More Catching up.

2009 ALL SEABL D LEAGUE TEAMS

With 8 men’s teams and 7 women’s teams contesting for the D League title many promising young players have had fantastic seasons and have been rewarded with a position on the All SEABL D League teams. The "All SEABL D League Team" is decided by team coaches. The team shall be selected by playing position from a list of players that received Most Valuable Player votes throughout the regular playing season.

Earning the guard position, having received a vote from all but one coach is Sandringham Sabres Josh Wilcher. Josh led the league in scoring (21.1pts), and assists (6.8ass) and also finished the season with the Golden Hands Award. Joining Josh in the backcourt is Kilsyth Cobras guard Cameron Johnson who also received six out of a possible seven votes from the coaches. Cameron averaged 14.2pts and scored 20+ pts on three occasions during the season.

Nunawading Spectres Maalo Hicks averaged 15.1pts, 9.1rebs and 1.3blks for the season and received six votes from opposition coaches. Hicks was the dominant big man of the competition scoring 20+pts on six occasions and recording a league best 25 rebounds on 29^th March against Dandenong.

Joining Hicks in the frontcourt is Kilsyth Cobras Liam McInerny and Frankston Blues Ben Jacobsen. McInerney averaged 14.1pts and 7.1rebs including a season best 23pts, 17rebs and 2ass performance against Sandringham on the 9^th May. McInerney was a key member for the Cobras this year and has departed Australia to commence a US College career with NCAA Division 1 school Stetson University. Ben Jacobsen was the Blues leading scorer averaging 15.5pts. Ben started the season at a blistering pace with 24pts, 7rebs and 3ass in round one and was a dominant force for the remainder of the season.

Having received five votes Kilsyth Lady Cobras Brittany White has been recognised for her sensational season. White averaged 12.4pts and scored 15+ pts on five occasions, helping the Lady Cobras to a fourth placed finish. Alana Wallis finished the season as the Knox Raiders leading scorer with 12.6pts and captained her team to a third place finish. Wallis scored a season best 19pts on 27^th June to guide her team to victory over Frankston.

Nunawading Spectres Michelle Meneguzzi and Jackie Vanderzaag helped their team secure the Championship and have also been rewarded for their sensational individual performance this season. Vanderzaag led the league in scoring with 13.8pts and scored 20+pts on three occasions. Vanderzaag had a season best 27pts against Sandringham on 4^th July. Meneguzzi averaged 8.9pts, 2.3rebs and led the league in rebounds with 10.3rebs. Meneguzzi, although playing a majority of time in the paint, also finished 8^th in the Golden Hands Award.

Rounding out the frontcourt positions is Dandenong Rangers forward Erin McNamara who despite only playing 10 games left a big impression on opposition coaches. McNamara finished the season averaging 12.9pts and 4.4rebs, and had her best game on Sunday 19^th April with 20pts, 3rebs, 2ass and 2blks.

2009 AUSTRALIAN YOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR

CHRIS GOULDING of the Brisbane Spartans and Albury/Wodonga Lady Bandits ALEX DUCK have been rewarded for another sensational season, earning consecutive Youth Player of the year awards. In his first season in the SEABL, Sandringham Sabres guard DANIEL DILLON wins the South Men Australian Youth Player award for a standout season.

In his first season in the SEABL, DANIEL DILLON wins the South Men Australian Youth Player of the Year Award. Daniel had been a consistent contributor for the Sabres this year and finished the season averaging 19.8pts, 7.2rebs, 3.5ass and 1.6stls.

Sandringham Sabres 194cm guard/forward Daniel Dillon received MVP honours in two of his team’s three games in round 17, and received Player of the week honours. Daniel recorded 31pts@60%, 7rebs, and 3ass to guide the Sabres to their 11th consecutive victory, defeating ladder leaders Frankston easily 103-82. Dillon also played a pivotal role in the Sabres 96-93 victory on the road at Knox the same weekend with 20pts@54%, 8rebs, 6ass and 3stls.

Dillon helped the Sabres to a 13-13 regular season record, grabbing fourth position in the clubs rookie year in the SEABL. Dillon received 42 votes out of a possible 42 from a panel of coaches and captains from all SEABL South Teams and was by far the standout youth player in the League. .

