Posted on 5 September, 2016
Megan Hustwaite, Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader | Original Article
KILSYTH is SEABL South Conference champion following a clinical performance against Launceston.
The Cobras prevailed, 57-53, in a dour, low scoring affair in front of a bumper crowd at Kilsyth Sports Centre on Saturday night.
A delighted coach Sam Woosnam said victory was reward for effort for the Cobras.
“I’m very proud of them, especially because we haven’t had many things go right for us in the last month,’’ she said.
“There were a lot of things we had to deal with, Rosie Moult’s injury and adversity we had to face, so it’s great we were able to stand up and get the win.”
Steph Cumming (21 points, seven rebounds, four assists) was outstanding in a MVP performance, import Jasmine Gill teamed 13 points with nine rebounds and veteran Emily Fryers (14 rebounds, eight points) was critical to the Cobras’ defence. Genna Ogier (six rebounds), captain Jordy O’Shea (six points) and Chantella Perera (five points, five rebounds) played important roles.
“We spoke during the week about everyone chipping in with a few points here and there and that’s exactly what everyone who hit the court did,’’ Woosnam said.
For Launceston, Mikaela Ruef (22 points, 16 rebounds) made her presence felt and Tayla Roberts (11 points, 11 rebounds) had a double-double.
Kilsyth now meet powerhouse Dandenong in the championship game at the State Basketball Centre this weekend.
The Rangers advanced after coming from behind to edge out Nunawading 74-68.
“They’ve been the SEABL team to beat for a number of years now,’’ Woosnam said.
“We’re definitely looking forward to the challenge, the job’s not done yet.
“I could tell that with the girls after the game, they were really happy to win but after coming up short last year we’ve got our eye on the prize.”
