Australiabasket.com All-Australian Big V Awards 2017 - Sep 4, 2017
Australiabasket.com All-Australian Big V 1st Team 2017
Jeka
Smith
Rose
Stith
Latham
Finals MVP: Matthew Snowball (G) of Ringwood H. Player of the Year: Dillon Stith (200-F-92) of McKinnon C. Domestic Player of the Year: Lee Jeka (193-G-83) of Hume City Import Player of the Year: Dillon Stith (200-F-92) of McKinnon C. Defensive Player of the Year: Benjamin Louis (192-G-88) of Casey C. Coach of the Year: Ken Harrington of Ringwood H.
The debate is now over. The Ringwood Hawks have to be considered the greatest team in Big V history after winning a thrilling Grand Final game 2 on Saturday night over the Waverley Falcons, winning their fourth State Championship in just six seasons. It was a massive crowd at the Rings Stadium with people jammed into every little nook and cranny to catch the action. And to the surprise of everyone, it was the Falcons who came out with all guns blazing and put the Hawks on the back foot. After just 4 minutes of play, the Hawks found themselves trailing 20 to 11 as Waverley were on fire. Hawks Coach Ken Harrington called a quick time out to settle his team who looked a little nervous. 'We could tell the boys were on edge before the game and then the Falcons came out and nailed everything.' Harrington said. 'The time out was a chance to re-focus and remind the guys that it's a long game and we will settle in, which we did.' The time out paid dividends, as did the introduction of Nathan Truman (187-G-82) (19 points) into the game, who nailed 4 straight shots and the Hawks slowly worked their way back in to the game. The Falcons continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over though as the Hawks experimented with a smaller line up to match up with the fast breaking Falcons strategy. After the first 10 minutes it was Waverley by 6. Jacob Gibson (198-G-93, college: Harding) (17 points) and Trevor Latham (203-C) (12 points and 8 rebounds) led the way in the second quarter along with Matthew Fennell (F) (17 points and 9 rebounds) who was working hard at both ends of the floor. In what was becoming a tough and physical game, the Hawks turned to the man whose desire and toughness is unmatched and Matt Snowball (14 points, 6 rebounds and 13 assist) started to dominate the game. As both teams headed to the change room at halftime it was now just a 1 point Falcon lead. 'At the half time break, we had a chance to stop and think about it and we all felt we were in a pretty good position.' Snowball explained. 'But this was always going to be a last man standing affair.' The third quarter became a classic basket for basket battle with both offenses on top. Shaun Clarke (204-F/C) (7 rebounds) started to dominate the boards and Stefan Osborne (183-G-92, college: Coker) (7 points) provided a nice spark off the bench. Waverley continued to change up their defenses, but Ringwood grabbed the lead right on three quarter time. With the instructions of just win the last quarter, the Hawks drew on the energy of the home crowd and went back in to battle for the last quarter. Thanks to some big baskets from Osborne and then Fennell who drained an off balance three from deep, the Hawks grabbed a 6 point lead with just 24 seconds left. Waverley though managed to hit a three pointer and then hack the ball lose for another quick lay up to make it just a one point game. Snowball was then fouled and went to the foul line and nailed one of his two shots which left the Falcons with 8 seconds to try and send the series to a game 3. Finally the Hawks defense came to the four, as the Falcons struggled to get a good look at a shot and the Hawks had done it again. This Championship sits nicely next to the 2012, 2014 and 2016 and according to Harrington may be the best. 'This is a team where different players have stepped up at different times and tonight Snowy and Truman were just incredible.' 'They gave Mike McCahey (196-F, college: St.Anselm) the Finals MVP who was great but that could have easily gone to Snowy. That guy is something else.' For the second straight season, the Hawks are undefeated through the Finals and this is the first time in Club history that they have won back to back Championships. Seven Grand Final appearances in 9 years and 4 Championships without doubt put this group of Ringwood boys at the top of the best teams to ever play in the Big V. Courtesy of: ringwoodhawks.com.au
Australiabasket.com All-Australian Premier League Awards 2017 - Sep 4, 2017
Australiabasket.com All-Australian Premier League 1st Team 2017
Davis
Oldham
Drmic
Starling
Deng
Grand Final MVP: Dee Oldham (192-G-94) of W.Adelaide B. Player of the Year: Eian Davis (185-G-90) of S.Adelaide P. Domestic Player of the Year: Majok Deng (208-F-93) of Forestville E. Import Player of the Year: Eian Davis (185-G-90) of S.Adelaide P. Youth Player of the Year: Jacob Rigoni (198-F-98) of Sturt S. Defensive Player of the Year: Alexander Starling (198-F-89) of N.Adelaide R. Coach of the Year: Nathan Hawkes of N.Adelaide R.