CHRIS GOULDING received 30 out of a possible 42, to clinch consecutive Australian Youth
Player awards ahead of team mate Tyson Demos. Chris finished the season as the fifth
best scorer averaging 20.8pts per game, helping the Spartans to the minor premiership with
a 24-3 regular season record.

20 year old Chris Goulding returned to Brisbane after spending the 08/09 NBL season with
Perth Wildcats and received Player of the Week honours in week 2 Goulding started the
weekend with 23pts, 5rebs, 2ass and 1stl against Mt Gambier on the Friday night. Chris
continued his hot shooting streak the following night with 31pts@45%, 5rebs, 2ass and 1stl at the Snakepit, helping Brisbane record a 108-97 victory against Kilsyth. In round six Goulding recorded a season high 36pts@65% and 6ass against Ballarat.

More from: www.seabl.com.au

2009 STATISTICAL AWARD WINNERS

The SEABL have announced the 2009 Statistical award winners today, with Knox Raiders import CJ Massingale winning his second consecutive SEABL scoring title averaging 25.0 pts in the East Conference. With a season high of 38pts in round 6 against Knox, Bendigo Lady Braves guard Kelly Wilson was the Women leading scorer, averaging 22.8ppg.

NW Tasmania Thunder playing coach Sam Armstrong won the South Men Leading Scorer title averaging 25.6 points per game. Armstrong dominated the scoring for the entire season, scoring 35+ points on seven occasions and scoring a season high 53pts in round 13 at Brisbane.

Albury/Wodonga import Fernandez Lockett had a great first season in the SEABL, and dominated the South Men rebounding categories before injuring his knee and was unable to finish the season after round 15. Lockett averaged 14.8 rebounds per game and recorded double digit rebounding totals in all put four games this season with a season best 24 rebs in his first SEABL game in round 2.

Kilsyth Cobras Joe Werner was awarded the East Men leading rebounder title, averaging 13.6 per game. Werner was a monster on the boards, and recorded 20+ rebounds on three occasions. Knox Raiders Emily Fryters won her second consecutive rebounding title despite changing teams in the off-season. Emily dominated the glass at both ends of the floor leading the women’s league with 11.81 rebounds.

Kilsyth Lady Cobras Sarah Parsons won the Golden Hands Award for the second straight year with a 3.63 average. Bendigo Braves youngster Kevin Probert had a breakout season and was rewarded with the East Men Golden Hands Award, recording a 3.70 average.

Despite entering the season late Sandringham Sabres guard Nathan Crosswell made an instant impact on his team and finished the season with the South Men Golden Hands Award with a 5.4average.

The Golden Hands Award is determined by adding Assists and Steals, then subtracting the turnovers to give a total, and then averaged per game.

Sandringham Sabres Josh Wilcher dominated the D League Men scoring category finishing the season with a 21.1 average, 3pts clear of second place Kris Davis of Bendigo. Kris Davis despite missing the last seven games of the season due to being elevated up to the Bendigo Braves Championship team finished as the D League Men Leading Rebounder with an average 10.85 per game.

Jackie Vanderzaag guided the Nunawading Spectres to the D League Women Championhsip and was also the league leading scorer with 13.78 points per game. Team mate Michelle Meneguzzi dominated the rebounding title all season and finished with a 10.35 average and the title as leading rebounder.

I Have Returned!!!

Allo all, I must first offer apologies for my abrupt abscence due to my gall bladder deciding it was time to play up. I missed an important weekend of local basketball so here is a brief catch up.

Firstly from the SEABL: courtesy as always of: www.seabl.com.au

2009 CRAZY JOHN’S SEABL DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Hobart Chargers Chuck Long and Kilsyth Cobras Quincy Henderson have shown that US
imports can play defence after being awarded with the Defensive Player of the Year award
for their respective conference. Knox Raiders dynamo guard Julia Tan was voted as Best
Defensive player in the Women’s League.

Kilsyth Cobras first year import Quincy Henderson played 25 games in the regular season, and received a total of 14 votes to edge out Bendigo guard Warren Randall for the award. Henderson arrived in Australia known for his defensive skills and provided coach Grant Wallace with the necessary skills to shut down opposition players each week. Henderson would be required to play all positions as he attempted to contain his opposition and help his team to victory. His tireless work never showed on the stats sheet, but Henderson received at least one Defensive Player vote in each game he played this season.

