The first night of Winter Season grand Finals were played last night, Tuesday September 7^th.

The Under 12 Boys final between Boomers and Bogut Dunkers was most entertaining and reflected the progress the players have made in terms of skills and understanding of the game. Boomers played well as a team but were challenged by a determined Bogut Dunkers five, who were missing a key player on the night. Final Scores were 48-39.

Leading players for Boomers included Caleb Perry and Brodie Clark. Shaun Lock and Todd Reid worked hard for Bogut Dunkers.

Last Wednesday night opened with an entertaining and closely contested Under 14 Girls final in which minor premier Flames kept a determined Opals at bay. Basketball Mount Gambier Development Officer, Trevor Semmens was pleased with the standard of play and the team-work of the grand final sides. Bailey Watson controlled the play for Flames while Rachael Hines did likewise for Opals.

Yazmin King had a very good game for Flames in their two point win, 41-39. Hines found solid support in Megan Hein for Opals.

The Under 16 Girls final between arch rivals Cougars and minor premier Bulldogs set the scene for an exciting night of basketball. The margin hovered around 2 and 3 points throughout the game. Zoee Cornolo gave Bulldogs a dream start with some fine perimeter shooting. Cougars however, took better advantage of their height inside and were desperate in their attempts to get on top. Emily Stafford, Ashley Earl and Georgia Green all chipped in for scores. Hot shot, Cornolo did not see enough of the ball in the final quarter as the ball went from end to end in frantic passages of play. At the two minute mark of the last quarter Bulldogs had the chance to extend their lead to three but Cougars’ Stafford made the most of a turnover and then got the match winning basket in the final seconds to give her side a one point win. Top scorers were Stafford with 17 and Cornolo with 22, including four threes.

Not to be outdone, the Under 12 Girls’ final on Thursday was another cliff hanger. The one point win was decided in the last gasp seconds of the game when Mary Wilson rebounded and found the basket. Jacinta Russell and Lauren Ross of Breakers led their side well. Brenna McKay gave 100% in her efforts to lead Rangers to a win. Final scores were Breakers 18 to Rangers 17.

The untimely injury to Jets talented junior Stephen Sochacki took the edge off the Under 14 Boys grand final against arch rival Giants. Giants played solid team basketball in which Sam Stafford led his side well, scoring consistently and initiating opportunities for others. Brad Close also had a good game while Nick Laube was impressive in the second half.  

It was however pleasing to see Jets team-mates Brendan Bachman and Todd Lockwood take on more responsibility and led the side in a competitive performance.  James Owen also responded to the challenge. The final result of 55-36 does not reflect the nature of the competitive and entertaining contest. 

Panthers put in a bold showing against the tall and strong Cougars line-up in the Under 16 Boys grand final and led by 7 at quarter time. Cougars played a strong second period and through Jackson Trappett, levelled the score, then grabbed a match winning lead, in the face of Panthers’ desperate surges. Trappett finished with 25 points and Lachlan McKinnon 14 for Cougars in the final score of 57-53. Matt Parslow had 16, Dellon Brown 14 and Lawrence Bradley 12 for Panthers.  

Roos Under 19 Men appeared to be in control midway through their grand final against Cougars as a result of a strong team effort. At three quarter time Roos led 33-22.

Not to be denied, a determined Ashley Taylor had Cougars chipping away at the margin.

Roos managed to hang on for an exciting two points win, 39-37. Taylor finished with a game high 14 points.