A DOMINANT third quarter from Wallan’s women has maintained their push for finals success in 2025, taking a 14-point win over Surfcoast at RB Robson Stadium on Sunday.
The first half was a battle for the Panthers, as they struggled to put the Chargers away initially.
Both teams were deadlocked at the first change and half-time break, scoring 18 points apiece in the first term, before adding 28 points each in a high-scoring second term to leave both teams split on 46 points apiece at the main break.
However, the third quarter was a completely different story for the Panthers, who were able to dominate on both sides of the glass.
The Chargers were barely able to make a shot, scoring just one bucket for the quarter, while at the other end, Ranika Guyton, who scored seven points for the quarter, and Maddison O’Nial, who added six, were key to the Panthers making a move, eventually scoring 19 points to three for the term to lead 65-49 at the final change.
Both teams went bucket-for-bucket in the final term as Wallan eventually scored a 77-63 win.
Guyton put aside some early shooting troubles to eventually record 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Ruby Pantisano scored 13 points. O’Nial added 12 and Madison Tinetti 10 in an even performance.
Wallan’s men will be hoping for a positive finish to the season, despite losing by 24 points to Surfcoast.
The Panthers had an exceptional start early on as they controlled the pace of play in the first term, leading 19-14.
However, Surfcoast almost immediately bounced back in the second quarter, drawing level in the opening stages and keeping pace from there, drawing things up at the main break at 40-apiece.
With plenty on the line for both teams, it was Surfcoast who made the biggest move in the third quarter, scoring 25 points to Wallan’s 10 to take control of the game, and make things very difficult for the Panthers as they led 65-50 at the final change.
The Chargers seemed to have every answer and again cleared out in the final term to eventually record their 89-65 win.
William Stewart led the way for the Panthers with 17 points, 11 rebounds and three steals, while Jon Bailey scored 13 points.
In Youth League, Wallan’s men’s team will have to beat Collingwood in the final round to secure second position following a 94-66 loss to Albury Wodonga.
The Panthers trailed at every change, but it was the second and last quarters that made the biggest difference as they were outscored by 12 in both respective terms.
Luke Cairns scored 16 points to lead the way for the Panthers, while Damon Anderson added 13, Kaleb Graham 10 and Brody Thrum 10.
Wallan’s youth league women’s had the bye, but will look to avoid a winless season when they take on Sunbury away this week in their final game.