Finishing the regular season as the second best shot blocker in the league, and ranking second in steals and fifth in defensive rebounds, Hobart Chargers forward Chuck Long was an outstanding player at the defensive end of the court and was rewarded with the South Men Defensive Player of the Year Award. Long was an intimidating force in the paint for most opposition teams, and was rewarded for his efforts with the award. He received a maximum of two votes on three
occasions throughout the season to finish with 14 ahead of last years winner David Gruber.

Julia Tan is a veteran of over 300 games and has been known for her tenacious defence and has been rewarded with the award that best describes her number one asset in the game. Tan returned to the Raiders this season after a disappointing year with Nunawading last year, and has provided Knox with veteran leadership at the defensive end. Tan led the league in Steals with 2.9 per game and was also ranked fourth in the Golden Hands Award. Sarah received 24 votes for the season to win the award ahead of last years winner Sarah Parsons who collected14 votes.

The Defensive Player of the Year award is determined through votes cast by head coaches at the
conclusion of each match, and was awarded for the first time last year.

Boomers win Gut Check match

The Boomers prevailed over the New Zealand Tall blacks in game one of the Trans-Tasman series last night. Below is the match report from: http://www.basketball.net.au

Ingles fires as Boomers topple Tall Blacks

23.08.09

Australia's men's basketball team has avenged the Wallabies' loss to New Zealand last night by overcoming a physical Tall Blacks side to win the opening game of the 2009 FIBA Oceania Championship in Sydney by seven points, 84-77.

[Box Score]

Trailing by three points at three-quarter time, the Boomers rode the hot shooting hand of Beijing Olympian Joe Ingles in the final period to get over a committed New Zealand outfit for the hard earned victory.

Ingles scored ten points in a blistering 90 seconds midway through the fourth quarter and finished with a game high 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting including four three-pointers.

Dallas Mavericks forward Nathan Jawai was a force in the paint and finished with 17 points and a game high 11 rebounds while Beijing Olympian Brad Newley added 13 points and 5 rebounds, with ten of those points coming in the second half.

Kirk Penney led New Zealand with 23 points but only two of his points came in the fourth quarter after young guard Matthew Dellavedova did an outstanding defensive effort shutting down the potent Tall Blacks guard.

Boomers head coach Brett Brown admitted being nervous in the second half and was surprised that New Zealand won the battle of the boards, but reserved special mention for his game winning shooting guard.

“We were down going into the last period and Joey, through some individual brilliance, bailed us out of some potential problems,” Brown said.

“We have a team that is physically gifted so I was surprised that they got the better of us on the boards, particularly the offensive boards, but you’ve got to give New Zealand credit, they were an aggressive, tenacious team.

“We are on a bit of a youth kick but our young group closed out the game in veteran fashion.”

Australia’s victory was even sweeter considering Beijing Olympian Mark Worthington was a late withdrawal due to a foot injury.

“He’s done for the series and from a coaching standpoint that really threw me into a tailspin,” Brown said. “He is a grenade at the minute to the system.”

Brown also made mention of 18-year old point guard Dellavedova and his tenacious, aggressive defence.

“Dellavedova was tough and he came in and played great defence on Kirk Penney. That’s a hell of an assignment for a young kid to roll out at this stage of his career.”

Tall Blacks centre Alex Pledger scored the opening points of the game on a strong drive to the basket but when Joe Ingles hit two three pointers and finished a fast break the Boomers were up 8-4.

Penney then reeled off three long range bombs in quick succession and New Zealand was ahead 17-13 before Nathan Jawai asserted his presence inside. He finished with nine points for the quarter as Australia took a 25-21 lead into the first break.

New Zealand scored the first four points of the second quarter before James Harvey connected on a three pointer to put the Boomers back in front. Australia then upped the ante in defence and began scoring off turnovers as the lead pushed out to eight mid way through the stanza.

Australia extended the margin to ten points approaching half time before fatigue set in and the Tall Blacks responded with a run that reduced the lead to one point at the half, 43-42.

Ingles had a game high 16 points at half time, Jawai had 11 points and an equal game high 5 rebounds and Baynes had four blocks for Australia while Penney had 12 points to lead the Tall Blacks, who won the first half rebound count 23-14.