Bearcats storm home to seize drought-breaking championship - Aug 20, 2017
On the back of an eruptive 4 th quarter performance from MVP Dee Oldham (192-G-94, college: Chattanooga), the West Adelaide Bearcats have claimed an historic 13-point victory over the Southern Tigers at an electric Titanium Security Arena. Dee Oldham (25 points) was for-the- most-part unsighted in the first three terms, but piled on 18 last-quarter points to guide his side to an unlikely triumph. The Tigers led for much of the encounter, but strong efforts from Anthony Drmic (198-G/F-92, college: Boise St.) (15 points) and Michael Nwelue (16 points, 14 rebounds) were in vain as West Adelaide exploded to break their 21-year championship hoodoo. Drmic kick-started proceedings with a twisting jumper, but it was very much West who took control of the opening term. Jordan West (15 points, 10 boards) hit an early triple to get his side moving. The Bearcats extended their lead to eight points, before consecutive triples from Robert Linton (12 points) had the Tigers back in the contest. With the quarter time score locked at 18-apiece, both teams looked to build a gap on their opponent. Neither succeeded, as the margin failed to exceed three points in the second period. As the clock ran down on a tense term, Hamish Staude stepped forward for Southern, firing a clutch buzzer-beater from the arc to put his side ahead by two at the main break. Nwelue made his presence felt as the third quarter began, rattling off a mammoth dunk to get the huge Southern crowd on their feet. A huge rejection on Tristan Braithwaite (183-G-85) by Jordan Dodman (203-F/C-88) followed shortly after, as the favourites threatened to take this match away from West Adelaide. The 4 th seeded Bearcats clawed their way back into the contest, with crucial threes from West and Braithwaite (15 points) keeping the Tigers at bay. Dean Nyberg's side led by one at the final exchange, and were looking to finish off West Adelaide to secure their back-to- back title. However, they failed to account for one man. With teammate and close friend Harold Ridgeway watching from the stands due to a suspension, Dee Oldham went manic. First, Dee dropped a three, following it up with a driving lay-up, before hitting a mid-range jumper to send Bearcats fans senseless. Dee Oldham continued to accumulate, and he was aided by an instrumental Braithwaite (5-6 3P), who threw up a pair of triples to build a near unbreakable 10-point lead. From there, Dee Oldham landed consecutive threes to seal the championship for the now-hysterical Bearcats, with the grand final finishing 77-64 after a tremendous 26-12 final term. The victory is a huge achievement for rookie coach Corey Maclean and his charges, with four of his players having to wait for over a decade to taste the success of a grand final triumph. Courtesy of: Premier League
Australiabasket.com All-Australian QBL 1st Team 2017
Bruce
Abdul-Bassit
Willis
McGrew
Jervis
Finals MVP: Joshua Wilcher (178-PG-91) of Townsville H. Player of the Year: Ray Willis (198-G-89) of Gladstone P. Domestic Player of the Year: Shaun Bruce (190-G-91) of Mackay M. Import Player of the Year: Ray Willis (198-G-89) of Gladstone P. Youth Player of the Year: Matthew Kenyon (195-G-98) of Suncoast PC Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Anderson (178-PG) of Brisbane C. Coach of the Year: Cameron Tragardh of Mackay M.
Townsville Heat beat Mackay to break 17-year QBL title drought - Aug 27, 2017
By Trent Slatter - Townsville Bulletin
After 17 long years, the Townsville Heat have once again been crowned QBL champions.
The Heat proved too strong for the Mackay Meteors across their three-game series, sealing the state league title with a 103-91 victory in Sunday's decider.
Townsville took the early lead with a 94-70 victory in Game 1 before Mackay bounced back in style with a 91-73 win on Saturday night to send the series to a third game.
