Basketball
21 October, 2024
Livingstone stars as Hornets sting Mt Gambier
The Horsham Hornets turned it up for their home fans at the Nest in the Grand Final replay against Mt Gambier. Micah Livingstone starred with 31 points, and the Hornets ran out six-point winners on Saturday night, October 19. Also on Saturday night, Ararat secured their first win, defeating Terang by 30 points.
With Austin McKenzie back in the team, the Hornets were full-strength and ready to fire in front of their home fans.
The Hornets' first quarters have been a struggle in their two matches this season, but they were switched on from the start, landing shots to lead by four points at quarter-time.
The Lakers were challenged in the second quarter, but the Hornets withstood all challenges to extend the margin by one to five points at the main break.
The Lakers capitalised on turnovers early in the third quarter and were within two points at one point, but the Hornets kept that five-point margin at three-quarter time.
The last quarter was hot, but with each challenge the Lakers threw at the Hornets, the Hornets responded and ran out 90-84 winners.
Austin McKenzie resumed where he finished last season with 23 points, with Mitch Martin the other double-figure scorer with 13.
Simon Berkefeld led Mt Gambier with 19 points, with the returning Kyle Tipene scoring 18 and Taj Brumby and Mony Makoi scoring 17 and 16, respectively.
Hornets coach Scott Benbow said the first quarter was the talking point before the game and was thrilled with how their defense was on song.
"All we talked about when we were warming up was the first quarter, and in the last huddle before the game, I said to the boys there can't be any more slow starts as it's too hard to catch up, especially against Mt Gambier," Benbow said.
"We started well with the first five points, but then Kyle Tipene for the Lakers started to light it up and couldn't miss.
"In the second half, we put Cody on him, and as our defensive masterpiece, he did a good job on him. Our defense was switched on, and he was the best we have been for a long time."
Benbow was thrilled with how Livingstone and McKenzie worked well in their first game.
"They looked after each other and passed the ball well, and we were able to play everyone in position, which we haven't been able to do in our earlier matches, and it showed with our height and ability to rebound," Benbow said.
"I am thrilled with the whole performance. We still have a lot of improvement, and talking to the Mt Gambier coach, he was impressed with how we passed and got up the floor. He said we looked much different from last year, and they had no answers for us.
"There is a lot to like, and we can only get better."
Benbow highlighted Livingstone's game, Cody Bryan's, and Mitch Martin's.
"For a 16-year-old and a development player, there is much to like about Micah," Benbow said.
"He works hard, fits in well and is coachable, and when people are talking to him, he listens and just wants to get better.
"He is also playing in a good side, having Mitch Martin, Austin McKenzie, and Cody Bryan around him, which also helps."
"Cody's defensive pressure in the second half, shutting down Kyle Tipene, was outstanding, and Mitch Martin was also good with critical steals and shooting the three-ball well.
"He took the ring on, and it was a mature game from the captain."
REDBACKS STORM TO FIRST WIN
Ararat won their first match in round three of the Country Basketball League, defeating Terang by 30 points at Terang and District Indoor Sport and Recreation. Centre on Saturday night, October 19.
The Redbacks came into the match with a 0-4 record and met the team they lost to by nine points in round one.
Like most matches this season, the Redbacks jumped out of the gates fast and led by five points at quarter-time.
The Tornadoes challenged in the second quarter, but the Redbacks held them at bay, keeping the same lead at half-time.
The Redbacks were relentless in the third quarter, capitalising on turnovers and making their shots, extending their lead to 14 at the main break.
They didn't stop there. In the last quarter, they continued to pile on the pressure, scoring 27 points to win 92-62.
It was a well-rounded performance, with all five starters scoring double figures, led by Farrell Maharaj with 20. DJ Woods scored 17, Oliver Lindeblad 16, Joshua Fiegert 15, and Adan Wisby 13.
Jake Bartlett led the way for the Tornadoes with 16 points, with James Mitchell and Jack Fowler chipping in with 15 and 10, respectively.
Ararat will travel to Hamilton in round four, a crucial clash for both teams.