North Adelaide lived up to pre-season expectations with a comfortable victory over Woodville in the Men's Grand Final of the 2007 Basketball Blitz. A scorching display of shooting in the 2nd quarter from 36er Erik Burdon meant the game was over before half time.

The Warriors were the surprise performers of the tournament, getting through the minor rounds undefeated, including a solid win against the Rockets. The going was much tougher in the game that mattered, with North racing to a 19-10 quarter time lead. Savvy veteran Ben Groves found himself the recipient of successive post isolation plays and scored both times despite giving up inches to his defender.

The second quarter sent an ominous message for those aware that North is still to add Dusty Rychart and Ryan Kersten to an already well-drilled unit. Six consecutive points from Nick Hambour triggered an incredible 23 to 0 run, much of which came from the hot hand of Burdon. Erik was an animal from the perimeter, hitting three three pointers in the space of 60 seconds, one off transition and two from set plays. Woodville struggled to defend dribble hand-offs and on-ball screens, and their woes were compounded by poor shooting at the other end.

The half-time message from Woodville coach Jason Bray paid dividends, and Woodville showed some fight in the third quarter. Hard-nosed defender Cam Wilson led the charge at both ends, helping his team keep North to 7 points for the quarter, while hitting a couple of jump shots off the glass himself. Unfortunately for Woodville, it mattered little, as both teams cleared their benches towards the end of the game.

For North, Burdon and Groves finished with 15 points and Hambour had 12. For Woodville, Luke Mapunda had 14 against his former club.

Blitz Men's All Star 5

Marcus Ng - Sturt Sabres

Kris Davis - West Adelaide Bearcats

Erik Burdon - North Adelaide Rockets

Doug McDonald-Taylor - Forestville Eagles

Nick Hambour - North Adelaide Rockets