Life back in the Country Basketball League didn't get any easier for the Stawell Wildcats, suffering an 82-point defeat at the hands of a quality Horsham Hornets outfit on Saturday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A 17-point haul to Joel Freeland was a highlight for the travelling Wildcats in their 149-67 loss.
From the start, the Hornets attacked with pace, drawing fouls with ease as the Wildcats defence scrambled to get back into position.
Hornets star Jeremiah McKenzie was offered space outside the arc and capitalised, racking up 17 points in the first quarter to see the Hornets through to a 31-point lead at the break. McKenzie finished with 33 points for the game.
The Wildcats fought back at the start of the second through Aidan Marr.
The livewire was allowed to drive to the basket, but couldn't finish the job with consistency. Marr finished with 12 points.
Joel Freeland went to the line regularly in the second quarter, but was unable to dent a sizeable Hornets' lead. The visitors entered the main break trailing 72-30.
The class of the Hornets stars shone through in a commanding second-half performance.
The Hornets were given open passage in the paint, as the Wildcats stepped back, with three players on the edge of being fouled out.
The Wildcats worked through their rotations in the final quarter, as Hornets coach Tim Pickert worked his way to a 33-point haul.
The visitors found some late points, but the final siren left them still searching for a first win of the season.
Matt Currill
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
