RAAF Base Edinburgh
Article by SA Defence Basketball
16 Sep 2011

The SA Inter-Service Basketball Tournament was held at RAAF Edinburgh over period Thu 15 to Fri 16 Sep 2011.

Men's teams representing 11 SQN, APS, Air Force, 7RAR & 16 AD, and 9th Brigade were entered. The addition of 7RAR was a magnificent boost to the competition creating our first tournament with five men's teams. The new Edinburgh two court facility made the timetable possible and was a leap forward in standard from the very recently demolished gym.

At end of the first round of games 9th Brigade led Air Force atop of the table. Army's strength was shown in the 7RAR & 16AD team placing third, leading APS and 11SQN. Having completed the round games on day one, day two was dedicated to finals. This being the first year the semi-final format was added.

Top placed 9th Brigade survived a close encounter with fourth placed APS to win 35-33. PTE Jason Morton leading the way with 11 points, ferocious on boards combining with LCPL Tosh Portakiewicz. In the other semi-final 2nd placed Air Force had an easier path to the grand thanks to quick transition offence. 7RAR & 16AD were still threatening with new players PTE Jarryd Bond, PTE Dean Notman and SIG Jason Bland pouring on the scoring.

9th Brigade and Air Force faced off in the grand-final and the quick transition gave the first quarter to Air Force 20-14. LS Nick Clancey for Air Force kept breaking away to amass 18 first half points while LAC Tom Amos (RNZAF) with his agility around basket keeping every defence busy all tournament. 9th Brigade consolidated though to win second quarter by one. Great interior play by 9th Brigades PTE Jason Morton and LCPL Tosh Portakiewicz brought Army within striking distance to 44-46 at the end of the third.

9th Brigade dominated both ends in the fourth quarter, while SIG Dan Aitchison remained hot in gaining himself a very economical 21 points from the perimeter, while LCPL Tosh Portakiewicz matched that inside wreaking havoc on the Air Force foul count. 9th Brigade in a great come from behind victory, defending the Inter-Service trophy for Army with a 67-55 win.

Tournament MVP honours were shared by PTE Jason Morton, 9th Brigade and LS Nick Clancey, Air Force.

Mr John Spooner was third inductee into the SADB Hall of Fame:
www.sadb.basketball.net.au > Our History > Hall of Fame

More photos from the tournament are available at path:
www.sadb.basketball.net.au > Gallery

The Australian Defence Basketball Association National Championships will be held at RAAF Williamtown, NSW over period Sat 26 Nov to Sun 04 Dec 2011. SADB members will be selected from trainings beginning October. For more information on SA Defence Basketball visit:
www.sadb.basketball.net.au > Join SADB

SA Defence Basketball is a member of the Australian Defence Basketball Association (ADBA)
www.adba.basketball.net.au

2011 SA Inter-Service Team Lists