U14 Boys Club Champs recap- Day 3

Written by volunteers at Basketball WA.

Game #37 Championship Division: North West Tasmania Thunder (81) defeated Joondalup Wolves (65)

Both teams came out firing from outside the arc in the first quarter before the Thunder’s full-court defensive pressure looked to halt Joondalup who were converting well under the rim. In the end, it was the dynamic duo of Taran Armstrong and Reyne Smith who carried North West Tasmania to the win.

Game #38 Shield Division: Southern District Spartans (97) defeated NT South Suns (51)

After a tight first quarter, the Spartans were able to convert the Suns’ turnovers into points in the second period and create a handy buffer by the main break. NT South fought and scrapped through the entire contest but were unable to eat into the lead.

Game #39 Shield Division: Sunshine Coast Rip (51) defeated by Cockburn Cougars (58)

A mini-run saw the Rip gain the ascendancy early but two three-pointers from Riley Prudie handed the quarter-time lead to the Cougars. Riley Curtis was able to respond for the Rip, scoring 11 in a devastating second term but foul trouble forced him to the bench in the second half and that was when Cockburn pounced. Their solid ball movement and hustle on the glass led them to the tight victory.

Game #40 Shield Division: Darwin Cyclones (37) defeated by North Adelaide Rockets (95)

Jumping out to an early lead, North Adelaide never looked back as they utilised their size advantage and impressive full-court pressure to record a convincing win.

Game #41 Championship Division: Melbourne Tigers (81) defeated Bendigo Braves (29)

Bendigo stayed tight with Melbourne through the opening term but the Tigers press disrupted their offence as the match went on while Melbourne’s offence flowed well throughout the contest.

Game #42 Championship Division: Keilor Thunder (64) defeated Sydney Comets (57)

Keilor’s inside presence could not be stopped early as they controlled the boards thanks to Oscar Berry who had nine points by half-time (and 14 overall) to held the Thunder to a 14-point advantage. They looked to be headed towards an easy win before Sydney’s Jack Heager and Biwali Bayles (17 points) combined to push Keilor right until the final siren.

Game #43 Championship Division: Cairns Marlines (43) defeated by Sturt Sabres (49)

In the clash of two undefeated teams, Sturt utilised some strong outside shooting to open a 14-point lead at half-time. Cairns got their transition game going in the second half to reduce the deficit but the Sabres’ composure from the free-throw line down the stretch secured the win for them.

Game #44 Championship Division: Gosford City Rebels (40) defeated by Bulleen Boomers (73)

Through multiple scoring options, Bulleen took control of the match against Gosford with the Rebels unable to push the ball in transition or cut through the Boomers rock-solid defensive structures.

Game #45 Shield Division: North West Tasmania Foresters (56) defeated by Southern Districts Spartans (74)

An impressive start to the game by Mojave King and Patrick Foster gave Southern District a solid lead going into the major break and although the Foresters fought back in the second half, the margin proved too great to overcome.

Game #46 Shield Division: Tamworth Thunderbolts (65) defeated Joondalup Wolves (62)

In a see-sawing contest that saw eight lead changes, Joondalup responded from an eight-point deficit at quarter-time to lead by three at half-time. Ryan Bath and Nathan Clarke, who combined for 37 points, brought the Thunderbolts back and although the Wolves hit some critical free-throws late, Tamworth took an exciting win.

Game #47 Shield Division: Cockburn Cougars (51) defeated by Canberra Gunners (65)

After a relatively slow start, Gunners Harrison Matthew and Blake Jones led the charge as Canberra stepped up a gear to lead by 16 at half-time. Cockburn were unable to counter that momentum swing as Canberra went on to take out the victory.

Game #48 Shield Division: North Adelaide Rockets (62) defeated Willetton Tigers (61)

With 12 points in the first quarter, Roosevelt Williams gave North Adelaide the early six-point advantage at quarter-time which they maintained through to three-quarter time. Willeton turned up their defensive pressure in the final term though and the heat was truly turned up when the Rockets’ top scorer was fouled out. The Tigers edged in front with 50 seconds remaining but a shot from the paint, with 11.1 seconds left, gave North Adelaide the thrilling win.

Game #49 Championship Division: Melbourne Tigers (66) defeated Casey Cavaliers (51)

In front of two of the most vocal crowds at the Championships, Melbourne centre Paul Tsapatolis dominated the boards at both ends of the floor and some big shots from Samuel Metcalfe handed Melbourne the momentum which they carried through to the final siren. 

Game #50 Championship Division: Perry Lakes Hawks (49) defeated by Keilor Thunder (65)

Leading at every change, Keilor had four players reach double-digits to counter the strong play of Blake Costello and Nathan Thomas who combined for 30 points for Perry Lakes.

Game #51 Championship Division: Bulleen Boomers (52) v Central Districts Lions (46)

The Lions took it to the Boomers, holding on to an early lead before Bulleen dragged themselves back into the contest late. Lachlan Godden and Mason Greatz fought out a great contest but crucial free-throws in the final minute gave Bulleen the nail-biting win.

Game #52 Championship Division: Norths Bears (68) defeated by Cairns Marlins (74)

The Bears came out strong and controlled the match until the Marlins got their composure to level the score. An unbelievable final quarter of basketball saw the teams going basket-for-basket right until the final siren before the matched headed to overtime. In the extra period, Cairns dominated to take the victory.