By JARROD POTTER
CAVALIERS basketball continues to reap major rewards as the senior men took a crucial win over finals contender Keysborough.
The men’s side maintains their unbeaten streak in Division 2 Men and sit atop the ladder after knocking off the second placed Cougars in a six-point victory.
“They came at us a couple of times – came at us in the third and I knew they would,” Cavaliers coach Stewart Baird said.
“Our second quarter was probably the best in the game – got it down to four and regrouped in the third and got it back out to 10.
“As a group – they haven’t been strong from the three-point line – but they nailed three in a row against us and clawed their way back in, but full credit to the boys they got stuck in and got the win.”
Baird highlighted Sean McKinnon (nine points, 12 rebounds) as his best on court – with his great contributions not necessarily represented on the stat sheet, but definitely noticed by the coach.
“Sean McKinnon was outstanding – the number of rebounds and number of balls he kept alive tipping and running at the glass – they’re the things that don’t end up on the stat sheet,” Baird said.
“For a guy coming off the bench, it’s a terrific effort.
“Five were offensive boards and we scored off nearly all of them, and can’t underestimate his contribution.”
A rolled ankle halted Jono Hawes (20 points, six points) who was having a blinder, but the team rallied to get the win as Dylan Wayman (11 points) and Stephen Michalski (10 points) took control to see the Cavaliers home.
Dean Johnson (five rebounds) ticked all the boxes set for him, with Baird saying his contribution against Keysborough’s dangerous five-man Kevin Benn (15 points, nine rebounds) a crucial factor in Casey’s win.
“He looked like a guy who hadn’t played for eight weeks,” Baird said.
“Was a little bit out of touch when he got the ball, but I think he did a great job on Kevin Benn
Dean and Ash Szalek – if it had to be one going up against him (Benn) all game, it might’ve been quite different.
“Dean was great in the low post and is just going to bet better as he gets his touch back and is more comfortable.”
All three Cavaliers teams are at home this week for a massive triple-header against Coburg.
