Saints firming as CBL contenders

MYRTLEFORD has announced themselves as a true challenger for the North East Men’s Country Basketball League crown, sitting third at the midpoint of the season with a 3-1 record. The Saints handed the former ladder leaders Albury Cougars their second loss of the season on Sunday at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre with an 11 point win, 88-77. Myrtleford took an early lead, but the Cougars clawed their way back into it, with the two sides deadlocked at 44-44 by the half-time buzzer. Stellar defensive work from the Saints stunted Albury’s momentum, keeping them to just 10 points for the third quarter while Myrtleford notched up 22 of their own. A blow-for-blow final quarter ended with the Saints triumphant, with coach Sam Gebauer overjoyed at the standard of basketball on display from his squad. “We respected that Albury was going to be tough competition, but ultimately the boys really found their stride and it showed on the scoreboard,” he said. “I was stoked at the way they played, they earned every bit of that. “As a defensive team, we play quite good man defence in terms of the technical skill side of it, but we also have just the right amount of fire in our defence. “We have guys that are willing to take the risks, play with that little bit of that bulldog mentality of ‘I’m going to get that ball’, and I think that’s what overwhelms the really structured and disciplined teams like Albury. “They played a very structured, respectable game, but ultimately when you come up against a team like us that just comes out there and fights super hard for every possession, it’s hard to put points on the board.” Myrtleford’s Jalen Barker top scored for the Saints with 25 points, while Ryley Bouker only hit three pointers in his 15 point game. Gebaur said the first half of the season had given him faith his side had what it took to go all the way. “I think taking down Albury who, prior to this weekend were on top of the ladder, really just proves we are one of those teams that needs to be in the conversation of teams who can win it all, we’re absolutely capable of it,” he said. “Are we the favourites? Probably not, but are we definitely capable? I think it would be a foolish view if you didn’t think we were. “The professionalism we’re getting from the boys across the board is making my job a whole lot easier, they go out there and take care of business – win or lose, they come in and they walk out the same. “It’s really good to be involved with a program and a group of guys who are just there to get the job done, there’s no drama around it. “I want to see this back half of the season go quite successfully, we’ve got a reasonably tough run but I think we’ll compete really well and hopefully we can get over the line there.” The Saints take on their only double-header this weekend, up against Seymour on the road on Saturday before returning home to play Wodonga Wolves. More pictures from Sunday's match on page 22.

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