There was plenty of energy at the Ice House last week as the junior stars showcased their skills in the grand finals. Top-placed Boomers took on the second-placed Wolves in the Under 12 Boys Blue Division decider.
The teams played at a frenetic pace, using their dribbling and passing skills to create scoring opportunities. Kobi Roulstone for the Wolves had a fantastic game piling on 23 points as he sliced his way through the Boomers’ defence.
His efforts were enough for Wolves to take home the trophy by five points after a great display of basketball. Scores were locked in the dying stages of an epic Under 12 Boys Gold Grand Final between Hunters and Magic.
But with four minutes to go, Banjo Stephens and Lachie Mccann scored on consecutive trips to give the Magic a four-point edge in the final minutes. However, the ever-resilient Hunters never gave in and found a spark in Albert Peters quickly working their way back into the lead.
The final minute was tense with the Magic trying everything to regain the lead, but the Hunters held on for a memorable 36-32 victory. The Under 14 Boys Blue Grand Final had the Pistons taking on the Blazers.
The Pistons caused an upset against the top placed Giants to gain entry into the decider and the Blazers took care of business against the Sixers in their semi-final. For the Pistons, Angus Troebinger battled hard for his side finishing with 10 points, but they struggled to contain Kobi Maxwell (17 points) and Ethan Bayley (10 points) as the Blazers ran out 42 to 24 victors.
The Under 14 Boys Gold Grand Final had top placed Kings taking on the third placed Jets. Both teams were locked away at 21 all at half time, with Jets’ Angus Heesmans effectively disrupting the play of the Kings.
Riley Ellis started the third quarter with back-to-back baskets igniting a push from the Kings who took a five point lead into the final term. Sam Baron of the Jets worked hard to keep his side in touch in the final quarter, but the Kings managed to push their lead out to double figures and held on for the 11-point win.
It was a tight game between the Capitals and Storm for the Under 14 Girls Blue Division title. The game was played with great spirit as the girls showcased their improvement in skills.
Sienna Henke and Molly Peacock were stars for the Capitals, while Tahni Kemp had a great game for the Storm. Only three points split the teams at the final buzzer with Capitals victorious.
The Under 14 Girls gold Grand Final was played with fantastic intensity, both Opals and Lightning playing with full court pressure across the 40 minutes of play. Chloe Peacock of the Opals capped off her fantastic season with 16 points.
However, it was the play of Ruby Mitchell that gave the Lightning the edge. Mitchell’s ability to rebound and gather loose balls made a huge difference for her side. The Lightning winners by seven points.
