29/03/2014
Ballarat’s Under-14 Rush squad headlined Friday’s VJBL action, as they took on the Altona Gators at the MARS®
MINERDOME.
The Rush got the better of the Gators in a low scoring opening period and looked to be in a strong position for the
remainder of the contest.
Ballarat’s Georgia Amoore again looked to continue her strong 2014 campaign, scoring the game’s opening basket in
style.
The Rush were also given a lift by the strong play of Sophie Molan, as she established deep post position to get good
looks at the basket and draw double teams. Molan notched an impressive five first quarter points on the Rush’s way to
an 11-point advantage at the end of one.
Altona’s Tegan Murphy connected on two three-pointers in an astonishing 20-point period for the visitors.
The Gators played suffocating defense to close out the half, keeping Ballarat to just two second quarter points and
establishing a seven-point buffer at the main break.
Back-to-back turnovers to start the second half showed continuing ominous signs for the Rush. However solid Ballarat
defense ensured the Gators were unable to capitalise on the home side’s miscues.
Sophie Molan continued to get good looks inside but couldn’t convert in the third quarter.
Sensing the game was getting out of hand for the Rush, Amoore lifted, breaking down the Gators’ pressure defense and
creating her own shots off the dribble.
The Rush swiftly regained the lead, and just as quickly relinquished it in a back-and-forth few minutes late in the third
stanza.
The visitors clicked into another gear, and began opening up another lead as the quarter concluded.
Capped off by a Lauren Argent buzzer-beating layup, the Gators carried an eight-point advantage into the last term.
Altona shocked the Rush early in the last term and quickly jumped ahead by double digits. With the game quickly
getting out of control, Ballarat rolled the dice and played extreme pressure defense looking to affect passes and grab
steals.
Ballarat began forcing numerous Gator turnovers, however failed to convert on the scoreboard despite well executed
plays. The Rush ultimately fell short, going down 50-38.
Sophie Molan was exceptional for Ballarat in defeat, tallying 14 points. Georgia Amoore was next best with 11.
In other results:
The Under-16 Ballarat Rush defeated the Geelong Supercats 67-48
The Under-16 Ballarat Miners lost to Casey 30-37
The Under-18 Ballarat Miners were taken down by Casey 37-61