Mika Vukona scored first in the second half and Pledger followed with a rainbow set shot to put the Tall Blacks in front by three before Oscar Forman nailed a three to tie things up.

The see-saw tussle continued before Penney and Tait got to the hole on consecutive possessions to put the Tall Blacks up by five with 4:55 remaining in the quarter.

The physical battle fired up the crowd and when Newley connected on a three and Jawai skied for a rebound and put back the level the scores again they were in full voice, but they were silenced when guard Mike Fitchett nailed a buzzer beating three to end the third quarter with New Zealand ahead by three, 64-61.

Penney had nine points for the third quarter to take him to a game leading 21 points while Forman had seven for Australia in the period, but it was Jawai starting the scoreboard in the final period with two free throws to reduce the margin to one point.

Australia had good chances to take the lead but could not finish close to the hole while the Tall Blacks did just enough to stay in front until Ingles hit his third three of the game in transition and followed it with a long jump shot to put the Boomers up by four, 70-66 with 5:43 remaining.

Ingles scored his third basket on the trot with a mid range fadeaway to put the Boomers up by six then drained a three pointer to make it four in a row before Abercrombie stopped the rot with the Tall Blacks down seven.

But the New Zealand spirit had been crushed by Ingles and Ogilvy and Newley stepped up to finish off the Tall Blacks, setting the stage for a FIBA Oceania Championship series victory on Tuesday in New Zealand.

New Zealand won the rebound count 45-31 after it was tied 8-8 after one quarter.

The Boomers depart Australia at 8:45am tomorrow bound for Wellington and are available to media at the Qantas International Check-in desk from 6:45am to 7:15am.


Quarter by quarter:
1. AUS 25 NZL 21
H: AUS 43 NZL 42 (18-21)
3: NZL 64 AUS 61 (22-18)
F: AUS 84 NZL 77 (20-16)

Starters:AUS: Gibson, Newley, Ingles, Forman, Ogilvy
NZ: Tait, Penney, Vukona, Abercrombie, Pledger

AUSTRALIA 84 (Joe Ingles 26, Nathan Jawai 17, Brad Newley 13) bt
NEW ZEALAND 77 (Kirk Penney 23, Alex Pledger 16, Lindsay Tait 12)
at Sydney Olympic Park Sports CentreCrowd: 2178

Photo by Guil Hornos for Kangaroo Photos

SEABL Previews

SEABL MEN PREVIEWS

CONFERENCE GRAND FINALS

SOUTH MEN FINAL
FRANKSTON vs GEELONG
Saturday 22nd August – 7:30pm @ Frankston Basketball Stadium
Geelong has fought their way through to their fourth conference final in five years after a terrific 107-78 victory onthe road last week against Hobart. Geelong had six players score double digits with Import Ismail Muhammad dominating with 30pts@63%. Frankston are determined to secure their first Conference title since 2000 after a disappointing loss last year. Harms, Gruber and Kampman have guided the Blues to an impressive 23-4 regular season record including two
easy victories over Geelong. League MVP contender Andrew Harms has dominated the Supercats in both games this year averaging 32.5pts, 7.5rebs and 7.5ass including a Player of the Week performance in the rd11 victory with a Triple Double (34pts, 11rebs, 11ass).
Supercats enter this game on the back of a five game winning streak and are playing great basketball at the most important time of the year. Jason Reardon has been the Supercats consistent performer against Frankston this year averaging 22.5pts, 13rebs and 6ass. Geelong Imports Lee and Muhammad did not dominate in the games against Frankston this year but have showed in recent weeks that they love playoff basketball and keen to produce an impressive performance this week and secure the conference title.

2009 Head to Head

Round 3 Frankston def Geelong 116-94 (@ Geelong)
Round 11 Frankston def Geelong 128-115 (@ Frankston)

