29 August
Justin Schwarze
The stage is set for a blockbuster weekend of Big V basketball, with both the Championship Women’s and Men’s titles to be decided at the State Basketball Centre this Saturday. Four teams remain, each carrying their own momentum, storylines and hunger to etch their names into history.
Boomers chasing upset, Storm eyeing dominance
The afternoon will see Bulleen and Bellarine square off in the Championship Women’s grand final, a clash between the league’s hottest underdog and its most dominant force.
The Boomers have been the surprise packet of the finals, storming from fourth place to reach the big dance. After edging Sherbrooke in a tight elimination final, they stunned McKinnon on the road and then knocked out second-placed Pakenham thanks to a 37-point, nine-rebound heroics from skipper Catelyn Van Es.
By contrast, Bellarine has looked untouchable all season. The Storm went 19-3 in the regular season and comfortably accounted for the Warriors in their semi-final. Their defensive credentials are unmatched, conceding just 59 points per game while forcing turnovers at a league-high rate.
Bulleen will be desperate to avenge last year’s heartbreaking two-point grand final loss to Wyndham, though they’ll need to find a way without injured playmaker Amy Baum. With Van Es leading the charge and Jennie Rintala providing scoring punch, the Boomers will look to ride their finals form. For the Storm, Courtney Strait’s perimeter shooting and Georgia Varley’s versatility will be vital as they aim to cap off their dominant season with silverware.
Tip-off is at 4:30pm.
Cougars seek redemption, Hume City bring firepower
As the sun sets, attention will shift to the Championship Men’s decider, where McKinnon takes on Hume City in what promises to be a high-octane battle.
The Cougars have shown immense resilience, bouncing back from a qualifying final defeat to Hume City to record gutsy wins over Wyndham and top-seeded Keysborough. The return of star guard Mitch Barry has been crucial, his playmaking and scoring lifting McKinnon into another grand final just a year after falling by a single point to Wyndham.
But they face a Hume City outfit in frightening form. They have bulldozed through the finals, first overwhelming McKinnon by nearly 40 points, then putting up 115 in their semi-final win over Keysborough. Matt Foster’s high-tempo offence has been unstoppable, with Kavione Green and Zach McKenzie leading a deep and efficient scoring unit.
For McKinnon, the key will be slowing the pace and forcing the Broncos into half-court sets. Shannon Fowler’s rebounding presence and Shaquille Maharaj’s energy will be pivotal, while shooters Remo Siman and Livai Smith must provide support.
The Championship Men’s Grand Final tips off at 7:30pm, rounding out what promises to be a thrilling day of Big V action.
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