Suns too hot for Thunder

DAVID Wilson of the Sherbrooke Suns picked himself up another MVP performance against the Keilor Thunder on Saturday night.
With 18 points and 5 rebounds, Wilson was the difference between the two teams in a match that Sherbrooke controlled for three quarters.
The Suns started well and at the first break led 23 to 17. The second quarter saw Sherbrooke’s defence step up and cause several Keilor turnovers.
Solid outside shooting from Aaron Lester and Simon Munro allowed the Suns to increase their lead to 53-38 at the main break.
The third quarter was neck and neck as Keilor sought to get back in the game and Sherbrooke ’s centre, Aaron Littlepage got into foul trouble, thus giving the Thunder a rebounding advantage.
Sherbrooke’s lack of rebounding strength in the last quarter allowed Keilor to outscore the Suns by 10 points, but it wasn’t enough to snatch victory.
The Suns’ better shot selection (9 of 16 from outside the arc) compared to Keilor’s (7 of 27) and in-your-face defence were also a telling factors.
For Sherbrooke, Wilson was well supported by Lester 17 points, 6 rebounds and Munro 16 points. Mention also to Littlepage for his 15 rebounds and 8 points.
The Division 1 men are away again this Saturday at Whittlesea against the Pacers.
In another double header weekend for the Division 2 women, Sherbrooke defeated Darebin 86-32 on Saturday night and backed up to inflict another defeat on McKinnon 67-29 on Sunday.
These victories put the Sherbrooke team in top spot, certain to play off in the finals.
Saturday night saw the Sherbrooke women limit their opposition to single figures in scoring for 3 of the 4 quarters.
Coach Rob Baldwin was particularly pleased with the way his charges combined for easy scoring opportunities and then made it extremely difficult for their opposition to respond.
Game MVP, Stephanie Kennett recorded a triple double with 14 points, 13 rebounds, 10 steals. She was closely followed by Tara Blair with 16 pts,11 rebounds, 7 steals and Sharlene Fraser with 16 pts and 15 rebounds.
Sunday saw more of the same as once again McKinnon were only able to score in double figures in 1 of the quarters.
The Suns were in control right from tip-off and despite having a big weekend finished this game with their highest scoring quarter, which is testament to their level of fitness.
Sharlene Fraser with 24 points, 12 rebounds was game MVP and Stephanie Kennett, 13 pts, 6 rebounds and Rachael Fearon-Brown 13 pts and 9 rebounds were of great assistance.
This weekend the women enjoy a well-earned break.
The Youth League men returned to the winning list, inflicting a 103-89 defeat on the more fancied Bulleen Boomers.
Sherbrooke jumped the Boomers early to take a 22 to 11 lead at the first quarter. Bulleen strived to reduce the deficit through their big man Trevor Latham, but he was well held by James Topp and Peter Lankester.
Coach John Dunlop stated this was the best all round team performance of the season as 5 players recorded double figure scores with 3 had double – doubles.
The Suns, who are placed fifth, need to keep winning and rely on fourth-placed Bulleen to drop another two games in the run home to make finals.
For Sherbrooke, game MVP Mark Derksen had 16 points, 10 rebounds, Tim Cooper 15 pts, David Black and Jake Spruhan had 14 pts, 11 rebounds and 14 pts 10 rebounds respectively.
This week the Suns face up to the Werribee Devils in an away game on Sunday.