After a gruelling stretch on the road Shepparton Gators returned home and responded in emphatic fashion, claiming two crucial wins across a double-header weekend that could prove pivotal in their play-off push in the Big V Championship.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
On Saturday night, June 21, the Gators clashed with ninth-placed Sunbury in a test of consistency, something head coach Josh Waight has been demanding all season.
The Gators passed with flying colours, jumping out to an early lead before blowing the game open with a dominant second quarter that laid the groundwork for an 85-73 win at Shepparton Sports Stadium.
“We probably played the way we wanted to for the first three quarters,” Waight said post-game.
“The last quarter we went away from our ball movement a little bit, but we did what we needed to do and got the win.
“Now it’s about continuing to build.”
Shepparton outscored Sunbury 26-8 in the second term, locking down defensively while turning defence into fast-break offence.
It was a glimpse of the Gators’ preferred high-tempo, run-and-gun identity.
“We did a really good job of shrinking the floor and taking away space,” Waight said.
“We didn’t allow their key players to get comfortable and that’s what made the difference.”
Ryan Batte was electric, leading all scorers with 33 points to go with 12 rebounds, six assists and four steals.
It was a complete performance from the American forward, who said he came into the game looking to be more aggressive.
“We needed this one,” Batte said.
“Being away felt like forever, so to be back in front of the home crowd and get the win was big for us.
“I’ve been saying for a few weeks it’s time to ramp things up.
“If that means taking more shots or doing more, I’m happy to step up.”
Bryce Brown was equally impactful, finishing with 18 points and 17 rebounds in a dominant frontcourt display, while Aaron Dolny chipped in with 15 points and some timely outside shooting.
Sunday’s early afternoon battle with reigning champion Wyndham on June 22 continued the momentum.
The Gators were clinical from the opening tip, posting 29 points in the first quarter and cruising to a 103-77 win, completing the perfect weekend.
Brown again set the tone inside, racking up a massive 20 rebounds and 18 points for his second straight double-double.
“I realised I was spending too much time away from the rim,” Brown said.
“I’m usually one of the biggest out there, so I told myself to get in the paint and go after every rebound.”
Batte followed up his Saturday performance with another 28 points and nine rebounds on 71 per cent shooting, once again dictating the tempo and punishing Wyndham in transition.
“Ryan and Bryce were outstanding this weekend,” Waight said.
“We needed them to step up with a few guys out and they delivered.
“But what was most pleasing was that everyone contributed in some way.
“Guys made the right decisions, stayed unselfish and played the way we’ve been preaching.”
Dolny added 16 points, Kiwi guard Josh Kooiman put up 14 and sharpshooter Eric Miraflores gave the team another spark off the bench with 15.
Waight praised the improved defence as much as the offence.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on our defence and we showed much more of that this weekend,” he said.
“Now the challenge is maintaining it.
“We’ve got to keep heading in that direction and not slip back.”
After sliding down the standings in recent weeks, the two wins push Shepparton into a finals spot at fifth.
“We’re getting comfortable,” Brown said.
“Everyone’s settling into their roles and we’re playing good basketball.
“If we keep this up, we’re going to be in a really good spot.”
The Gators welcome sixth-placed Pakenham to Shepparton Sports Stadium on Saturday, June 28, with tip-off at 7pm.
Cadet journalist