After a 15 round competition, two successful teams from each senior domestic grade took to the court last Wednesday night to play in their respective Grand Finals. Also on the night, a number of individuals were acknowledged and rewarded for their overall performances and contributions during the regular season. The senior summer season is just around the corner and we encourage all new and former players to get involved and be a part of the new season. Millicent Basketball offers a number of senior grades that vary in vary in ability and skill but maintain the same level of competitiveness, which serves to suit all interested players. Team nominations are now available from the Millicent Basketball website.

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. The Rebels were at their regular best with all six players contributing to their team’s final score. While Katelyn Wilson, Veronika Capurso and Jenna Brown from the Roos did all they could to keep the game in reach, the Rebels eventually ran away as 14-point victors. Peta Haines from the Roos was awarded the Women’s C Grade best and fairest, while Demi Smith from the Rebels took home the Runners Up award.

Also at 6:30 pm, the game of the night was played between the Pumas and the Tigers in the Men’s B grade Grand final. Both teams got off to a slow start with a total of 5 points scored throughout the entirety of the first quarter. However, the Pumas managed to get on the board in the second and third quarter, but so too did the Tigers which allowed them to slightly extend their first quarter lead. It wasn’t until the last quarter that the Pumas were able to outscore the Tigers and close the deficit to within reach, though time was against them. The Tigers will be thankful for their efforts in the first half, which was the deciding factor in their final 5-point victory. Cameron Millard from the Pumas was awarded the Men’s B MVP, with his teammate Cooper Hutchesson receiving the Runners Up award.

At 7:30 the Eagles, came up against the Devils in the Women’s B grand final. The Eagles, having endured an impressive 24-point win in the semi-final and finishing the minor rounds undefeated, were confident going into the Grand final. The Eagles took control of the game early earning them a 13 – 4 lead at the first break. The Devils began to find scoring options through their youngsters in Maddi Bowden and Kodi Lucas but struggled to deny the Eagles scoring. Danielle Vanderhuel from the Eagles led all scorers with 16 points, followed by the Eagles’ Heather Douglas with 11 points. Danielle Vanderhuel not only had a great game, but she also had an outstanding season and took out the Women’s B MVP, with the Runners Up going to her team mate in Naomi Damhuis.

The Senior Men’s Grand final at 7:30 pm was played between the Pumas and the Devils. The Pumas enjoyed a huge win second-ranked Magic in the semi final and were out to knock off the competition favourites in the Grand final. The Devils were missing Brad Tilley, the league Runner up best and fairest, but the Pumas were also short handed, as Jordan Gould had been ruled out of the Grand final due to injury. The two sides were evenly matched throughout the first three-quarters, as a mere two points separated the Pumas from the Devils. An excellent 16 – 6 fourth quarter run by the Devils earned the Men a 12 goal win at the final siren. Jed Telfer from the Eagles won the Senior Men MVP, while Brad Tilley from the Eagles was rewarded Runners up for his outstanding season.

The Saints and Devils played off in the Senior Women’s Grand Final last Monday night, due to a number of competitors playing in the SECBL finals on Wednesday night. The Saints went into the game holding high hopes of taking the win after their near 'perfect' season, however, the Saints were confronted with a zone defence, which worked well in the Devil’s favour. The Devils limited the Saints usual fast break style of play and adapted this to their own game, which the Saints found hard to stop. The game was kept within reach by the Saints, but the Devils were able to pull away with a comfortable lead in the dying minutes of the game to claim a 12-goal victory. Keah Lynch from the Saints earned the Senior Women’s MVP and Emily Winter from the Tigers received the Runner’s up.