Gallery | Gators split first double-header of 2023 season

While on Sunday afternoon, a slow start would ultimately cost the competition’s reigning runners-up, as they fell to a determined Pakenham 76-73 in a thrilling contest away from home.

In the aftermath of the weekend’s two clashes, the Gators coaching staff could either take a glass half full or glass half empty assessment as they now sit in third spot with a 2-1 record.

For coach Josh Waight, he took the latter approach, as he praised the competitive spirit and fight his team showed across the eight quarters of hoops.

“Overall I was really proud of the group, we were down a few players this weekend which probably hurt us in the end of that second game as we ran out of legs,” Waight said.

“But the way they competed all weekend I could not have been more impressed in how they handled the back-to-back and I think the way we played over those two games will put us in good stead for the rest of the season.

“Obviously we would have preferred to go 2-0, but there were still so many positives that will give us all a lot of confidence.”

Coming off a memorable victory on the road at Warrnambool the previous weekend, the Gators came into their home opener against Bulleen a team brimming with confidence.

And in the early stages they showed no signs of fatigue from their longest road trip of the season, as they fed off the energy of the Shepparton faithful to open up a sizeable 14-point buffer at the first change.

“It was such a great start from the boys, the way they got the games on their terms from the opening tip and played the way we want to play was super pleasing,” Waight said of the opening quarter on Saturday night.

“The atmosphere was absolutely electric as soon as we hit the floor and the boys really fed off that and shut Bulleen out right from the start.”

With the game well and truly in their control following the hot start, the remainder of the clash was a bit of an arm-wrestle as the visitors began to settle into the hostile environment.

However, whenever it looked like Bulleen would mount a challenge, the Gators responded swiftly in what was a professional performance.

The most pleasing part of the night for Shepparton was its even spread of scorers, with skipper Matthew Bartlett leading the way with a team-high 15 points, while four other teammates recorded double digits.

Recording a 14-point win, Waight said the clash was a perfect representation of what he wanted Gators basketball to look like this year.

“All night I thought the guys moved the basketball well and played the way we wanted to play in making sure that they found their teammates in better positions and things like that,” he said.

“Having 22 assists was a testament to the way the group played and they should be very proud.”

Making the trip down the Hume Hwy just hours after the Saturday night victory, backing up the heroics was always going to tough for Waight’s troops as they were greeted by a refreshed and confident Pakenham.

While boom international recruits Derek Murphy (25 points) and Josh Kooiman (15 points) did all they could to carry the fatigued Gators on the offensive end, ultimately the fresh legs of the home side proved the difference in what was a tense finish.

Waight said the boys were aware of where they went wrong in the Sunday clash and was confident the three-point loss was a small bump in the road.

“We didn’t start great and were a bit slow and they jumped us, so full credit to them,” he said.

“It felt like we were always playing catch-up after that slow start, but to the boys’ credit they didn’t fold and left everything on the floor.

“In the end we probably ran out of legs and towards the end their energy really shone through and made things hard for us, but coming out of that game we are still very positive.”

While the Gators’ big names shone at different points at the weekend, the most consistent and standout performer across the two matches was recruit Lachlan Kego.

Coming off the bench, the Benalla talent recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds against Bulleen before backing it up with a crucial 12 and seven at Pakenham.

“He is doing an excellent job and playing great basketball at the moment,” Waight said.

“Sometimes the box score doesn’t show the impact he has on a game and his ability to create second and third opportunities on offence has been crucial for us in these first three games.”