Our Under 12 Boys have made their second consecutive tournament Grand Final with a fantastic win in their semi-final against Foster
Game One: 45-41 WIN Vs Foster Breakers – Lachy Speers 16 pts, Lachlan Fuller 15 pts, Zach Chester 6 pts, Oscar Li 4 pts, Ethan Xie 2 Pts, Jordan Tiet 2 pts.
Our boys again got off to a slow start trailing 8-2 after 7 minutes. The boys then settled into the game and outscored their Foster opponents17-7 for the rest of the half to lead 19-15 at the main break. Zach Chester had been outstanding all half with his defence and his tall man ball skills. Lachy Speers was flat early but got better as the half went longer and BMBA debutant Lachlan Fuller was beginning to demonstrate the aggression we knew he had in him for some nice baskets, while Jordan Tiet was his normal terrier self.
For the last seven minutes of the first half, our boys actually held the Sharks scoreless to tie the game 16 each at half time.
In the second half our boys played some great team basketball especially on their fast break, with Lachy Speers hitting a number of great assists once more to get his teammates into the game. In fact all the boys were passing and teaming well, which lead to some easy scores. Then with 6 minutes to go all that changed with Foster mounting a spirited comeback to get the game within 2 points.
To our boys credit they steadied to stare down the challenge and pull out a great win.
The two lachies combined for 31 points with Lachy Speers getting 16 and Lachlan Fuller getting 15. Those and other scores however, came from the Stellar work of Zach Chester, who played great defence, taking rebounds, making blocks and and getting steals. From that, through his improving ball skills Zach initiated numerous fast break opportunities to get his team mates baskets.
All the boys were terrific in their endeavours and played hard throughout despite only having the six players. They thoroughly deserved their win and their spot in the Grand Final.
Here is our Grand Final Preview
Grand Final: BMBA Templar Warriors Vs Southern Peninsula Sharks
Game Time: 12:30pm
Game Venue: Court 10, State Basketball Centre, 291 George Street, Wantirna South.
We have a rematch with the only team that defeated us, the Southern Peninsula Sharks. In our first game against them we were jumped in the first eight minutes of that match, but went basket for basket against them for the rest of the match and could have easily won that contest, so the boys should go into this Grand Final with some confidence as our best is definitely good enough.
In our first game we actually had seven players, but we have been playing with just the six players since then, which will be a challenge as our opponents have a full squad of ten players. The boys will have to be careful with their foul count.
Having already played the Sharks and having followed their progress in ensuing games, we are definitely aware of their strengths and weaknesses. If we can negate those strengths and take advantage of their weaknesses, the boys are a big chance today.
Having said all that whatever happens in the game, the boys have already been outstanding in this tournament and have learnt a great deal to help them out with their regular season games.
If you have the time come along and give them some support.