REVIEW | Frankston Blues​ Coach’s Review Round 17 by Steve M

SEABL​ Lady Blues proudly sponsored by BIOPLANT – Waste to Energy Technologies

Saturday August 8th @ Frankston Basketball​

Frankston Blues 52
Bendigo Braves​ 60

In our last home game of the season we knew we were in for a really tough physical game against the red hot Bendigo Braves. We were carrying some serious injuries with Emily Fryters a tip-off decision as to whether or not she would play due to an Achilles issue, and Simmons and Bowen both carrying ankle problems.
Pleasingly we continued our good form from the hit-out against Nebraska earlier in the week, and on the back of some excellent ball movement established a 16 – 12 lead at the first break.

The defensive battle continued in the 2nd quarter and despite taking 5 more shots than the Braves we shot at a poor 20%, which saw us lose the quarter 17-11 and trail at the half 27 – 29. The size of Penaluna for the Braves was giving us a headache as she had posted 18 points and pulled in 15 rebounds to the half.

In the 3rd quarter the shooting efficiency of Bendigo (8/15 @ 53%) versus us going 3 from 15 @ 20% saw the visitors stretch their lead out to 17 points at the final break. At this stage the game had a feeling like Bendigo would run away from us, however as they have done all year our girls were up for a fight. Within 2 minutes of the last quarter starting and on the back of an aggressive full court press, we had cut the lead to 8 points. Despite getting as close to 5 points with a minute to go the 17 point ¾ time deficit proved too much to reel in. Braves home 60 -52.

For the Blues Maddie Garrick was sensational posting 24 points and playing great defense all night in 40 minutes on court. Emily Fryters despite carrying her bad Achilles worked as hard as ever and hauled in 11 rebounds to go with her 4 points, Captain Kelly Bowen added 14 points, and Sammi Simmons 6 points and 5 rebounds.

Finally next weekend we head to Tassie for the last 2 games of the season so I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Sponsors, Supporters, and Volunteers who have supported the Lady Blues all season – Together we are #BlueCrew

Check out the SEABL report @ www.basketball.net.au/seabl-women-round-17-report