The Lakes Entrance Pelicans men’s team faced a daunting task last Saturday night hosting unbeaten ladder leader Pakenham, and despite being competitive for three quarters, they still were easily eclipsed by the Warriors by 31 points.
A large crowd was on hand on at the Lakes Entrance Youth and Recreation Centre, their energy running high, driving the Pelicans to a competitive first half.
The combatants traded baskets in the first half as the Warriors led by two points at quarter time, Pakenham struggling to
cope with the Pelicans’ pressure and intensity.
Pakenham’s lead increased slightly to a three-point advantage at half time.
Massimo Hobbs was in good touch, finishing the match with 16 points, as well as playing some unreal defence, including blocking multiple dunk attempts.
Chris Fields lit up from three-point range, shooting three for the match.
Coach Andrew Wright was extremely happy with the team’s first half and was hopeful they could build on the performance in the second half.
“We played great at both ends in the first half, that needs to be our benchmark going forward,” Wright said.
The Warriors turned it on in third stanza, scoring 27 points to just four as they tightened up the defence and shot the lights out.
Matt Berkec (20 points), Linden Moon (13) and Aaron Small (11) all cashed in for the Warriors as all 11 players on their team list made it onto the scorers’ sheet.
Lakes Entrance, despite being blown away in that term, rallied in the final quarter, again competitive and playing some solid defence, restricting Pakenham to just 18 points and they slotted 14 of their own.
Eventually losing 86-55, the Pelicans showed plenty and flashes of brilliance against the league’s best and with that continued effort and energy, they’ll aim to turn performances like this into wins as the season progresses.
The Pelicans will play a double header this weekend hosting the Sale Sonics on Saturday night before heading down the highway to tackle Warragul on Sunday.
