Big V Division 1 Men: Keysborough’s Ivan Platenik plays game 400

Keysborough celebrated a veteran’s 400th Big V game to kick start its season as the Cougars coach had some special words for a “fantastic” impact player.

Keysborough’s start to the Big V Division 1 Men’s basketball season couldn’t have got off to a better start.

The Cougars 94-72 win over Bellarine Storm on Saturday night had it all including a 400th Big V game celebration, a star’s strong return and a role player’s stunning impact.

Much of the night was about Ivan Platenik who celebrated the big milestone with a double-double including 16 points and 14 rebounds.

He also had a big night on the defensive end with three steals.

But his true importance was shown by a plus-minus of 35 in his 31 minutes of action as the Cougars ran away with the game in the second half.

Cougars coach Nathan Vogt lauded the impact of his veteran big man.

“He’s a fantastic guy on and off the court,” he said.

“Ivan came to us in 2019 after stints with McKinnon and Waverley in the Championship Division and has been a fantastic player.

“He’s taken care of his body which has allowed him to keep playing.

“One thing that makes him so coachable is that he’s such a smart player and knows what can work for him.

“It was fantastic to be able to celebrate his milestone as a club.”

Ivan Platenik (centre) celebrated his 400th game on the weekend. Photo: Facebook.

Returning import Gerrard Newby also had a big impact for the Cougars with 34 points, six rebounds and two assists.

But Vogt said it was his impact on the defensive end which he was most impressed with.

“His offensive numbers were huge and he capped those off with some nice breakaway dunks,” Vogt said.

“His defensive efforts really helped to set up the win for us though. Gerrard rotated through some of their key guys and made it difficult for them to put up big numbers.”

In the lead up to the season, Vogt said he wanted his players to make his job difficult and take their opportunities.

Keysborough were far too strong for Bellarine. Photo: Facebook.

On the weekend, it was Naoum Lazis’ chance as he finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in 26 minutes off the bench.

“He’s had a great pre-season and brought that into the game,” Vogt said.

“Naoum made a couple of nice 3s to get going and then he carried on from there. It’s always fantastic when you get guys making such an impact off the bench especially in a game that is tight like it was in the first half.

“But it wasn’t just about his scoring, he passed the ball really well too which got his teammates involved.”

Keysborough will travel to take on RMIT in round 2.

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