YOUNG GUNS FIRED UP FOR TILT AT STATE SERIES FINALS
The Mustangs’ youth men and youth women have qualified for the final four of their respective statewide competitions and they will play semi-finals at Newcastle Basketball Stadium on Saturday.
The men will clash with the Ryde Bulls while the women will take on the Central Coast Crusaders and the winners will advance to the final at the same venue on Sunday.
It has been a long time between finals drinks for the Mustangs in both competitions and none of the current crop of players have experienced youth league play-offs
previously.
“The last time we made finals was about 10 or 15 years ago,” Mustangs youth women captain Charlotte Bull said.
“So to make it to the finals is a terrific achievement.”
The title drought for the boys has not been as great, but the determination to keep the ball rolling remains the same.
“It has been at least three years since we have been there,” Mustangs youth men captain Sam Cross said.
“The last time was when a few of the Waratah League guys were still playing, most of us were in under-18s then and now we are the senior players.
“We are really looking forward to it and hopefully it all goes well for us.”
So far so good for both teams in the finals.
The women played at home on Saturday and defeated the Illawarra Hawks by 17 points while the men overcame the Crusaders by one at Terrigal, despite leading by 16 going into the final quarter.
The men will face the Bulls for the first time this season while the women will tackle the Crusaders after a split head-to-head record this season.
In the other semi-finals the Newcastle Hunters host the Parramatta Wildcats in the men’s division while the Sydney Comets will battle it out with the Hawks in the women’s side of the draw.
The men tip off at 9.30am while the women start at 11.30am.
Grand finals will be played at the same time on Sunday.
n See tomorrow’s Maitland Mercury for a preview of the Maitland Mustangs’ tilt at the Waratah League title.
They will take on the Sydney Comets in a semi-final at the same venue at 5pm on Saturday.
Keep up to date with all the latest Basketball and sport news @
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.