WALLAN and Seymour delivered a perfect start to the 2025 North East competition in the Country Basketball League, combining for four wins.
The Panthers men travelled to Echuca for their opening game of the season, hoping to deliver a good result, and it was a fast start which allowed Wallan to control the pace, holding a 10-point lead at the first change, before repelling all of Echuca’s advances to record an 87-78 victory.
Ryan Philippe starred for the Panthers, scoring 31 points, while Jayden O’Brien scored 15 points and Dion Stacey added 13.
Seymour Blasters’ men had a double-header to open its season, and it was a good start when the Blasters swept aside the Shepparton Gators after quarter time to take a 75-48 win on Saturday night.
A strong second quarter where the Blasters outscored the Gators 24-11 was the key catalyst, with Jesse Brock top scoring with 22 points. Tyler Best added 16, while William Stewart scored 12 and Thomas O’Connor 10.
On Sunday, the Blasters similarly blew out Echuca after quarter time, and it was again the second quarter which helped Seymour as it outscored its opponents 27-15, before easing to an 85-54 victory.
This time, it was Best who was the main man for Seymour, scoring 20 points, while Zac Donogue added 16, Rhylee Leighton 14, Robbie Sartori 11 and Cooper York 10.
The women’s competition got underway, with Seymour scoring a 50-point win over a short-handed Shepparton, 91-41.
Kasey Lennox dominated affairs, scoring 27 points to lead the way, while Chloe Dimkopoulos scored 14 points, Caitlyn Kennedy and Olivia Pearce scored 12 apiece and Isla Whitford added 10.
Wallan’s women’s team had a bye.
Wallan will host its opening home game on Saturday night against Wodonga, while Seymour will host Albury and Echuca.
