louder than usual as it was a celebration for guard Clare Papavs’ 250th SEABL match.
Papavs, a 10-year veteran of the Dandenong SEABL team, was the main attraction on Saturday night at Dandenong Basketball Stadium as she moved into the top 10 most capped SEABL women of all-time.
There was no lap-of-honour for her 250th, as Papavs continued to grind out games in her usual physical manner – taking charges, making huge rebounds and snaring her usual assortment of long-range points as she’s done throughout her career.
The opposition wasn’t going to let Papavs have this victory easily though as Launceston – led by Australian Opal Abby Bishop and Adelaide Lightning rising-star guard Lauren Mansfield – held Dandenong scoreless through a five-minute period in the first and second terms.
It forced the Rangers into action as they put the clamps on defensively after regaining the lead at 27-27. From there on the Tornadoes could only muster another 21 points as the Rangers slammed 57 of their own.
Amelia Todhunter (20 points), Lauren Scherf (13 points, 14 rebounds) and Jacinta Kennedy (12 points, 8 rebounds) featured prominently on the scoresheet, but the night was all about the stellar achievements of Papavs (9 points, 5 rebounds).
Despite getting subbed out after copping one of the countless charges she’s received in her career, Papavs was euphoric.
“It was awesome – my team mates I could not have honestly played with a better bunch of girls on my 250th game,” Papavs said.
“I’m pretty proud and just defensively we stepped it up in that second half so it was a really good way to finish it off.”
“These girls aren’t just my team mates but they’re my best mates so honestly I’ve had the best career with those girls and hopefully there’s another 100 games in me.”
Coach Larissa Anderson said Papavs’ work rate is unmatched and it has showed across a stellar career including three SEABL championships and a best on court MVP medal.
“That girl works harder than anybody,” Anderson said.
“She gives the team and the club everything she’s got and I couldn’t speak more highly of her or be prouder of her achievements.
“As she does she showed a lot of class… played some solid defensive all game and knocked down a couple of big shots in the second half.”
Anderson also praised Scherf for her 15 boards and thought the defensive effort of the team was its trademark.
The only downside for Anderson was Dandenong’s first term – another time they’ve been great for three quarters but failed in one.
Dandenong’s men also claimed victory as it defeated North West Tasmania 75-70 on the back of starring performances by Tony Lewis (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Daequon Montreal (13 points, 10 rebounds). With the victory Dandenong has snared top spot in the SEABL East.
Both Rangers teams face Albury Wodonga away on Saturday night.
BIG V
Division 2 – round 17
Keysborough continued its winning season with a gutsy 75-68 over Western Port.
With star Steeler Manny Hendrix unable to play – Western Port was left without its star scorer and defensive guard, leaving Keysborough’s Eric Miraflores (26 points, 8 assists) to go berserk. Miraflores also brought Nathaniel O’Hara (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Chris Jones (9 points, 9 rebounds) into the scoresheet with some exceptional passing to give the Cougars their 13th win of the year. Keysborough faces Casey on Saturday from 7pm in a rematch of the thrilling nine-point Cougars’ win earlier this season.
