Mt Gambier Carnival Reports 2016

Under 12 Girls Div 1

 

The Bullets U12 girls, Charley’s Angels, have been training consistently and playing the local mid-week competition to refine their skills and develop some court plays. Although apprehensive about playing in Division One, the girls came out switched on and ready to rumble against Mount Gambier. They proved just how far they’ve come by taking a one-point win over the team who had beat them convincingly in the Murray Bridge Carnival (Bullets 14 V Lakers 13). Their strong defence and accurate shooting attributed to their success.

Unfortunately, the girls seemed over excited about their win and took a while to settle in their next game against Strathalbyn. The scatty start gave Strath an early lead and although the girls worked hard to take the lead they fell short and lost by 5 (Storm 19 V Bullets 14).

The girls had two games scheduled on Sunday and the competition had been extremely close thus far. Naracoorte was the first of Sundays games, the girls stuck to their one on one defence and put pressure on the ball handler causing lots of turnovers. Scores at ½ time were level then Naracoorte found the basket and began to sink a few shots they were previously missing, the game ended with Naracoorte 29 V Bullets 14.

The final game was against the extremely tall and skilful Millicent. The Bullets girls didn’t give them any easy shots but the height of Millicent didn’t allow too many rebound opportunities. The girls worked hard and the score certainly didn’t reflect the girls effort and endeavour (Millicent 42 V Bullets 15). Charley’s Angels have certainly come along way and now they should look towards increasing their goal scoring potential above the very consistent 14 points.

 

Under 16 Girls Div 2

 

The girls took to Mount Gambier Carnival without a win for the season, but with the Division Two championship within their sights. Unfortunately that wasn’t to be the case and they were narrowly defeated in all four of their games of the carnival. Their first game against Bordertown they demonstrated strong defence but were unable to hit their shots especially under the ring. Bordertown seemed to have the height and they were able to rebound in both defence and attack which was crucial in a tight match. (Bullets 23 - Bordertown 37) Next up the girls played Mount Gambier where they come up against similar problems, lack of height and scoring opportunities. (Bullets 32 - Mt Gambier 38)After a quick tea break the girls were back on the court facing Warrnambool, again the Bullets stayed with them early in the game due to tight defence but as the game went on the shots began falling Warrnambool’s way and they ended victors (Bullets 26 - Warrnambool 36) The next day brought about new hopes but a slight lack of confidence amongst the troops. Naracoorte took the lead early and the girls were unable to stay with them and Naracoorte extended their lead to finish with a win (Bullets 28 - Naracoorte 50) Overall the girls got to put in place many of the plays that coach, Mitch, had taught them during practices and these were effective when executed properly. The girls lacked scoring opportunities and unfortunately the shots weren’t dropping. Here’s to a win at the Riverland Carnival in February!

 

Under 18 Men Div 1

The scoreboard showed two wins, one draw and one loss in four games, but the U18’s Bullets showed more fight and potential than that.

The Bullets got away to a blazing start in a low scoring game one against Naracoorte. By the third quarter, relentless pressure by the Bullets point guards and small forwards caused a bout of whistle fever resulting in eleven fouls in a five minutes burst. Final quarter discipline from the Bullets and the best shooting of the game by the power forward and centre saw the Bullets with their first win 35:13.

The tall, fast Mt Gambier side opened with a burst of three pointers in a first quarter score of 25 to Bullets 8 points. The Bullets small forwards were constantly attacking only to be forced back by the tall, strong defence of the Lakers. Some very slick passing down the court by the point guards resulted in goals and some fine defence rebounds slowed an ugly score line. Final score Mt Gambier 70 : Bullets 40

Strathalbyn Storm showed more fight than expected in the third game but ball movement out of Bullets defence was sharp and the centre and power forward capitalised with goals. Plenty of chances from under the basket were missed but by now Bullets were in control and went out winners 40:32.

In what proved to be the final game, Bullets for three quarters showed their best form with the centre and the small forwards energising the team and the point guards passing with precision and speed. It was a tight, competitive, low scoring game but Bullets appeared in control with a third quarter score of 21 : 15. Suddenly momentum shifted, a couple of quick goals by Portland and a disappointing draw 27:27. Bullets deserved better.