Basketball at MSC

Basketball Update

The Senior Girls competed in the Gippsland Round of Basketball on August 14th, facing some of the region’s strongest teams including Bass Coast, Lowanna and Bairnsdale. The girls displayed excellent teamwork and resilience, maintaining a high standard across all three games.

Bass Coast proved too strong on the day, progressing through to State with dominant wins. Maffra SC, with tight defence and constant pressure, were the closest challengers, going down by just 7 points. Lowanna’s height created another challenge, with Maffra narrowly defeated by 3 points at the final siren. The team secured their first win over Bairnsdale Secondary College with a 9-point margin, thanks to multiple scorers in Bella Hunt, Milla Oldham, Lara Dowsett, Charlotte Nikolajew and Summer Harbour. Bella Hunt and Milla Oldham were standout performers on the day.

The Year 7 and Year 8 Girls competed in the Wellington Round of Basketball on September 2nd.

The Year 7 Girls faced strong opposition in Lavalla and Traralgon College. While they were unable to secure a win, the team showed great persistence and determination, running out both games with spirit. Their improvement from training was clear on game day, scoring 17 points against Traralgon College. Multiple scorers included Ever Forsyth, Holly Davidson, Lahni Bellion, Kasey Duncan and Kelsey Hasler, with Lahni Bellion, Kasey Duncan and Kelsey Hasler named best on the day.

The Year 8 Girls also played against Lavalla and Traralgon College, demonstrating strong skills and teamwork throughout. Hannah Sibley impressed with her accurate shooting against Traralgon College, while Chani Aust, Lily Appleton and Chelsea Hanna applied constant defensive pressure. The girls should be commended for their teamwork and resilience over the course of the event.

Year 7 & 8 Boys Basketball

The Year 7 boys began their day with a tough opening match against Lavalla. At half time, the scores were close (24–17), but Lavalla pulled away in the second half. The boys bounced back in their second game against Yarram SC, producing a strong 40–9 victory. With multiple scorers and excellent defence, Kodi Rattan impressed with several intercepts, while Lachie Marshall (13) and Rex Elliot (12) led the scoreboard. Mason McLernon, Miles Phillips and Jack Bates stood strong in defence, while Riddick Johnson and Aaron Heron showed great vision and accuracy with their passing.

In the final game against Traralgon College, Maffra fought hard and held on for a thrilling 3-point win. Lachie Marshall’s sharp shooting made up half the team’s score, and Miles Phillips showed relentless attacking play. Teamwork was the highlight across the day, with all boys proving a delight to coach.

For the Year 8 boys, Jaxon Marshall took on the coaching role and demonstrated his knowledge and passion for the game. Their first match was against a strong Catholic College side, with Maffra posting 21 points. Chase Lewis was on fire, hitting four 3-pointers, while Angus Burgess and Charlie Willis added valuable points. In defence, Darcy Hanson, Linden Lanigan and Burgess made excellent use of their height. Tyler Hayles impressed with his ball handling and composure bringing the ball down the court.

The standout for the day was Kryton Taipa–Tama, whose skill, athleticism, vision and dynamic passing made him a constant threat. Against Traralgon College, Taipa–Tama and Burgess both top scored with 12 points, with the team showing resilience and determination across both games.

A special mention to Jaxon Marshall, Lincoln Phillips and Tahlie Bailey, who have been representing Maffra Secondary College as basketball umpires at recent events. Their professionalism and high standard of officiating have received excellent feedback from competing schools.

Tash Dowsett