Chalk a strike in the win column for the Shepparton Gators.
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In round eight of the Big V, the culmination of two months of steady progress, mixed with so-close-yet-so-far defeats and stinging blowout losses has finally been rewarded with a taste of victory, on the Swamp’s hardwood in front of the Gators’ loyal fans.
Two weeks ago, the Gators squandered a real chance at home in a two-point loss to Coburg, but made no mistake in its next outing in front of their supporters, with skipper Josh Kooiman shooting the lights out to drop a 31-piece on Bulleen, aided by his right hand man Taine Wattie, who scored 21 on Saturday night.
Coach Sam Gebauer spoke with pride after the result, as the Gators reaped the reward of an off-season – and mid-season – of change.
“It was an incredible experience, for myself personally and the group as a whole,” Gebauer said.
“We’ve faced some adversity this season and we haven’t been shy in taking it on with some changes and cultural shifts.
“We’ve started taking steps in the right direction and now we’re feeling the benefits of those steps.”
Plenty of shots were made at the basket in the first term for both clubs, but the Gators and Boomers clanked plenty off the iron too, with each side shooting at no greater than 33.3 per cent from the field.
The Gators nabbed a slim three-point advantage though at quarter-time, before both sides narrowed their focus to high-percentage close range shots in the second term.
The Gators and Boomers shot woefully from outside the arc in the second quarter, at respective rates of 18.9 and 7.1 per cent, but nailed their opportunities in the paint and from midrange, increasing their shooting to above 50 per cent.
Once again, the Gators found themselves increasing their advantage by another three points, taking a quietly confident six-point lead into the half-time huddle.
However, the two-win Boomers would issue a fightback, hit their three-point offerings at a 50 per cent clip, including a shot from down town that would steal the lead for the first time since early in the first term.
But the Gators had newfound resilience and late game awareness following their previous close encounters, and Kooiman would make no mistake in hitting a three-pointer in response to give Shepparton a two-point lead ahead of the final term.
Bulleen hit its straps temporarily in the last, taking another one-point lead, but with a buzzing home crowd urging the Gators home, momentum began to turn back in favour of Shepparton.
New import Joseph Allan played a crucial role off the bench on debut, scoring six of his nine points in the final term as Kooiman and Wattie continued to tally buckets, the Gators going on an 11-point scoring run to up its lead to as high as 12, before one final Boomers three ended the game at 75-66.
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Shepparton Gators' Taine Wattie makes an inbound. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 12
Shepparton Gators coach Sam Gebauer designs a play. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 12
Shepparton Gators' Jordan Birch drives deep in the paint. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 12
Shepparton Gators' Joshua Kooiman shoots from the stripe. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 12
Shepparton Gators' Joshua Kooiman scans the floor. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 12
Shepparton Gators' Joseph Allen contests the three. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 12
Shepparton Gators' Taine Wattie takes the ball up court. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 12
Shepparton Gators' Joshua Kooiman pulls up beyond the arc. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 12
Shepparton Gators' Sam Maher attacks the paint. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 12
Shepparton Gators' Taine Wattie shifts by his defender. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 12
Shepparton Gators' Joseph Allen breaks away on transition. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 12
Shepparton Gators' Joshua Kooiman makes a stepback. Photo by Rechelle ZammitGebauer praised the squad’s resilience, as euphoric emotions ran high post-match.
“I was super proud of the boys, that was the progression of our practice right there,” he said.
“The scenes in the locker room after the game were unbelievable, I got smothered with water by the boys.
“The guys who have stepped into bigger roles or more minutes in the rotation stepped up really well, and our leaders brought us home.”
Gebauer and Kooiman’s leadership connection only continues to bonds tighter, with the clipboard-wielder pumping up the captain’s overall influence on the team.
“Kooiman is a great person to have in the environment, he does so much behind the scenes,” Gebauer said.
“He absolutely drove us to victory with his scoring as well as his decision-making, I’m so blessed to have the respect level we have between captain and coach, and I credit him so much for the success.
“If I ever ask him a question he comes back to me with an answer straight away ... and he’s such a humble guy who will always celebrate the team over his own achievements.”
The Gators face mid-table side Whittlesea next round, while the women’s Gators return from a bye to face RMIT University on the road.