By Chris Angus

In the final McDonald’s Hoop Time State Grand Final day it was the Senior Future Stars turn to fight it out for the State title as the Top 32 teams from all across the state converged on Dandenong Stadium on the 28^th November.

 

It was an excellent day with many close results with schools coming from as far away as Myrtleford & Albury/Wodonga it was a day filled with plenty of colour, excitement & sportsmanship.

As teams were slowly eliminated we came down to the final 4. This Final four couldn’t really be undisputed as all 4 sides were strong throughout the day & had comfortably navigated their way through their pool games and respective finals.

 

The first semi final was between the Elwood Dolphins & Emerald Echidnas.

It was a tight affair early on as both sides had numerous opportunities, and it went goal for goal as both sides showed they weren’t going to give up without a fight. As half time came around neither side could be split with the scores locked at 6-6. The second half got underway and it was clearly anyone’s game for the taking & after exchanging baskets again early on it was Emerald you scored a late basket & 2 crucial free-throws to seal a hard fought 4-point win, 15-11.

 

The second semi final was between Donvale Donkeys (who had the best chant & mascot of the day, if not the State Finals week) & the Hawthorn West Hawks. Similarly to the first semi final, it was a strong start by both sides without anyone really gaining any sort of advantage. It was all-square at 6-6 as the sides went into the break. The second half promised to be an exciting affair and like the first semi it didn’t disappoint as both sides threw it all in to try and be in front at the final buzzer. The lead changed 3 times in the final minutes, but it was Donvale who held their nerves in the dying stages to sneak home by 2 points, 13-11.

 

So that gave us the two best teams in the state facing off against each other in the State Championship game, Elwood Dolphins V Donvale Donkeys. And if the semi finals were anything to go by it was going to be an exciting encounter. It was a fast paced start as Donvale drew first blood in the opening minute & despite Elwood’s best efforts they couldn’t respond straight away. It was a low scoring struggle as both teams missed opportunities & while one side seemed to have momentum, no one really capitalized on the scoreboard. Elwood finally got on the board midway through the half, but it was Elwood who held the advantage at the break, leading 5-2.

Despite only scoring 2 points in the opening half, Elwood were still well & truly in the game & came out firing and reduced the margin within the opening minute back down to 1-point. & we all knew it was game on. But Donvale held their nerve and responded each time Elwood came at them. Holding on throughout the final minute to ensure they held possession for as long as possible once they had the ball. Elwood finally looked out on their feet after such a big day and Donvale came away with the spoils in a tight 3-point win, 9-6. Donvale PS claiming their 2nd Senior FS State title in 3 years!

 

2014 State Champions: Donvale PS

 

2014 State Runners Up: Elwood PS