Senior and YL2 Grand Final Previews

Championship Men

Sunbury vs Wyndham

Game 2: Saturday 27^th August 7:00pm at Boardman Stadium 

Game 3 (if needed): Sunday 28th August 1:00pm at Boardman Stadium

Game 1 we witnessed Wyndham defend their home court like no other. Taking the game on and snatching game 1 by a staggering 38 points (106 to 68). As this was not the typical Sunbury side we’ve seen throughout the season, there is no doubt the Jets won’t bounce back. Wyndham constantly disrupted the Jets momentum and played with great energy for all 4 quarters. In what was a very well round performance for all, Maurice Howard controlled them all finishing with 23 points, 4 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists. Aaron Dolny made a large contribution off the bench pouring in 5 threes scoring 21 points in just 26 minutes. Gerald Blackshear did what he could to generate some energy for the Jets with a efficient 23 points off 10 from 15 shooting, but it wasn’t enough. Will the tables turn at the Jets home with an active and energised crowd in game 2? Here’s what the coaches had to say.

Wyndham Coach, Lucas Allen had this to say:

Game 1 was clearly a great game for us, aside from the result, we defended well, executed offensively at a good level and were able to share the load across the board.  Sunbury were unable to find their rhythm on the night, which we know won’t be the case again.  They’re simply too good of a side.  We anticipate that Game 2 this weekend will be damn tough.  Sunbury are at home, in their comfort zone, with their vocal crowd.  We need to be 100% locked in and focused on the task at hand, maintaining the concentration on being the best version of ourselves, for a full 40 minutes.

Sunbury Coach, John White had this to say:

Last week was extremely disappointing for us. We came in with a lack of intensity and intent and Wyndham to their credit punished us. Gerald Blackshear and Jeremy Wragg tried everything to give us a spark but we just couldn't maintain any level of consistency in our pressure. We're looking forward to being able to make things right this week in games 2 and 3. We know Wyndham are a high-volume, high intensity offensive team and we saw this all over the floor last week. We expect much of the same this week so we need to be more disciplined in our approach to how we deal with their personnel.

We're looking forward to the opportunity to square the series up in front of our home fans!

Game 1 Leaders
Wyndham			Sunbury
Maurice Howard	23	Points	Gerald Blackshear	23
Kavione Green	11	Rebounds	Nathan Marshall / Trevon Clayton	6
Maurice Howard	6	Assists	Nathan Marshall	5

 

Championship Women

Wyndham vs Bulleen

Game 2: Saturday 27^th August 7:00pm at Eagle Stadium

Game 3 (if needed): Sunday 28th August 3:00pm at Eagle Stadium

It was Wyndham who were able to take out game 1 away from home in a close 8-point win (63 to 55). Scoring just 9 points the first quarter, Wyndham trailed by 4 at the break yet it was the third quarter where they excelled and took the lead notching a 20 to 10 quarter. Olivia Bontempelli did what she could for the boomers finishing with a game high 24 points, but it wasn’t quite enough. Wyndham import Amanda Paschal had a great all-round performance with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Moving to Eagle Stadium, home of Wyndham, will the boomers be able to bounce back and take this series to game 3 or will Wyndham close it out on Saturday night? Here’s what the coaches had to say after game 1.

Bulleen Coach, Michael Brookens had this to say:

Overall, we were disappointed but not disheartened with our performance. Too many turnovers and horrific shooting percentages were key. Credit to Wyndham for their continuity and ability to frequently switch defences which led to poor decisions. They were physical with cutters and in off ball screen actions not allowing freedom of movement. Along with their zone press, it shortened our possessions and minimalized our effectiveness in the paint, whereas our physicality got us in foul trouble early.

"Wyndham is good at what they do and force you to play their way for patches of the game which is why they are the favourites. We will need to identify and counter their defensive tactics earlier in the shot clock and have better player movement to correct our turnovers and shooting percentages. We also must be better for longer periods of the game. At this point in the season, you are who you are, it will come down to a battle of wills and who can stay in their comfort zone the longest. I have a bunch of fierce competitors on my squad and I back them to bring their best on the weekend to force a game 3."

Wyndham Coach, Billy Akalo had this to say:

“We ended our Semi-finals series against McKinnon well and started to find our offensive and defensive identity back amongst the pressure and expectations of Big V finals time. We knew coming into the GF series, Bulleen senior experience, talent and physicality would play a big factor in this series. For us being a younger side, we had to withstand their runs and return the favour with our transition basketball and full court pressure."

