Sport
7 November, 2025
Blazers eye elusive victory versus Braves
With only three rounds left in the CBL North West Men’s regular season, the Maryborough Men’s Blazers aim to finish their season positively, starting against the Bendigo Braves on Saturday.
The Blazers are currently sitting seven points outside the top four following last weekend’s 18-point loss to the Macedon Ranges Rockies, occupying seventh on the ladder with an 0-6 record.
However, the Blazers will fancy themselves to finally put their name in the winners column when they travel to Red Energy Arena to play the winless Braves, especially after their impressive first quarter versus the playoff contender Rockies.
Maryborough flamed into action on both sides of the floor to finish the opening period with a 14-point lead.
The Blazers’ 27 points were their second-highest quarter tally of the season, a massive confidence-booster for a team that ranks eighth in points scored per game, averaging 73.2 points.
Their untapped offence was heavily boosted by their improved ball movement and off-ball cuts that put immense pressure on the Macedon Ranges defence.
Returning star Brady Neill was a particular focal point, setting up his teammates for numerous looks at the basket thanks to some deft passing in the post.
On defence, Ky Swards and Darcy Bond were a nightmare for opposing ball handlers with their on-ball surveillance. At the same time, the team’s defensive rebounding had certainly taken strides from their last meeting with the Rockies.
After being unable to hold on to the early lead they built last Saturday, the Blazers will be keen to unlock their full potential during the tail end of the season.
This weekend’s clash will be the first meeting between Maryborough and Bendigo this season after their round four encounter was abandoned due to heavy rain dripping onto the court, with the game currently not rescheduled.
After losing their first encounter with the Braves by 35 points, the Blazers produced their highlight of the 2024 season by defeating the eventual runners-up by three points.
Neill and Bailey Jacobs led the way in that match with a combined 32 points, while Ollie McCarthy added a valuable offensive spark with 11 points, including two three-pointers.