There was nothing between the two sides in a tense first half on Sunday before the Heat exploded with a huge 30-17 third quarter to take charge of the contest.
Mackay's Chris Cedar (188-G-88) dropped a whopping 50 points as he did he best to keep the Meteors in the hunt without star point guard Shaun Bruce, who went down with an ankle injury in Game 1.
But Cedar alone couldn't match Townsville's firepower, with Peter Crawford (23 points) nailing a perfect 7/7 from beyond the arc alongside Jamell Anderson (22 points), Justin Baker (20 points), and Josh Wilcher (18 points) as they sealed an emotional championship triumph.
Heat coach Rodney Anderson conceded his side had been outplayed in Game 2, but he said they never lost confidence that they could come back and clinch the series.
'We knew the longer the series went, the better we would be,' Anderson said.
'We got beaten and let ourselves down with a couple of effort areas, but we were still confident in what we were going to do.
'We had a game plan and the guys were just laser-focused on what they had to achieve and they got the job done. I couldn't be happier.'
Anderson said the Heat had taken a great pride in representing Townsville following the demise of the Crocs in the NBL and he was delighted to reward their fans with a long-awaited title.
'This is unbelievable after 17 years without a championship,' Anderson said.
'With the Crocs not being in town anymore, these guys really took that upon themselves to carry the flag for men's basketball.
'They've worked their butts off to get these rewards and now we can't wait to get back and share this with the Townsville basketball community.'
Heat captain and local junior Matt Rees knows as well as anyone what their victory means for Townsville basketball after being part of their losing grand final side in 2008.
Rees admitted it has been a tough grind for club stalwarts like himself, Keegan Tudehope, Brendan McCully, and Max Murray, but he said finally realising their championship dream had made it all worthwhile.
'It feels fantastic. It's been a real group effort and I'm so proud of the boys,' Rees said.
'It's been a long grind. Just all the years of putting in at training week-in, week-out, but this win makes everything worthwhile.
'It puts us back on the map. Our crowd numbers have been fantastic this season and with that support we've been able to achieve big things.'
Rees is yet to make a call on whether this year will be his QBL swan song, saying he just wanted to enjoy the moment before deciding his playing future.
'I'll have an off-season and see how the body pulls up. We have a long trip home on the bus so we'll have a few drinks and enjoy it,' he said.
Australiabasket.com All-Australian SBL 1st Team 2017
Nichols
Benjamin
Voelkel
Redhage
Billups
Grand Final MVP: Lee Roberts (201-F/C-87) of Perth R. Player of the Year: Brian Voelkel (198-F-92) of SW Slammers Most Improved Player of the Year: Corey Shervill (197-G/F) of Lakeside L. Domestic Player of the Year: Shawn Redhage (203-F-81) of Perth R. Import Player of the Year: Brian Voelkel (198-F-92) of SW Slammers Defensive Player of the Year: Courtney Belger (187-G-89) of Kalamunda E.S. Coach of the Year: Alan Black of Willetton T.