"Our game last week against Bulleen was a typical GF game; gritty, tough and momentum swings aplenty. I was really proud of Rachel Kerr for her efforts defensively, as her input in the 3rd quarter kickstarted our running game of her ball pressure and turnover creation. We expect Bulleen to come out strong this week, and expect their senior leaders will respond. We are excited with game upon us this coming Saturday with game 2 being in our home court, and expect the Wyndham faithful will help us get us across the finish line”

Game 1 Leaders
Bulleen			Wyndham
Olivia Bontempelli	24	Points	Amanda Paschal	22
Louella Tomlinson	13	Rebounds	Dyani Ananiev	16
Louella Tomlinson	5	Assists	Amanda Paschal	6
Amanda Hobba	+5	Best +/-	Lauren Jones / Lyndsey Hoogenhout	+11

 

Division One Men

Bellarine vs Shepparton

Game 1: Saturday 27^th August 5:30pm at Bellarine Sports Centre  

Game 1 of the Division One Men Grand Final series we see Bellarine Storm host the Shepparton Gators in a wild 3^rd vs 4^th final. Bellarine took the regular seasons champions Melbourne University to a 3 game series closing them out by 15 points in game 3.  Shepparton swept the 2^nd placed Keysborough Cougars comfortably in game 1 then in a close 4-point game away from home last weekend. This looks to be a great series with Bellarine getting over the line by 6 in their last hit out.

Game 3 of the Bellarine vs Melbourne University series, there was little they could do wrong after losing the first quarter 24 to 13. Winning the last 3 quarters of the game, especially the 4^th Bellarine showed they are more then capable of going the distance. Shooting just under 50% from the field for the game, 43% from the land of plenty and getting to the line 31 times, the Storm had all the answers. Lewis Varley finished with a game high 26 points and 13 rebounds with Max Kos and Leigh Saffin combining for 45, Melbourne University struggled hold them down. Varley couldn’t quite get things going for himself last time these two matched up together, will he be able turn the tables in the final’s series?

 Shepparton made quick work in their semi-finals, knocking off the 2^nd placed Keysborough. In what was a blow out in week 1, winning by a margin of 26 points Keysborough made some changes and almost took it to game 3 year Shepparton held on after a late charge in the 3^rd quarter. Garrett Jefferson was impressive in game 2 coming away with a 20-point and 11 rebound double double with Dylan Wilkie close by with 19 points shooting a daggering 5 from 6 from the land of plenty. Going 51% from the arc made things very difficult for Keysborough as they were watching them drop one after another. Shepparton were able to dominate the rebound count, an area which Keysborough had been strong in all year. It was a true performance from Shepparton, proving to the league they mean business and are going for it all!

Statistical Leaders
Bellarine			Shepparton
Lewis Varley	16.83	Points	Garrett Jefferson	18.71
Jason Reardon	8.91	Rebounds	Matt Andronicos	7.04
Jason Reardon	4.36	Assists	Matthew Bartlett	4

 

Division One Women

Sherbrooke vs Warrnambool

Game 1: Saturday 27^th August 6:00pm at Bell Real Estate Stadium    

Grand Final game 1 we have the Sherbrooke Suns host the Warrnambool Mermaids in a 1^st vs 3^rd final series. Week 2 of the finals Warrnambool took down Sherbrooke 73 to 61 to progress straight through, forcing Sherbrooke to play in week and come up against Western Port. Producing a huge 30 point 3^rd quarter, they were able to hold on and earn themselves a spot in the big dance.

The regular season champions, Sherbrooke have had to battle all post season grinding out wins and having to bounce back from the week 2 loss. Their 19 turnovers against Warrnambool hurt them and put them into a preliminary final the following week. It was then Ariel Hearn’s time to shine, coming away with a huge 30-point, 9 rebound, 7 assist and 2 steal performance in 40 minutes of action. It seemed like there was thought in her mind they wouldn’t make the final. After falling apart in the 4^th quarter against Warrnambool in week 2, the Suns will be looking to play more consistent basketball throughout this series and find more shot attempts across the board.

In an incredible performance in week 2 earning themselves a spot in the big dance, Warrnambool have given themselves every opportunity to hang the championship banner. With 4 players scoring over 10 points, their scoring power was overwhelming for the Suns. Katie Okeefe continues to put up big numbers across the board coming away with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 steals in 40 minutes of action. Their ability to limit their turnovers and get up numerous shot attempts has kept this Mermaids squad in contention all year. Will they be able to take down this Suns unit again at their home before heading back to a Warrnambool crowd?