EAST MEN FINAL
BRISBANE vs KNOX
Saturday 22nd August – 8:00pm @ Carina Basketball Stadium
The Brisbane Spartans men take on rivals Knox Raiders at Carina for a fourth time this season. Over the years a fierce but healthy rivalry has begun and the stage is set for an East Conference Grand Final extravaganza. In round 10 the Spartans demolished the Raiders by 19 points, however two weeks later in front of 2000 spectators the Raiders snapped the Spartans 16 game-winning streak by 5 points in overtime. Two weeks ago, in the first semi final, both teams faced off again in front of a packed Carina Stadium where the Spartans prevailed by just 3 points. The atmosphere was electric and the black army, as the Spartans supporters are known as, were back in fine force. In all three games so far this season both teams have had a different player step up and provide their respective teams with respectable numbers. Brisbane center Greg Vanderjagt has averaged 23pts, 12rebs and 3ass against the Raiders this season and Knox coach will be keen for a solid defensive assignment from Lester Strong. Lester was impressive in the semi final game, but needs to make sure he stays out of foul trouble because he is worth more to the team on the court than sitting on the sidelines. Conference Leading Scorer CJ Massingale has averaged 27.6pts against the Spartans this season and after a disappointing performance in the semi final will be keen for a better offensive display this week. Massingale and Carroll will secure their third conference title in four years with the Raiders should they win this weekend.

2009 Head to Head

Round 10 Brisbane def Knox 121-112 (@ Brisbane)
Round 12 Brisbane Lost to Knox 103-107 O/T (@ Knox)
Semi Final Brisbane def Knox 113-110 (@ Brisbane)

SEABL WOMEN

PRELIMINARY FINAL PREVIEW

BRISBANE vs BENDIGO
Saturday 22nd August – 6:00pm @ Carina Basketball Stadium
The Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans lost last week to Knox in Knox and now must win this week to earn the right to play in next week’s Grand final. Brisbane will be confident of securing the victory having defeated Bendigo twice already this season. Emma Randall has dominated in both games recording 21pts 9rebs in rd8 and 16pts 12rebs in rd 19. Her presence in the paint has been a major factor in both games and Lady Braves coach Jeremi Moule will need a solid defensive effort from Jasmine Finnigan. Bendigo guard and league MVP contender Kelly Wilson has also stamped her authority in both games averaging 20pts and is in fine form and keen to produce another solid offensive performance. Brisbane coach Donna Rinaldi may decide to let Wilson score her season average 22.75pts, but concentrate on shutting down Lady Braves other
offensive threats Finnigan and King. Bendigo has relied heavily on the threesome all year and need all three to produce double digits in scoring for Bendigo to clinch the victory.
Kate Willey and Shona O’Bree have had outstanding seasons this year, and play a pivotal role at both ends of the floor. Both Willey and O’Bree will share the defensive job on Wilson throughout the game and both are exceptional defenders and capable of shutting her down. Both players will also need to produce at the offensive end as the team can not rely on Randall to score all the points. This game will also be the last Brisbane gets to see of Australian Opal, Emma Randall, as she departs to New Zealand where she will compete for the Opals prior to returning to Europe to take up a contract. Should the Lady Spartans win they will need to play the Grand Final next week without their team MVP.

2009 Head to Head

Round 8 Brisbane def Bendigo 82-72 (@ Bendigo)
Round 19 Brisbane def Bendigo 77-62 (@ Brisbane)

SEABL Results

From Victoria way, the SEABL Results from last weekend:

SEABL MEN SEMI FINAL RESULTS

EAST MEN SEMI FINAL 1
KILSYTH (53) 100
(Werner 23pts 25rebs, Shanahan 20pts 6ass, Lang 14pts)
def
BENDIGO (32) 79
(Tanner 20pts 9rebs, Davis 14pts 7rebs, Randall 13pts)
MVP – Joe Werner (Kilsyth)

EAST MEN SEMI FINAL 2
BRISBANE (53) 113
(Vanderjagt 24pts 10rebs, Goulding 18pts, Demos 18pts)
def
KNOX (58) 110
(Hill 28pts 7ass, Rigby 21pts 5rebs, Strong 20pts 18rebs)
MVP – Tyson Demos (Brisbane)

SOUTH MEN SEMI FINAL 1
GEELONG (55) 101
(Lee 25pts 10rebs 5ass, Muhammad 18pts 11rebs, Cox 15pts)
def
SANDRINGHAM (53) 90
(Conn 23pts 13rebs, Dillon 19pts 10rebs, Crosswell 18pts 6rebs 4ass)
MVP – Clifton Lee (Geelong)

SOUTH MEN SEMI FINAL 2
FRANKSTON (36) 76
(Harms 24pts 9rebs, Gruber 18pts 12rebs, Kampman 15pts 6rebs)
def
HOBART (41) 72
(Banovic 31pts, Stewart 19pts 5rebs 4ass, Long 9pts 12rebs 5ass)
MVP – Andrew Harms (Frankston)

