Wallan Panthers guard Ryan Philippe starred in a successful Country Basketball League, CBL, double-header at the weekend, scoring 30 points and then 50 points across two matches.
The Panthers first defeated Albury Cougars 96 to 93 on Saturday.
Starting strong, Wallan took a six-point lead into the first break before the Cougars clawed back for a two-point lead heading into halftime up 45 to 43.
The second half remained tight but thanks to huge scoring numbers by Luke Liesegang and Philippe, with 34 and 30 points respectively, the Panthers dug in for the win.
Wallan coach Scott Baillie said the game was ‘quite intense’.
“We went into it with the whole mindset we’ve carried from the start – it’s all about being confident, being able to play our style of basketball,” he said.
“It was a tough fit but we managed to get the win at the end of the game, which is a big confidence booster for some of the guys in the team.
“There were a couple of times our play wasn’t translating as much as we would’ve liked it to but we tried to steady that ship a little bit more, making sure we got back to doing what we do.
“Obviously Albury made it hard for the whole game but we had players like Liesegang and Philippe stepping up in the way they did with that leadership mentality and able to get that win for us in the end there.
“That obviously doesn’t take away from our other big guy Dion Stacey, who was a big impact in that late part of the game. His efforts didn’t reflect on the scoreboard but his defensive efforts late in the game were crucial.
“Even players like Brodie Thrum getting on the court and putting those efforts in was a huge help.”
Lachlan Lombardo also helped the side to victory both on and off the court.
“Lachie with his leadership as a straight-up point guard and his obviously loud personality is enjoyable to have. He’s definitely the voice of the team for sure,” Baillie said.
Sunday’s game against Mansfield was a different story with the Panthers coming home with a 34-point win.
It was a tight first quarter before a 30-point quarter put the Panthers comfortably ahead at halftime.
At the end of the third quarter, Wallan led 76 to 49 before another strong final burst saw the side claim a 103-69 victory.
Philippe dominated the scoreboard with 50 points of his own and with all but one Panthers player hitting the scoreboard.
“Mansfield definitely gave us a run for our money in the first half but then [Philippe] turned around and said ‘we’re not going to way away and lose this’ and said he was going to push hard for this and lift the side’s intensity,” Baillie said.
“It got towards the end of the game where a few of the guys said Phil was on his way to 50 points and he just said ‘no I am getting 50’ then turned around and was able to translate that in the end.
“Having a player with that mindset is a coach’s dream. His intensity at training is always incredible and he’s always wanting to do more and more because of the love of the game.
“You start noticing some of the younger guys’ mentality and mindset starting to change trying to mimic Phil’s mindset. It’s going to be a good thing particularly in these next few seasons if these guys commit to playing. It’s going to be exciting.”
The Panthers have a bye this weekend before facing neighbours Seymour Blasters – this time on their turf.
Seymour Blasters also came away with a 15-point win against Wodonga on Sunday.
The Blasters dominated the first half closing out the first quarter up 28 to 11, before adding another 25 points to the scoreboard in the second.
A third quarter surge saw the Wolves come back, forcing turnovers and untidy offence by Seymour, however the Blasters stifled the attempt to take the win 75 to 60.
Harry Stones and Ethan Bateman dominated both ends of the floor with Bateman the leading scorer of the match on 25 points.
Big man Tom O’Connor was a powerhouse, continuing to make his way to the rim.
“Our intensity on both ends was phenomenal, which really allowed us to control the contest,” Seymour captain Jack Murphy said.
“Credit to the Wolves, they came out and hunted us in the third and fourth term and really changed the course of the game.
“We will look back and review this game closely, as it was certainly a tale of two halves out there.
“Ethan Bateman was great early and Eden Hobbs continued his hot form for us. These two guys have given us a great scoring punch all season.”
This weekend Seymour suit up for a double-header playing Myrtleford at home on Saturday night, before heading to Shepparton to play Benalla.
Women
It was a tough day on court for Wallan’s women, going down to Albury 36 to 113.
At the end of the first quarter, Wallan trailed nine to 17 but Albury’s huge scoring numbers across the next three quarters, including a 43-point fourth quarter, left the Panthers playing catch-up against a formidable foe.
Melissa Buckley was again leading scorer for Wallan with 10 points.
Up in Wodonga, Seymour had its first loss of the season against the Wolves, going down 54 to 70.
The Blasters started well to lead 20 to 13 before a tight second half, but were unable pull ahead.
Seymour’s Nicola Stewart scored 13 points while Kasey Lennox had 10.
Both Wallan and Seymour women have a bye this weekend before stepping back on court to face each other at Wallan.