Statistical Leaders
Sherbrooke			Warrnambool
Ariel Hearn	26.25	Points	Katie Okeefe	14.5
Alicia Carline	15	Rebounds	Olivia Fuller	10.82
Ariel Hearn	4.13	Assists	Katie Okeefe	3.69

 

Division Two Men

Pakenham vs Gippsland United

Saturday 27^th August 6:00pm at Cardinia Life

Game 1 of the grand final series we have the Pakenham Warriors take on the regular season champions Gippsland United. Both Pakenham and Gippsland United earned themselves the week off round 1 placing 1^st and 2^nd in the regular season. United moved swiftly past Wallan in the semi-finals in 2 games by a combined margin of 61 points. Pakenham took on Altona in the Semis also taking it out in 2 games with some closer margins.

The Warriors had a consistent 2 weeks in the semis holding off Altona’s physical in paint presence and quick ball movement finding themselves in the finale. Coming out strong in both encounters setting the tone early, the Warriors big man Joe Davis controlled the games and dominated when he had to. Scoring efficiently around the ring whilst being able to stretch the floor and be a threat from the arch, Davis owned the semifinals. With some very experienced athletes working around him including Josh Dow and Alistair Parker, coach Rob Roberts has found a way to keep it season going and creeping closer and closer to holding up the trophy.

Gippsland United have been the team to beat all year. Proving to the league they are a team to recon with. Finishing with a 20-2 record for the regular season to then sweep Wallan in the semifinals, United come into the grand final series as what could be front runners. Brandon Armstrong has dominated the division and hasn’t taken his foot of the gas in the finals combining for 47 in the two semi final games. Putting up very consistent number and influencing both sides of the floor, he will be a very exciting player in the finals. Billy Hughes has complimented Armstrong well in his games stretching the floor and knocking down daggers. Can Gippsland on the road go up 1-0, edging closer a championship in their first year in the league?  

Statistical Leaders
Pakenham			Gippsland United
Joe Davis	25.13	Points	Brandon Armstrong	20.33
Joe Davis	9.21	Rebounds	Brandon Armstrong	7.29
Joshua Dow	3.26	Assists	Brandon Armstrong	4.79

 

Division Two Women

Altona vs Mornington

Saturday 27^th August 6:00pm at Bell Real Estate Stadium

Game 1 of the grand final series we see the Altona Gators host the Mornington Breakers. Mornington took charge in week 2 of the finals against Altona, keeping Altona to 48 points and earning them a spot in the Grand Final. Altona had to work each week to find their way to the big dance, closing it out against RMIT last weekend.

The Gators have had to battle through their finals to reach the grand finals series even though dropping only the one game against the Breakers in week 2. Taking over RMIT in both other encounters, it was Sharna Appleby who has carried this roster and put her team in a great position to win the trophy. Pouring in 28 points shooting 66% from the field last weekend, Appleby has done it all and more. Come out after the half time break at 33 a-piece, Altona’s premiership quarter which put them in great stead to close out the game. Although having an off-shooting night from the arc, at just 18%, their ability to finish strong in the paint has proved more than enough to get over the line repeatedly. Appleby will be one to look out for this series, what will we see from her?

Mornington have taken some very well-deserved rest during these finals. Playing just the one game against Altona. Taking out first place in the regular season ladder gave them the week of round 1 before having to face Altona for a chance to go straight through to the grand finale. After what you could say was a slow star by both teams, Mornington came out strong in the third to make a 23-to-11-point quarter, holding on in the end to get up by 7 points. Sarah Parsons led the way for the Breakers with a huge 22-point 14 rebound double double. With a very well-rounded group including Parsons, Borham and Lie, the breakers look to be the front runners in what will be a very exciting grand final series. Will coach Brett Spicer keep his game plan the same as before proving enough, or will he have even more in his bag to show the Big V league?

Statistical Leaders
Altona			Mornington
Sharna Appleby	19.4	Points	Sarah Parson	14.44
Jessica Rarity	10.52	Rebounds	Sarah Parsons	10
Jaylen-rose Hawea	3.71	Assists	Sarah Parson	5.33

 

Youth League Two Men

Keysborough vs Pakenham

Game 2: Saturday 27^th August 7:30pm at Bellarine Sports Centre

Game 3 (if needed): Sunday 28th August 1:00pm at Bellarine Sports Centre

It was Keysborough proving too strong in game 1 of the series coming away with a 94 to 82 point win away in Pakenham. Scoring in the 20s every quarter, the Cougar’s scoring power was too much to handle for Pakenham’s usual strong defensive front. Kelsey Espeut led the way for the Cougars with 25 points and 7 rebounds with 3 of his team mates also reaching double figures. Jackson Grey did what he could for the Warriors coming away with a game high 30 points, but it wasn’t quite enough. It was a high turnover game with 41 for the game, something both coaches would be addressing during the week. Here’s what they had to say.

