The Women’s C Grade Grand Final, which began at 6:30 pm, was the first game of the night. The Rebels and Roos were clearly the two best teams in the competition and proved their dominance by advancing through to the decider. Nadia Honner and Zoe Blum, from the Rebels, were at their best, contributing a massive 18 points each to their team’s final score. While Peta Haines, Veronika Capurso and Bec Shanks did all they could to keep the game in reach, the Rebels eventually ran away as 16-point victors. Nadia Honner was awarded the Women’s C Grade best and fairest alongside Heather Douglas, while Amy Mason took home the Runners Up.

 

The Senior Women’s grand final between the Eagles and the Saints was also played at 6:30 pm. The Eagles scored the first few baskets of the game and looked to take control early over the favourites. However, Lisa Duldig from the Saints responded and got her team on the board to minimise the 7-point deficit. The Saints then scored the next 11 points and continued to power on through the next three-quarters. The final score was 33 – 61 in favour of the Saints with recognitions going to Donna who had 13 points. Alana Winter from the Eagles worked tirelessly at both ends of the court and finished top scorer for her team with 12 points. Keah Lynch from the Saints received the Senior Women’s best and fairest, closely followed by Emily Winter from the Tigers who took out the Runners up.

 

At 7:30 the three-time reigning premiers, the Tigers, came up against the Saints in the Men’s B grand final. The Saints, having beaten the Tigers in the semi-final, were confident and the Tigers team consisting of four players raised their willingness to finally take out the title. The Saints displayed a dominant team effort with five out of their eight players scoring double figures and everyone contributing in their own individual manner. The Tigers were down to three players at the beginning of the last quarter, so Tyler Stanley held his team on his shoulders and scored an impressive 14 points alone. Though it was too little too late for the Tigers as the Saints claimed victory 75 – 55. Tyler Stanley from the Tigers was rewarded with the Men’s B-Grade best and fairest while David Hurley from the Saints got Runners Up.

 

Whilst the Men’s game was on, the Women’s B grand final was also being played with the Saints taking on the Eagles. The Roos, who were minor premiers, were knocked out during the finals series, which allowed for the 2nd and 3rd placed team to eye off the premiership. The two sides were evenly matched in three-quarters of the game, but an excellent 13 – 2 third quarter by the Saints earned the women an 11 goal win at the final siren. Kristie Rowe from the Saints led all scorers with 10 points, followed by the Eagles Anna Lonergan with 8 points and Amy Mason with 7 points. Kristie Rowe not only had a great game, but she also had an outstanding season and took out the best and fairest award, with the Runners Up going to Amy Mason.

 

In the final game of the night, all eyes were on the Senior Men’s grand final played out between the Eagles and the Saints. The Eagles led by Jed Telfer were premiership favourites after finishing at the top of the ladder after 18 rounds. However, the Saints were in winning form after defeating their grand final opposition in the second semi-final. On Wednesday night Jed Telfer was at his best, scoring 23 points including 3 from behind the arc, while Caolan Buckley left his best game till last. The Saints team struggled all night to score against the great defensive pressure applied by the Eagles. The Eagles ended up running away quite comfortably by 32 points with the final score of 57 – 25. Jed Telfer claimed the senior men’s best and fairest and Nathan Chapple was awarded the Runners Up.

 

Also on this night, we recognised some particular individual within the Millicent Basketball Association, who show great commitment, dedication and hard work for the benefit of basketball in our community. These individuals have not only have devoted their time this season but also on many occasions over the last few years. We would like to congratulate Ang Winter who was awarded the Lofty Clark Memorial Award for being the club person of the year, Alana Winter who received the Phillip Sutherland Memorial Award and finally Emily Winter and Finn Grimes as joint winners of the Maureen Lane Memorial Award, as the junior club people of the year. These award winners were voted by all members of the committee and are truly deserving of their recognitions.

 

With the next senior season just around the corner we encourage all new and former members to get involved and be a part of the winter season. Millicent Basketball offers a number of senior grades that vary in ability and skill, but maintain the same level of competiveness, which serves to suit all new and aspiring players.