SEABL WOMEN SEMI FINAL RESULTS

SEMI FINAL 1
BENDIGO (43) 79
(Wilson 33pts 6rebs 6ass, Chalmers 15pts 8rebs, Finnigan 13pts 8rebs)
def
DANDENONG (34) 71
(Penaluna 17pts 4rebs, Todhunter 14pts 5rebs, 3ass)
MVP – Kelly Wilson (Bendigo)

SEMI FINAL 2
KNOX (32) 74
(Keane 24pts 10rebs 2ass, Graham 20pts 5rebs, Dunlap 16pts 15rebs 2ass)
def
BRISBANE (35) 56
(Randall 16pts 8rebs, C Smith 13pts 5rebs, H Smith 11pts)
MVP – Lill Keane (Knox)

SEABL CHAMPIONSHIP

SOUTH MEN (Conference Final)

Game 4:
Saturday 22 August –Frankston Blues vs Geelong Supercats
@ Frankston Basketball Stadium
Local tip-off: 7:30pm

EAST MEN (Conference Final)

Game 4:
Saturday 22 August – Brisbane Spartans vs Knox Raiders
@ Carina Basketball Stadium
Local tip-off: 8:00pm

Winner of both games will progress to the SEABL Championship game on Saturday 29^th August at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre at 8:00pm

WOMEN (Preliminary Final)

Game 5:
Saturday 22 August – Brisbane Lady Spartans vs Bendigo Lady Braves
@ Carina Basketball Stadium
Local tip-off: 6:00pm

Winner of this game will progress to the SEABL Championship game versus Knox Raiders on Saturday 29^th August at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre at 6:00pm

Ballin Round Australia, the Catch-Up!!!

Ball fans here are some of the recent goings on in the Ballaverse as I've seen over the last week or so. Firstly various reports from league playoffs around the country, a bit of Boomers info and mare. Happy reading.

The Central Australia Basketball League update courtesy of :
http://news-review-messenger.whereilive.com.au

Basketball: Matthews lifts Flames

18 Aug 09 @ 09:36am by Dale Clarke

Todd Matthews played a crucial role for Norwood in the fourth quarter on Saturday. Picture: Luke Hemer

A TODD Matthews-inspired Norwood outfit is now one win away from the Grand Final after beating Forestville 92-81 in the qualifying final at Mars on Saturday night.

In a highly physical rematch of last year’s Grand Finalists, Norwood’s defence was too strong for Forestville in the second half, turning a nine-point half-time deficit into a four-point three quarter-time lead and holding the lead for the rest of the game.

While most of the last quarter was an arm wrestle, it was a two-minute purple patch from Matthews that tilted the game in Norwood’s favour.

Matthews was able to drive through the Eagles defence several times in the last quarter to either score, or drop the ball into the laps of Dan Thompson or David Cooper to finish off.

Andrew Webber top-scored with 23 points, and hit the last of his six three-pointers to kill the Eagles - the Flames taking a seven point lead inside the last two minutes.

Webber also had eight assists, Matthews had 18 points and seven assists, and Cooper had 13 points and 14 rebounds.

For Forestville, Peter Hoban seemed its best option all night with 23 points and 20 rebounds, and Brad Gerlach had 17 points, with 14 in the first half.

The Flames will now meet Sturt at Pasadena, with the winner going express to the Grand Final.

Forestville will host West at Wayville in an elimination semi-final.

Women: North v South, elimination final

NORTH Adelaide’s women have lived to fight another day after knocking off South Adelaide 74-55 in the elimination final at Hillcrest on Saturday night.

Led by Olympian Jo Hill, who scored 21 points with 15 rebounds and six assists in a match-winning effort, the Rockets iced the game in the fourth quarter after leading by three at three-quarter time.

``The first few minutes of the game was scrappy and South got a jump on us,’’ North coach Mike McKay said.

``To our credit we were able to knuckle down and get back into the game.’’

Lauren Mansfield had 13 points with seven rebounds and Bec Lock chipped in with 13, while Tania Dhu was crucial with her eight points, six rebounds and four steals.