Pakenham Coach, Braden Venning had this to say:

Game one was a back and forth battle that all amounted to one third quarter run we couldn’t get back. Credit to Keysborough as they tightened their defense and put us in uncomfortable situations in the second half and we just didn’t meet them physically. Jackson Grey and Michael Johns were outstanding for us and we will look for them to lead us again as they were fantastic against Keysborough’s physicality. We expect Keysbough to come out strong in front of their home crowd and really make a statement early but we’ve put some work into unsettling their offense and really look forward to the challenge of going there for a huge game two and hopefully game three.

Keysborough Coach, Simon Phillips had this to say:

We came out sluggish in defence in the first quarter and Pakenham took advantage executing their offense and hitting their shots at 61% from the field. From the 2nd quarter onwards, our intensity lifted which was pleasing and I was very happy with our third quarter where we went on a 13 and 0 run and also forced Pakenham into some loose shots and passes. That run was the difference in the game, and we will have to start better next game if we want to have a win. Credit to Pakenham. They are a very well coached and structured team. We will have to be better in game 2, but very much looking for the game to see how we respond at the start. 

Game 1 Leaders
Pakenham			Keysborough
Jackson Grey	30	Points	Kelsey Espeut	25
Michael Johns	10	Rebounds	Riley Simmons	8
Josh Norton	5	Assists	Bowen Mahon	7
Jake Barnard / Timothy Efunkanbi	0	Best + / -	Kelsey Espeut / Riley Simmons	+13

 

Youth League Two Women

Bellarine vs Coburg

Game 2: Saturday 27^th August 7:30pm at Bellarine Sports Centre

Game 3 (if needed): Sunday 28th August 1:00pm at Bellarine Sports Centre

Coburg held their ground at home taking out game 1 in the series. Running over the top of the Storm with a 50-to-34 point 2^nd half performance. Thrashing the scoreboard with a 91 to 73 final score, the Giants finished with 5 players in double figures, Mackenzie Braini being one pouring in a team high 22 points. It was a very well-rounded performance for the Giants as they look to end the series on Saturday night at Bellarine. Piper Copeland had a massive game for the Storm coming away with a game high 24 points shooting 80% from the field, going 6 from 8 from the land of plenty. Now moving to Bellarine Saturday and possible Sunday, Bellarine will look to use their home court advantage to regain control of the series. Here’s what the coaches had to say about game 1.

Coburg Coach, Joseph Borg had this to say:

We were happy with most parts of our game last weekend. We went in with a game plan and for the most part we managed to execute it. We had too many fouls in Game 1, so that is an area we will need to better at this week. We had great individual games from Jenna Ryan and Mackenzie Braini, but our strength all year has been our depth of talent and our ability to play tough tenacious defense with every player contributing. Our defense feeds our offense.

We know that Bellarine are going to come at us with all guns blazing, and we will be expecting a very tough time in Drysdale. We need to do a much better job of contesting Piper Copeland’s long-range shots, or she will burn us again and we need to be ready to face League MVP Carly Sanders, who won’t be quiet two games in a row. Bellarine have lots of depth too and we can’t afford to focus on one or two players. Hopefully we can do enough to get over the line in one of the games this weekend.

Bellarine Coach, Dave Smith had this to say:

Game 1 was obviously a little bit disappointing, we never really felt like we could get anything organised the way we have in previous games. Despite the outcome, a strong performance from Piper Copeland, finishing with 24 points at 80% FG%, and a solid effort on the boards from Carly Sanders, picking up 15 for the night. 

We are fully expecting Coburg to bring the intensity and pace to the game, as they did last week. Their pressure in the full court forced a lot of turnovers and they made the most of every opportunity to hurt us on the scoreboard. We’ve made some adjustments this week which we feel will help us get the ball moving with a bit more freedom and I expect our girls will bounce back in front of a big home crowd.

Game 1 Leaders
Coburg			Bellarine
Mackenzie Braini	22	Points	Piper Copeland	24
Daniella Nagnda	12	Rebounds	Carly Sanders	15
Jenna Ryan	9	Assists	Carly Sanders	5
Jacqueline Torrini	+28	Best + / -	Millicent Sibley	+2