The Collingwood All Stars came away from the latest round of Big V action with three wins from four games, highlighted by our Senior Teams double header wins at home and a high scoring Youth League Men’s road win over Hawthorn.
Our Division One Women All Stars set the tone at home by getting the win in overtime against Craigieburn, 68 to 60. Collingwood started well, taking the first quarter 17 to 10, before Craigieburn responded strongly in the second to lead 29 to 25 at half time. The game stayed very competitive from there, with several lead changes before Collingwood produced the cleaner finish in overtime, winning the extra period 12 to 4. Amelia Dent gave Collingwood a decisive lift, finishing with 16 points and 7 rebounds with a two point efficiency of 8/10 shots. Guard Stephanie Da Silva dropped 14 points, and Taleah Read added 13 points with 5 rebounds. Sandra Lin also impacted both ends of the game, recording 8 points, 3 assists and 4 steals. Collingwood’s game pressure proved too strong for Craigieburn, generating 16 steals.
The Division Two Men followed with an 83 to 75 win over Wallan, completing a strong night at Collingwood Basketball Stadium. The All Stars opened the game with high energy, creating a lead of 22 to 15 at quarter time and extending the margin by half time. Wallan raised the bar in the third quarter, but Collingwood was too strong, winning the last term 22 to 17. Collingwood Captain Jalen Barker led a powerful performance with 15 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. His control of the floor was matched by teammate Riley Johnson, who scored 15 points with 11 rebounds. Carson Crowe added a punch with 17 points, including 4 made 3s, while Daniel Keenan, Dut Dut and Akot Akot gave Collingwood useful contributions from the bench. The All Stars finished with 25 assists, a strong sign of ball movement and teamwork.
On the road at Swinburne Senior Secondary College Sports Centre, the Youth League Three Men delivered one of the round’s most entertaining wins, defeating Hawthorn 101 to 95. Hawthorn came out fast, scoring 31 points in the opening quarter, but Collingwood steadied with a 30 point second term to stay within reach. The All Stars then finished the better side, closing the game with a 27 to 16 final quarter. Leeroy Cocco, captain of the team, dominated with 27 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Oliver Dart was outstanding inside the paint, finishing with 15 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists, while Jack De Cata added 17 points from the bench. Shout out to Kacy Wade, who scored 14 points, alongside teammate Oscar Bowditch Brown, who added 12 points. Collingwood shot 52 per cent from the field and made 33 two point baskets, giving them the advantage needed to win a high tempo contest.
The Youth League Two Women were the only Collingwood side beaten for the round, falling 60 to 53 against Hawthorn. A slow start proved costly, with Hawthorn opening a 21 to 11 lead at quarter time and extending the gap by half time. Collingwood fought back after the main break, winning the second half 34 to 27, but the early deficit was too much to overcome. Hayden Neil led the response with an excellent all round game, recording 11 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Zoe Tipping fired up with 12 points and 9 rebounds, while captain Jessica McKain and teammate Jaime D’Arcy each scored 10 points. Collingwood dominated the glass with 63 to 42 rebounds, but 35 turnovers and 27% field goal shooting made the comeback task too difficult.
Across the round, Collingwood’s senior teams showed composure in close games, while the Youth League Three Men delivered a strong road statement. The Youth League Two Women will learn from the game and take positives as preparation for next week. A successful Big V weekend for the All Stars, with three wins and clear signs of depth across the program.
The All Stars are back in action this Saturday with another big night of Big V basketball. Our Youth League Three Men open the evening at home against Gippsland United from 6.00pm at Collingwood College, before our Division One Women take on Whittlesea at 8.00pm. On the road, the Division Two Men travel to face Warrnambool, while the Youth League Two Women meet Westgate at RecWest. We encourage the Collingwood community to get behind our teams, wear the black and white, and help create another strong atmosphere at home as the All Stars continue their 2026 campaign.