SBL grand final: Perth Redbacks take comprehensive title - Sep 3, 2017
SENTIMENTAL favourites aren't meant to win a championship by trouncing the power side, are they? They're meant to fight back in a grinding tussle and steal the title in the final moments. Apparently no one gave the Perth Redbacks the script at the Bendat Basketball Centre on Saturday night. The success-starved side broke a 20-year championship drought by thrashing the Joondalup Wolves, the most successful team of the '10s, by 33 points in a 103-70 State Basketball League grand final victory. Joondalup briefly held a two-point lead about two-and-a-half minutes into the first quarter, but would be left watching the Redbacks' tails for the remainder of the encounter. Perth increased its margin at the end of every period, hitting a game-high buffer of 36 points with just under two minutes left in the final term. Wolves captain Seb Salinas (11 points) was disappointed with the effort saying Perth made Joondalup look second rate in their third-straight grand final appearance. Perth grand final MVP Lee Roberts (201-F/C-87, college: Findlay, OH) (28 points, 17 rebounds) gave a fitting summary of the team's emphatic performance. 'It was fun… we found the mismatches early and took advantage of it, they couldn't handle us on the inside,' the basketball journeyman said. 'You have nights where shots are going in and rebounds are going your way, fortunately it was one of those nights for me. 'It was a beautiful game - 100 points in 40 minutes.' Wildcats champion Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, college: Arizona St.) (20 points, six rebounds, six assists) did little to endear himself to the Joondalup crowd, refuting referee decisions on occasion and throwing his weight around when given the opportunity for the Redbacks. He produced a solid display, providing options inside and from mid-range, while not being at his most dominant. The retired 393-game NBL player now holds one of the most rounded championship CVs in the country with four Wildcats rings, an Australian Basketball Association title in 2005 and last night's SBL grand final success. He wouldn't commit to naming his favourite decider. 'It's like trying to pick your favourite child,' he laughed. 'They've all got their special things about them, it never gets old. 'It's a great feeling, especially for this club we put in our best performance of the year. 'Just to see the support of the Redbacks having not won it for 20 years, it's a special group to be a part of.' Redhage did not rule out returning next year but would be taking a wait-and-see approach. Any chance of a Wolves comeback was snuffed out in the third quarter with Perth taking hold and stretching the lead to 20 points heading into the final period. Party time came early in the fourth quarter as the 2017 champions pushed the margin out to 30 points with eight minutes left. Physical play from the outset, led by the imposing Roberts, caused plenty of issues for the Wolves attack. The Redbacks jumped out to 12-point lead midway through the first quarter but the Wolves pegged it back to a five-point margin with nine seconds of the quarter to go. A Marshall Nelson (188-G-94, college: Wayland Baptist) (17 points) three pointer with just two seconds left set the Redbacks crowd alight, much to the Wolves' frustration. Nelson was the most potent man on the court shooting at 77 per cent from the field. The second quarter appeared a more even affair but the Redbacks managed to stretch their lead to nine points by half time. Roberts increased his intensity, taking some huge rebounds and dropping nine points for the quarter. Joondalup sharp shooter Trian Iliadis (190-G-89, college: ODU) (five points) found limited opportunity and did not score his first points until hitting a foul shot with four minutes left in the half. Ben Ironmonger capped off a breakout season after returning from a knee reconstruction to be the Wolves' leading scorer with 15 points. US import Ryan Wright (206-C/F-87, college: Oklahoma) had 14 points and 10 rebounds. It was a bitter defeat for the Wolves, who have appeared in five deciders over the past seven seasons but lost three of them including back-to-back defeats in 2016-17. Courtesy of: communitynews.com.au
Australiabasket.com All-Australian SEABL 1st Team 2017
Hooley
Muo
Alexander
Moller
Conn
Grand Final MVP: Tom Daly (182-G-91) of Mt Gambier Player of the Year: Mathiang Muo (196-G/F-87) of Hobart C. Domestic Player of the Year: Mathiang Muo (196-G/F-87) of Hobart C. Import Player of the Year: Daniel Alexander (206-F-91) of Mt Gambier Youth Player of the Year: Tom Wilson (195-G-97) of Partizan NIS Defensive Player of the Year: C.J. Aiken (206-C/F-90) of Bendigo B. Coach of the Year: Richard Hill of Mt Gambier
Pioneers dynasty clinch third championship in four years - Sep 3, 2017
