08/03/2014
Round One of the 2014 VJBL Season began in style on Friday night, with the Under-14 Ballarat Rush taking down the
Camberwell Dragons in a thriller at the MARS® MINERDOME.
Opening night nerves made for a scrappy first few minutes, with both sides exchanging turnovers. The Rush were the
first team to gain their composure, as they raced to an early 5-0 lead on the back of a Sophie Molan three-point play.
Good physical defense from Camberwell saw them get back into the game late in the first period. Led by the strong
play of Sara-Rose Smith, the Dragons established a 12-9 lead to end the opening term.
The second stanza took it up a notch, with both clubs settling down, executing their sets and getting good looks at the
basket.
While both sides continued trading baskets, Camberwell wouldn’t relinquish their slight lead as the first half came to a close. The dragons took a one-point advantage into the second half.
The third quarter continued to be a back and forth affair, as the Minerdome crowd was being treated to a thrilling
contest.
Sophie Molan again converted a three-point play, and gave the Rush some early second half momentum.
Led by Molan, and the stellar passing and playmaking of Georgia Amoore, Ballarat went on a 7-0 run midway through
the third.
This lead was short lived, as an Eleanor Owen buzzer-beating layup for Camberwell tied the game at 36, and gave the
visitors momentum to begin the final period.
Despite a strong start to the fourth quarter by the Dragons, they seemed to run out of legs down the stretch, as a
classy Ballarat unit ran over the top of them.
Georgia Amoore proved unfazed by the pressure of a close game, as she scored the game’s final four crucial points to
cement a 50-44 Rush victory.
Sophie Molan was instrumental in Ballarat’s opening round triumph, notching 16 points. Brandy Santon also impressed with 9, while Hayley Saunders and Georgia Amoore were next best with 8 points each.
Sara-Rose Smith led the visitors and was impressive in defeat, notching 17 points.
The Under-16 Ballarat Rush were also victorious, taking down the Knox raiders 52-42, and ensuring both Ballarat sides begin the season with a perfect 1-0 record.