Winter Basketball Grand Final Winners


It was a winter season that had lots to offer in both the men’s and

women’s comps. With four men’s and women’s sides apiece each team had

the potential and skills to make the grand final.


PLBA Winter Season Men’s - Young Guns 51 d Hawks 44


The Young Guns scored their first victory over the Hawks this season

to take out the men’s winter grand final.


The Young Guns came out of the blocks to take a six nil lead in the

first quarter before the Hawks drew even through a handy turnover and

a Clifford Warrior three pointer.


In the second quarter it was all the Hawks as Bradley Crombie and

Dustin Pickett ran riot, rebounding the offensive ball and moving it

down the court to score quickly and take the half time lead.


The Guns bounced back in the third quarter courtesy of a full court

press that applied defensive pressure. Colby Skinner and Buster Keely

combined in some razzle dazzle to dominate the third quarter with

Stephen Shepherd scoring freely to take a six point lead into the

final quarter.


The Hawks came on quickly in the final quarter, a Dan Crombie three

pointer bringing the Guns lead down to two points, but Michael Kosch

returned fire with a long bomb to ice the game with only a minute left

on the clock.


Colby Skinner was outstanding for the Young Guns top scoring with 25

points, as was Bradley Crombie for the Hawks with 18 points including

three from outside the arc. But it was the Young Guns who prevailed,

winning a $50 dollar voucher from the Grand Tasman Hotel for their

efforts.


PLBA Winter Season Women’s – Waybacks Blue 54 d Young Guns 29


Waybacks Blue survived a second half surge by the plucky Young Guns to

seal a solid season with a grand final win.


Waybacks dominated the first quarter, piling on 21 points thanks to

some sharp shooting by Keturah Stock. In reply the Young Guns could

only sink a single free throw.


Casey Elliot of Waybacks came out firing in the second quarter with

two quick buckets but the Guns stepped up their defensive pressure and

began to find their own opportunities, Charlotte Rushby combining with

Skye Forbes to add some much needed numbers to their score.


By the start of the third quarter the Waybacks ladies maintained a

comfortable 20 point lead. Who knows what was said in the Guns huddle

at half time but coach Mal must have been inspirational as the Young

Guns ran all over their much taller and stronger opponents, sparked by

some Kobi Keely magic and the irrepressible Howell twins.


By the start of the final quarter the momentum was firmly with the

Young Guns and Demi Skinner made two quick baskets, but the

experienced Waybacks turned the game their way with some solid inside

work from Judith Borg and Antoinette Wadell to add to their lead and

take out the final.


All the young ladies from the Young Guns side are to be commended.

They played with spirit and teamwork, and have shown vast improvement

over the season. Casey Elliot and Keturah Stock were sublime for the

Waybacks team that has been the one to beat all winter. They can now

enjoy their $50 voucher from the Grand Tasman and bask in the glory.


And that wraps up the winter season for the port Lincoln Basketball

Association. It was a lively contest that everyone enjoyed immensely

and bodes well for the summer competition. To play the summer comp you

need to be aligned with one of the four clubs, Waybacks, Rangers,

Lightning and Tasmans, so contact your club secretary and get some

friends together and make up a team. Nomination forms can be found at

the leisure centre or online at www.portlincoln.basketball.net.au