Shepparton Gators dropped a crucial home clash in round 12 of the Big V Championship, going down 87-77 to fifth-placed Pakenham Warriors in a game that highlighted progress and persistent growing pains.
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On Saturday night, June 28, the Gators returned to Shepparton Sports Stadium aiming to tighten their grip on a finals position, but were undone by patches of inconsistency and missed opportunities against a composed Pakenham.
Head coach Josh Waight said while there were positives, his side couldn’t find the rhythm needed to overcome the visitor.
“We had some good looks and, when we got them, they just didn’t drop,” Waight said.
“Every time we clawed our way back in, they responded with a big play.
“We were close, but just couldn’t quite get level or push ahead.”
Shepparton found itself trailing by 11 at quarter-time after a sluggish start and, despite a strong push in the third quarter, was never able to completely bridge the gap.
Bryce Brown was again a standout for the Gators, pouring in 27 points and pulling down 11 rebounds in a dominant showing, while Ryan Batte played big minutes, finishing with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Aaron Dolny added 18 points and five three-pointers, giving Shepparton a much-needed spark from beyond the arc, while Josh Kooiman chipped in with 12 points and seven boards.
“We’re not far off,” Waight said.
“It’s just about consistency.
“We’ve shown we can play good basketball in stretches, now it’s about extending that across all four quarters.”
Pakenham’s balanced attack had five players score eight or more points, led by Elijah Tillman (22 points) and Ned Carr (16 points, 12 rebounds).
Their ability to control the glass and convert second-chance opportunities proved vital.
For Gators point guard Kooiman, the result was a frustrating one, but not without signs of growth.
“Earlier in the season, a start like that might’ve blown us out completely,” Kooiman said.
“This time we fought back and we were right there.
“Every time we got it to two or three points, they responded.
“We just couldn’t get over the hump.”
Kooiman, who has shifted into a complementary role this season, said his focus remained on playing the right way.
“I’m just here to do whatever it takes to win,” he said.
“We’ve got guys who can score, my role is to play smart, bring energy and do what the team needs.
“We’re going to come back, don’t you worry about that.”
The loss dropped Shepparton to sixth on the ladder with a record of eight wins and eight losses, while Pakenham (nine and seven) leapfrogged into fifth.
The Gators will aim to bounce back on the road on Saturday, July 5, when they face 10th-placed Bellarine in what looms as a must-win game to keep their finals hopes alive.
Cadet journalist