A clinical team performance has once again proved the difference for the Mt. Gambier Pioneers as the club won their third Championship in the past four years to secure their status as a SEABL dynasty, beating the Dandenong Rangers 92-85. Four starters scored 15+ and they shot 50% as a team from the field including 10-24 from beyond the arc while Dandenong could only muster 38% shooting on 12 more attempts. Erik Burdon (190-G-85), who had not been able to find his usual stroke through his first two playoff games, was on from the opening tip with two quick three-pointers. He finished with an equal game-high 22 points on 6-8 shooting from beyond the arc while Tom Daly (182-G-91) ran the team with aplomb and was the calming influence on the floor that they needed when the Rangers made a late run. Trailing by 19 points with seven minutes remaining, Dandenong put together a 10-0 run with Felix Von Hofe (196-F-93, college: E.Washington) (12 points) and Josh Oswald (ten points) bringing their club back into the contest. Garrett Jackson (201-F-91, college: St.Mary's, CA) (11 points, nine rebounds) then made it a four-point game with a lay-up but Daly found Brad Hill (196-G/F-86) who quelled the comeback with a three-pointer before Luke Jamieson (200-F-94) (seven points, two steals, two blocks) sealed the win with a two-handed slam. The Rangers continued to fight right until the siren but the margin proved too great to overcome as Mt. Gambier further etched their names into the SEABL history books. For his performance, Daly earned the Hugh McMenamin medal as the Grand Final MVP, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal. In addition to their back court, Daniel Alexander (206-F-91, college: Grand Canyon, agency: Haylett Sports) was all over the glass for Mt. Gambier and he collected eight points and eight rebounds by quarter-time which included a massive put-back that helped the Pioneers to a three-point lead. Dandenong gained some ascendancy once they went to their bench, with Jorden Page (185-G-90, college: St.Mary's, CA) (seven points) and von Hofe hitting the scoreboard before Lucas Barker (18 points, five rebounds, seven assists) and Chauncey Orr (193-G/F-93, college: Hawaii Pacific) (13 points) took over. They helped put together an 8-3 run which moved the Rangers ahead momentarily but the lead was short-lived as Daly and Burdon responded by hitting double-figures to put the Pioneers ahead by one at the main break. Burdon continued his form into the second half with another three to spark Mt. Gambier to what proved to be a game-changing 17-2 run. They nailed their first four shots of the third term and six of their first seven with Daly again front and centre while the Pioneers' movement in the paint ensured most of their shots were right at the rim. Following the same script as the rest of the game, Burdon kicked off the fourth term with another three-pointer and while the Pioneers looked to be in full control, Dandenong did have one last run in them to send a few scares through the Mt. Gambier camp. Following the conclusion of the game, Pioneers veteran Matt Sutton announced his retirement after more than 200 games and three Championships in his trophy cabinet. Courtesy of: seabl.com.au
Australiabasket.com All-Australian WARATAH 1st Team 2017
Markovic
Faithfull
Rueter
Brotherson
Monroe
Grand Final MVP: Nick Blair (185-G-87) of Norths Bears Player of the Year: Tyler Monroe (201-F) of Maitland M. Domestic Player of the Year: Steven Markovic (190-G-85) of Bankstown B. Import Player of the Year: Tyler Monroe (201-F) of Maitland M. Youth Player of the Year: Nic Pozoglou (196-F) of Bankstown B. Defensive Player of the Year: Joshua Chapman of Hornsby S. Coach of the Year: Luke Kendall of Sydney Comets
North Bears claim Waratah 2017 title - Aug 14, 2017
North Bears - Manly Warringah 92:78
North Bears clinched the 2017 Waratah championship title. They edged Manly Warringah in the Final. Nick Blair (185-G-87) scored 22 points to pace the champions. He was named the MVP. North Bears jumped to a 27:18 lead after the opening frame. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. The Bears accumulated a 46:32 halftime lead. The Sea Eagles narrowed the gap in the third term as they fired 29 points. Manly Warringah trailed by 10 points heading into the fourth quarter. But North Bears used a 21:17 run in the final term to ice the trophy. Dan Trist (206-F-92, college: Lafayette) had 18 points, while Linden Smith-Hyde (188-G, college: Nicholls St.) tossed in 14 points for the champions. Kyle Painter replied with 21 points for the Sea Eagles. Stefan Blaszczynski (196-G/F-84, college: Nicholls St.) netted 17 points in the loss.
South rally past North in SBL All-Star Game - Jun 6, 2017
South - North 129:126
South selection celebrated victory in the SBL All-Star Game. Ray Turner (206-F-90, college: Texas A&M) came up with 39 points and 10 rebounds to lead the winners. He was named the MVP. North eked out a 28:27 lead after the opening quarter. But South sank 38 points in the second term to gain a 65:55 halftime lead. North unloaded 55 points in the second half to force overtime. But South responded with a 19:16 run in the extra period and iced the victory. Julius Bowie delivered 15 points, while Tre Nichols (180-G-89, college: Boise St., agency: SDJ Sports) accounted for 16 points in the win. Benjamin Smith (204-C/F-88, college: Concordia Irvine) responded with 26 points for North. Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, college: Arizona St.) tossed in 25 points in the loss.
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