Surprise packets stun, MVP contenders emerge in Big V Basketball

From shock results to stats you have to see to believe, there was no shortage of big moments in the latest round of the Big V Basketball season. Here are our key takeaways.

The second weekend of the Big V season brought about plenty of surprises.

Ladders across the competition are beginning to already take shape while some individuals are looming as early MVP contenders.

Here are the biggest talking points from the weekend.

JUST HOW FAR GO MELBOURNE UNI GO?

Three games, three wins.

Melbourne University has raced out of the blocks in its Championship Division men’s season scoring wins against Wyndham, McKinnon and Blackburn to start the season.

Joel Rimes has been electric to start the campaign with an average of 27 points per game, shooting a remarkable 47 per cent from deep.

Nicholas Masunda is an exciting player and looms as one of the best big men in the competition.

It’s only early but could an unlikely finals place be on the cards later in the year?

Joel Rimes is enjoying a stunning start to the season for Melbourne University. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

HUME TICKING ALONG NICELY

The Broncos are the only other undefeated side in the top tier along with Melbourne Uni and made light work of last season’s runners-up, Sunbury, at the weekend.

Troyce Manassa added 21 points while Chis Kaba had 19 as both players played just over 23 minutes.

Ominous signs but the Broncos are title contenders.

NO THOSE NUMBERS AREN’T FAKE

Sherbrooke is on the board for 2023 after claiming a 16-point victory over McKinnon in the Championship Women’s Division.

But speaking of boards, Alicia Carline took rebounding to another level in her side’s win.

The Suns star recorded 29 boards — 20 defensive and nine offensive — along with 11 points as her side secured a big win behind an impressive 17 points from Grace Moxey off the bench.

Alicia Carline put up huge numbers for the Suns. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

Grace Moxey played an important role for Sherbrooke off the bench. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

CAN THIS DUO LEAD WYNDHAM TO ANOTHER TITLE?

Amanda Paschal and Dyani Ananiev are already looming as ominous factors in Wyndham’s title defence.

The pair were at it again in Wyndham’s 40-point victory over Camberwell at the weekend combining for 48 points (Ananiev 31, Paschal 17) as their side went two from two to start the season.

American import Paschal also had 16 rebounds and seven steals while Ananiew shot a remarkable 9-13 from three.

There were plenty of smiles after Pakenham's win. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

PAKENHAM CELEBRATES DOW’S 150TH IN STYLE

It was written in the stars, Josh Dow would be involved in a game winning play for the Warriors against Shepparton.

Dow set up superstar Joe Davis — who had 25 points and nine rebounds — for the game winning three as the Warriors stunned the Gators by three points.

Derek Murphy had 25 in a losing effort.

FORMER NBL PLAYER SHOWS HIS CLASS

Alex Gynes is going to be a difference maker for Warrnambool this season.

The Seahawks won both their games in their double header weekend and former NBL player Gynes put together a big performance against Collingwood with 38 points in just 21 points.

The signs were also positive from Jamal Pollydore who had 25 on 10-21 shooting.

MONSTER GAMES FROM GIPPSLAND UNITED DUO

Gippsland United flexed its muscle against Mornington, 153-44 but it was the performances of two guns which caught the eye.

Macey McGlead (35 points and five steals) and Sharna Notman (36 points and eight assists) dominated against the Breakers as United again proved while they’ll be in title contention.

MILDURA WINS A THRILLER

Demalza Henry might be reliving her game winner for a while.

After grabbing the offensive board with just seconds remaining, Henry hit the lay up to ensure Craigieburn would make the long road trip home without any points.

Heat star Vanessa Power was in the thick of the action with 20 points.

The Heat will only get stronger in the coming weeks too with a new import, Tyra Johnson, set to link up with the team in mid-April.

Arcaim Lallemand was huge in Wallan's overtime win. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

WALLAN FORCED TO DO IT THE HARD WAY

Who doesn’t love some free basketball? Well that’s what supporters got in the clash between Mornington and Wallan as the game went to overtime.

Wallan eventually came out on top by three points, 92-89, with Arcaim Lallemand leading the way with 30 points.

Tyler Best again impressed coming off the back of a strong Country Basketball League season.

Brad Murfett’s inclusion in the Breakers line-up is only going to help in the coming weeks.

BIG PERFORMANCES AT YOUTH LEVEL

There were some serious performances in the youth teams across the past weekend as well.

Arguably the best belonged to Knox young gun Zoe Rakogiannis who had 36 points for the Raiders while Miranda Gartner of Kilsyth had 27 points in the Youth Championship Women’s Division.

Jackson Dean (Camberwell), Neve Giddey (Melbourne), Olivia Kingston (Sherbrooke) Owen Stephens (Sunbury) and Tahlia Leeson (Bulleen) were other impressive players.