Hire leads Wolves to Grand Final (Friday Night Wrap)
New Perth Wildcats recruit Greg Hire has led Wanneroo Wolves to their first men's State Basketball League Grand Final appearance since 1993 after they eliminated Cockburn Cougars.
Wanneroo won its best-of-three semi-finals series 2-0 after winning game two at Joondalup Basketball Stadium 113-76 to advance to face either Perry Lakes Hawks or Lakeside Lightning in the Grand Final on August 20.
And Hire showed why the Wildcats signed him to the last available spot on their full-time roster last week as he dominated with 34 points and 25 rebounds to help the Wolves qualify for just their second title decider.
Fellow Wildcats player Brad Robbins chipped in with 20 points and eight assists for Wanneroo, while Ty Harrelson top-scored with 16 points for the Cougars, whose 19-year title drought continues.
The Wolves took control of the game in the third quarter, where they extended their lead from 10 points to 31, and were never challenged from there.
Meanwhile, Lakeside forced its series to a deciding third game overnight after winning game two against the Hawks 92-88.
The Lightning held off a spirited Hawks comeback to level the series at 1-1, but victory may have come at a huge cost, with star Lakeside import Luke Payne picking up an apparent leg injury in the third quarter which put his availability for the rest of the playoffs in question.
Hawks forward Anthony Lee recovered from a quiet first half to lead his side's comeback, finishing with 33 points and 14 rebounds, while Ben Beran top-scored for Lakeside with 34 points.
In women's action, defending champions Willetton stayed alive with a 76-68 win against Wanneroo to level the series at 1-1.
Kate Malpass (20 points) led the Tigers to a victory which kept alive their chances of a fourth-straight Grand Final appearance.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Wayne Wright (Wayne Wright Photography)
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