For South, Kerrin Truslove only scored seven points but still managed 17 rebounds, Cassandra Carpenter had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Sarah Peddle and Claire Johnson each added 11.

``Tania Dhu and Jamie-Lee Peris did a great job on Kerrin Truslove to keep her to seven points,’’ McKay said.

Women: Forestville v Sturt (qualifying final)

STURT is one win away from the Grand Final in the men’s and women’s competitions, after the Sabres women beat Forestville 72-62 in the qualifying final on Saturday night.

Sturt will now meet minor premier West in the second semi-final at Port Adelaide, while the men will come off the bye to play Norwood. The winner of both matches goes straight through to the final.

Angela Marino and Monique Bowley proved a headache for Forestville to deal with, Marino scoring 22 points with six assists and Bowley scoring 14 and dominating the rebounds to finish with 18.

Mia Newley top-scored for the Eagles with 21 and six rebounds.

Men’s: West v North, elimination final

WEST Adelaide put an end to North’s shaky season in the elimination final on Saturday night, 81-73.

The Bearcats won the game in the last quarter, where North only scored two field goals for the quarter, Westies overturning a one-point deficit at the last break.

West had a handful of key contributors - Ryan Kersten with 21 points and four assists, Chris Molitor with 17 points and seven rebounds, Blake Truslove with 11 and 11, and Anthony Spadavecchia impressive all-round with 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

Nick Hambour was outstanding for North with 16 points and 16 rebounds, and Dallas Quigley stepped up for 16 and eight.

But the Rockets probably needed a big game from defending Woollacott Medallist Erik Burdon, who had 12 points on 4/20 from the field - a defensive win for the Bearcats.

Finals - week two, Saturday:

Wayville:
Forestville v North (women’s first semi-final, 6.30pm)
Forestville v West (men’s first semi-final, 8.15pm)

Port Adelaide:
West v Sturt (women’s second semi-final, 6.30pm)

Pasadena:
Sturt v Norwood (men’s second semi-final, 7.30pm)

SEABL Development League report: courtesy of Mark Quinn, League manager

D LEAGUE MEN GRAND FINAL RESULTS

SANDRINGHAM (44) 89
(Wilcher 23pts 9ass, Mueller 19pts 8rebs, Burum 18pts 9rebs 2blks)
def
KNOX (43) 81
(Gibcus 22pts 7rebs, Moult 19pts 7rebs 4stls, Bass 16pts 14rebs)

Sandringham Sabres were crowned 2009 CRAZY JOHN'S SEABL D LEAGUE Champions after defeating Knox Raiders 89-81 last night. Knox Raiders who defeated Minor Premiers Nunawading last week to earn the Grand Final berth started the game strongly behind the inside presence of Bass, Gibcus and Moult. Raiders started the game with a zone defence which caught the Sabres by surprise as dynamo guard Josh Wilcher was held and Sandringham were fored to find other avenues to score. Knox finished the quarter with a one point advantage. Sandringham were the better team in the second quarter as Burum and Mueller stepped up and provided the Sabres with a consistent scoring presence as the Raiders continued to do a stellar job on Wilcher
defensively. Sandringham produced three late baskets and went into the half time break with a one point advantage. Both teams shot the ball well, but the Sabres held on to the lead throughout the third term. In the fourth term Knox produced some costly errors late in the game and Sandringham Sabres Josh Wilcher was able to shrug off the constant defence and scored
11pts in the final term to guide his team to the Victory.

MVP – Neal Mueller (Sandringham)

D LEAGUE WOMEN GRAND FINAL RESULTS

NUNAWADING (34) 62
(Cole 14pts 2ass 5stls, Vanderzaag 13pts 3rebs 2ass, Yousef 12pts 5rebs)
def
DANDENONG (14) 34
(Appleton 6pts, Martin 5pts 11rebs, Dear 5pts)

Nunawading Spectres were crowned 2009 CRAZY JOHN'S SEABL D LEAGUE WOMEN Champions after defeating Dandenong Rangers 62-34 last night. The Spectres started the Grand Final strongly. In contrast the Rangers suffered with a number of costly turnovers and it was Nunawading by 15 points at quarter time. The Spectres extended their quarter-time lead to 20 points by half time in a low scoring game. The Rangers had a lot of work to do in the second half to be a threat to the Spectres. Accuracy and lack of scoring potential continued to plague the Rangers in the second half quarter although they were able to keep up with the Spectres in the third quarter. The Spectres however dominated at both ends of the court and capitalised on the Ranger's turnovers. By three-quarter time their lead was 22 points. At the 7 minute mark of the final quarter, the game was well and truly over. Nunawading were never headed and went on to record at 28 point championship win, 62-34.

