Last Wednesday Panthers-Wizards won their third Men’s senior title since joining the top men’s competition while Cougars women made it four flags in the past five seasons and nine since the 2005/6 summer season. Wizards’ other two premierships were in winters 2008 and 2009.

This season Wizards’ only blemish in the minor round was a forfeit to Millicent. Their first and only loss was to Bulldogs in the second semi-final. Despite being without Pioneer Matt Sutton, Wizards earned another crack at Bulldogs by defeating Roos in the preliminary final.   

 There were questions asked of Wizards prior to the grand final because Matt Sutton, Pioneers’ commitment and Matt Parslow, tertiary studies, would not be suiting up. There was also a cloud over the fitness of quiet achiever, Peter Loring.

These doubts were squashed in the first quarter of the final when Panthers-Wizards started full of confidence; quickly had Bulldogs on the back foot and hence stamped their authority on the game. At half time Wizards led 34-18 and after an even third quarter dominated the final 10 minutes 28-18 for a comprehensive 82-55 win.

Nick Morrison had a night out, scoring 34 points and controlling the boards for the victors. He was deservedly named MVP of the final. State junior Brad Rathjen played a pivotal role as point guard. He showed a composure and maturity beyond his years to set up plays, which were effectively converted by Morrison and at the same time scored 17 points himself. Tireless worker Michael Stephens bagged 15 and key defender Chris Mason 13.

In contrast the Berkefelds were held to personal tallies well below their average for the season. Matt had 14 and Simon 12. The outcome was a little disappointing for the Bulldogs players, who appeared to be running into top form prior to grand final night. 

Cougars’ women, through a comprehensive team effort controlled the grand final against Panthers after the first quarter. In contrast to their previous contests, Panthers made a bright start to the game and led 13-11.From here on Cougars applied more intense team defensive pressure. Panthers did not adapt and as a result their one dimensional scoring opportunities all but dried up. At half time Cougars led 26-19.

Early in the third quarter on court leader Melissa Russell engineered a 10-0 run for Cougars to put the result beyond doubt. Russell’s influence on this game was huge as she worked the defence over and set up many opportunities for team mates.  

Panthers could only muster 22 more points to their encouraging 13 point opening whereas Cougars tallied 40 in these three remaining quarters.

Georgia Green scored a game high 23 points in her last outing for Cougars before moving to the city. Junior Casey Horrigan impressed with 12 points.Sonia Bawden led the scoring for Panthers with 13 points against a swarming defence. Brianna Walters was tireless in her efforts to generate drive and contests for Panthers. Eilish McKay, arguably the improver of the season, worked hard at both ends.

Russell’s experience and leadership earned her the MVP award for the final.

During the presentations Association Board member, Ray deWit, thanked the City of Mount Gambier and the District Council of Grant for their continuing support and sponsorship of the grand final awards.

EASSON REFEREES’ AWARD.

Promising young basketball umpire, Malinda Markiewicz, has been awarded the Easson Family Referees’ Encouragement Award for the 2013/14 season.

In recent months Malinda has graduated from umpiring junior boys and girls games to senior competitions and is capably handling the step up to these levels.

Malinda is one of the talented young basketballers, who is making valuable contributions to Association programs. This season she coached the Junior Lakers Under 12 Boys’ team as well as playing for Roos in the SECBL and meeting her responsibilities as a Club umpire.

PLAYER MILESTONE.

This season Tony Revill, currently a member of the Wreckers Men’s B grade team, reached the milestone of playing 500 senior games during the 2013/14 Summer season.

Revill played in club and representative teams throughout his junior years and then became a very skilful and successful player in senior competitions with the Roos Basketball Club. He also represented Mount Gambier as a member of the Lakers senior Men’s teams.