HOOPSTERS WIN

The first game saw the Phoenixes take on the Youngsters, with a few quick baskets from the youngest and quickest player with a deadly three-point shot in his catalogue of plays, Phoenix player Braith Clark, they got themselves to a 12 point lead in the first quarter. The second quarter saw the Phoenixes remain in control under the guidance of their captain Tarsh Spiller. Having a good lead heading into the second half it looked like the Phoenixes had the game, but the youngsters regrouped at the half-time break and came out firing.

The quick moves of Jack Finnerty and Lachlan Dorward saw them put 20 quick points on the board, and then the combined efforts of mother-son team, Lou and Will Holley, saw some fantastic plays that led to the Youngsters evening out the score board heading into the final quarter. The big man of the Phoenixes, Tim Everett, came out ready to win, but the Captain of the Youngsters, Locke McCotter had other ideas. The teams fought to the end with Isaac Jones stepping up in defence for the Youngsters, which enabled them to get the victory. These two teams are going to be powerhouses next year.

This then led to the grand final between the Tropicals and the Hoopsters. As expected the undefeated Hoopsters came out strong, with Jayson Murphy and Todd Hayne combining well in the first quarter. But the Tropicals, were not going down without a fight, and they kept themselves in it with Chloe Butler’s great shot making. At the end of first quarter the Hoopsters led by only four. The next quarter saw some amazing defence by Josh King for the Tropicals with and Thomas Butler and Jason Maunder combining to put some points on the board for Tropicals.

The combination of Hoopsters Jack Cowin and Amanda Carpenter, saw their side hold the lead at half-time.

The second-half started with the mother-daughter team of Kerri and Courtney Ford combining to put 14 points on the board. Courtney had an outstanding game. Tara Tapscott defended against the Tropicals, stealing the ball and scoring, making the Hoopsters’ lead a bit larger. The Tropicals didn’t give in, with Lindsay Butler sinking a beautiful three-pointer and Maddison Donnelly having her best game of the season. Matt Ware and Sophie DeGit put some much needed points on the board but it wasn’t to be the Tropicals’ night. The undefeated Hoopsters were just too strong in the end winning by convincing 17 points.

Thanks to Mark Cooper and Jason Ash for Refereeing the grand final. To Belinda Murphy and Amanda Jones who controlled the bench for the evening, we say a huge thanks.

Season’s award recipients: Jayson Murphy Sportsmanship award, Keely Mooney highest points scorer of the Year Female, Jason Maunder highest points scorer of the year Male, Keely Mooney Player of the Year female, Todd Hayne Player of the year Male. And our special committee award of the year went to Amanda Jones.

In conclusion, we would like to thank all the players and the parents and grandparents that have shown up every week, cheered, supported, helped out, refereed, coached and helped on bench.