Basketball Mount Gambier staged a most successful Junior Grand Final Day to conclude one of the best seasons of junior basketball for some time. Increased numbers of divisions, improved standards in play and refereeing were highlights of the action packed day. The large crowds of parents and spectators, who continually encouraged and applauded the efforts of the players added to the positive and fun atmosphere of the grand finals.

Members of the organising committee worked hard in preparing for the day and were pleased with its overall success. Preliminary plans are already in place for a similar day to conclude the coming winter season.

The day opened with Under 12 grand finals. The Fever Under 12 Girls, coached by Felicity Clayton, was a leading team throughout the season and were too strong for Deanna Nulty’s Spirit, who sorely missed the injured Cara Nulty. Excitement marked the efforts of the Under 12 Boys Blue Division participants, Wolves and Bucks. The scores were close throughout with Theresa Paltridge guiding the Wolves to a 17-12 win. The matches in the Under 12 Boys Gold Division were close during the regulation season and carried into the finals series. Coach Ben Brumby led Celtics to a 3 point win over Magic, 42-39.

The Under 14 Boys Blue Division final continued the excitement as Suns snared the result from Blazers in the dying seconds, 33-32. Nick Creedy was Coach of the victorious Suns. The Under 14 Boys Gold Division has produced high standard, close and competitive games this season. The grand final was played between second semi-final winner, Jets, and Knicks coached by Nick Thomas. Knicks’ strong win in the preliminary final set them up for a solid grand final showing, led by Jake Walker and Zac Nulty. Aaron Ramsey and Joel Bryant played very well for Jets but Knicks prevailed, 49-41.

Bulldogs Under 16 Boys Division 1 team, coached by Steve Reid, has been the bench mark this season and, after a close encounter in the preliminary final, bounced back to easily account for Roos in the final, 41-24. Bulldogs, under the coaching of Phil McBain, scored a narrow win, 27 -22 over Cougars in the first season of the Under 16 Boys Division 2 competition for many years.

First year Under 14 player Alyssa Duncan led her side Capitals, to a 39-30 win against Fire, who had moved into the grand final following a narrow second final win. Capitals managed to turn the table on Fire in the final.

Panthers, despite missing players, accounted for pre-match favourite, Roos in the Under 16 Girls’ final. Panthers managed to open up an unexpected lead in the second half through effective execution of offence. Leading scorers were Emily Close for Panthers and Sarah Nulty for Roos.

Roos Women were clearly the best team in the Junior Women’s competition and showed that form in the final to defeat Cougars 26-12. Winning Coach Liz Noble-Hines commended the players on their approach of having fun and playing with friends.

Bulldogs Junior Men showed obvious improvement in the latter weeks of the season under the guidance of Simon Berkefeld and carried this form into the final against Roos to score a narrow 4 point win, 29-25. It was pleasing to see the large crowd of spectators supporting the players and enjoying the close contest.

The day finished on an exciting note when Bulldogs Under 18 Men, coached by Matt Berkefeld nudged minor premier Roos out by 2 points, 52-50. Leading scorers for Bulldogs were Todd Reid and Shaun Lock while Brodie Jolley and Caleb Backmann led the way for Roos.      

The 2017 Winter season begins in the week of Monday May 1^st. Under 10, 12 and 14 players and friends are encouraged to register on line and Club team players are also required to register on line with Club teams.