Big V takeaways: New competition structures, and MVP calibre performances
New competition structures, season defining wins and MVP calibre performances highlight the key Big V talking points of the week. Here’s what you need to know.
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The past several days have brought about some of the biggest talking points of the Big V Basketball season.
Here’s what you may have missed.
A NEW QUALIFICATION SYSTEM FOR THE YOUTH LEVELS
Basketball Victoria has announced a new qualification system will be introduced for the Youth League competitions in 2014.
Named, the Youth Qualification Series, the format will help decide the Championship, One and Two divisions next year.
After this year’s finals, officials will determine a team’s eligibility for the competition to be held on February 11.
“For both the Youth League Men and Youth League Women, the top 4 teams of Youth League 1 (after the 2023 finals), will go head-to-head against the bottom 2 teams from each conference in the Victorian Youth Championship to decide which teams will play in which divisions for 2024,” a statement on the BV website says.
“This will be the case for the bottom 4 in Youth League 1 competing against the top 4 teams (after the finals) in Youth League 2.
“In VYC 13th-16th will be determined based on win/loss record and head-to-head if required.”
Big V league manager Mark Jeffers explained why the new format was being introduced.
“A grading concept has long been spoken about, but this initiative was one of the success stories that stemmed from our Big V Association Forums held in September 2022,” he said.
“A few suggestions had been raised to us, so we pitched a concept at the four forums, before having this format accepted by associations at the 2022 Annual Commission Meeting. We look forward to it being an exciting day of basketball that flows into a more competitive season.
“We’ve put in place a format that has teams at the lower end of the ladder, having something to play for. Evidence in recent years suggests there are some similarities of teams season to season at the higher and lower ends of Youth ladders.
“This format should allow teams to rise or fall to the level relevant for their team in that season and we’re looking forward to it.”
SUNBURY SHAPING THE FINALS RACE
Pakenham will be very thankful for to Sunbury.
The Jets 75-60 victory over fourth-placed McKinnon, led by 21 points from Chloe Hildebrand, helped keep the Warriors playoff hopes alive.
On the same night, Pakenham prevailed over last place Camberwell.
Unfortunately, Bulleen proved too good on Sunday for Pakenham who went down by 34.
MCKINNON KEEPS TOUCH WITH A BOUNCE BACK WIN
After going down to Sunbury on Saturday night, nothing short of a win was going to be good enough for McKinnon on Sunday afternoon.
They delivered a one-point win over Melbourne University to keep touch with the Championship Men’s top-four.
Nathan Davis came up big with 32 points and 12 rebounds while Mitch Barry chipped in with 22.
DAVIS COMES UP BIG FOR PAKENHAM
With his side still aiming to move up the Division 1 ladder, Pakenham import Joe Davis had a big weekend for the Warriors – averaging 33 points and seven rebounds in double header action.
Pakenham accounted for Southern Peninsula then Bulleen to move to a 11-5.
ROAD TRIP NO ISSUE FOR MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY
With the Black Angels behind the pace in the race for the Division 1 women’s finals series, they delivered one of their best performances of the season with a 84-77 victory against Mildura.
Amelia Smith led the way with 31 points, 15 rebounds and four steals as University kept touch with the fourth-placed Heat.
Tyra Johnson and Vanessa Power combined for 59 points to give the hosts the best opportunity of winning.
MILDURA REMAINS IN THE HUNT FOR SECOND
On its home floor, Mildura rode the back of a dominant third quarter to secure an important 94-87 victory over Wallan.
Cameron Gross led the way with 28 points as the Heat moved two games clear of the fourth-placed Panthers.
COBURG NOT SHYING AWAY FROM FINALS RACE
In one of its most important games of the year, Coburg secured a 72-68 Division 2 women’s win over Surf Coast to keep their finals hopes alive.
Siobhan Mac Aodha had 22 points while Jackie Smith was a difference maker off the bench with 14.
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