TWO emerging players stepped up in the absence of seasoned teammates to help Terang Tornadoes to victory on Sunday.
Jake Bartlett was dominant with 27 points and Ryley Hutchins electric with 19 in the Tornadoes' 83-70 win against Country Basketball League newcomer Surfcoast Chargers.
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It was a return to form after falling to Portland Coasters on Saturday night 91-70.
Terang co-coach Bailey Kemp said Barlett and Hutchins helped fill the void of Justin Wallace and Scott Judd who were sidelined.
"I have come through juniors with Jake and he's always used his body really well and been able to space the floor and get his shot," he said.
"He knows how to find his space on the floor and go to work. He's a huge presence on the floor for us and he's good for the juniors coming up because it's only four or five years ago he was in that situation.
"He's taken that leadership on board and to get 27 points out of him was unreal, especially when we didn't have Justin or Scott who would normally carry that offensive load."
Kemp said Hutchins, who plays at the point, had earned a spot as a starter.
"He is a very energetic and athletic young kid," he said.
"He's come through our squad programs and each game and each day he gets better and better.
"He's always giving 100 per cent. He goes out there with confidence. He played an outstanding game and hit a late three to put us up by four or five points which sealed it for us in the end."
Terang Tornadoes' women's side celebrated its first win of the season on Sunday.
The Tornadoes, having dropped their first three games, bounced back to record an 82-66 victory against Surfcoast Chargers.
Sophie Conheady (16 points) and Jessica Bouchier (15) were strong on the offensive end.
The Tornadoes, who also played on Saturday night, fell to Portland 89-33 the night before with Alana Strom (22 points) and Sarah Tunstall (18) top-scoring for the Coasters.
Warrnambool's teams - the Mermaids and Seahawks - had byes in round two.
