WALLAN were unable to score victories in either of their Big V matches over the weekend.
The Panthers’ men travelled to Upwey High School to take on Sherbrooke and despite taking just six men for the trip, the early signs looked good.
Holding a seven-point lead midway through the first term, the Panthers looked to be on song with their shooting, but a 6-0 run to end the quarter meant the lead was trimmed to just one point at the opening change, 22-21.
But Sherbrooke’s numerical advantage took hold as the second quarter wore on, and eventually, the Suns hit the front, leading 48-41 at the break.
The Suns went on an 11-3 run to open the third term, extending their advantage to 15 points, turning for home with an 18-point lead, 79-61.
Wallan threw caution to the wind in the last term and gave it everything, going on a terrific run to close the gap to six points.
However, the Suns would steady in the last two minutes, and would end up taking victory, 90-81.
Trent Cousins and William Stewart would score 22 points each, while Jon Bailey had another double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Wallan’s women were also unable to get a victory, falling 11 points short of Surfcoast.
Scoring was hard to come by in the first quarter, and an 11-9 scoreline indicated that it might be a defensive affair.
But the game started to open up in the second term, with the Chargers taking control. They would lead by as much as 13 points during the quarter and led 34-25 at the main break.
Wallan desperately needed a response, but every time the Panthers were able to close the gap, the Chargers had an answer, and the Chargers finished the third with a flurry, leading 57-44 at the final change.
Surfcoast were able to ease home by making sure they went bucket-for-bucket with the Panthers, who will now need to square the ledger next week, falling 67-78.
Ranika Guyton again showed out for the Panthers, collecting 26 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Ruby Pantisano had an impressive outing off the bench with 16 points. Emmie Gardiner was also in double figures with 12 points and 14 boards.
Wallan’s youth league men were also unable to score a win against the RMIT Redbacks, falling 101-80, despite Hunter Graham’s 18 points and Rhylee Leighton’s 16 points.
Wallan’s women’s youth were also unable to score victory, falling short of Southern Peninsula with a 75-43 loss.