MVP – Nardine Yousef (Nunawading)

Time to Catch up for tha week!!!

Ok, university studies have taken away a large amount of my blog time but here is my weekly update on the Hoops universe as I see it.

Down South Australia way here is the latest for the finals series from Basketball SA:

The Central ABL enters finals mode on Saturday August 16, with four standalone games guaranteed to attract large crowds.

At 7pm at Port Adelaide, West Adelaide and North Adelaide battle to stay alive in the mens elimination final. The Rockets left it until the final minor round to confirm a finals berth. Despite a solid month which started in late June with wins over the Bearcats and the Eagles, their last two weeks were less impressive, with a one-point loss to last-placed South Adelaide and a win over Centrals which was not as convincing as the 22 point margin indicated. Reigning Woollacott medallist Erik Burdon will need to recreate his early-season form to keep the Rockets in the hunt.

West Adelaide's finals lead-up has also been topsy turvy. Two weeks ago they upset league-leading Sturt, but last week lost to Southern. The Bearcats have a good mix of shooters (Ryan Kersten, Chris Molitor, Josh Bond and Kurtis Phillips can all light up on any given night), but it is more likely that the inside battle between Blake Truslove and North's Nick Hambour will determine the outcome of this game.

North Adelaide's women also face a do-or-die game, against South Adelaide at 6:30pm at Hillcrest. Little separates these teams as they finished tied on the ladder and split their two regular season games, so it was only Norths superior points spread that gives them the home court advantage. Look for another great battle of the giants between centres Kerrin Webber (South) and Jamie-Lee Peris (North) to have a big impact on the outcome but also watch out for big improvers Claire Johnson (South) and Kirsty Williams (North) to play a part.

In the women's qualifying final, traditional rivals Forestville and Sturt lock horns at 6:30pm at Wayville for the right to play West Adelaide next week. Given recent victories over West Adelaide, many predict these two teams might meet in the Grand Final, and either way, this weekends game will go along way to determining the likely Grand Final participants. With current and former WNBL talent on show including Sturt's Angela Marino, Caroline Burgess, Monique Bowley, Brigid Bowley, Katie Orr and Forestville's Jess Mahony, Dee Ranford and Mia Newley, any outcome is possible.

In what will no doubt be the loudest game of the night, Norwood host Forestville in the mens qualifying final at 7:30pm at Mars in a replay of last years grand final. Norwood enter the finals on a two game losing streak but still boast the best backcourt in the competition featuring 36er David Cooper, Keith Krause and Dan Thompson. Forestville dropped games to Woodville and Sturt in July but finished the season with a 69 point rout of Eastern and with Brenton Campbell returning from injury late in the season to join Matt Sutton, Brad Sullivan and Brad Gerlach, Forestville appears to have the edge in the backcourt. How well Forestville handles the vociferous Norwood crowd will go along way towards determining which team retains the double chance and the right to face Sturt.

Down South in the SEABL things are shaping up like this:

East Mens Semi Finals:
Kilsyth slammed Bendigo 100-79 while Brisbane got the best of Knox 113-100.
This week sees Knox and Kilsyth battle for the right to face Brisbane in the East Final
South Mens Semi Final:
Geelong ran past Sandringham 101-90 and Frankston held off Hobart 76-72.
Hobart meets Geelong this weekend to gain a berth in the conference final versus Frankston.

The East champions will meet the South champions for the SEABL Championship.

In Ladies action:
Bendigo blew out Nunawading by a score of 68-44 while Dandenong slipped by Albury/Wodonga 60-58.
This weeks action sees Bendigo square off against Dandenong with the loser eliminated while Brisbane faces Knox with the winner through to the Grand Final and the loser to face the Bendigo/Dandenong winner for the other Grand Final berth.

In Queensland:

QBL Playoffs XXIV
MEN

QF1 Rockhampton Rockets (93) def. Mackay Meteors (69)

QF2 Brisbane Capitals (108) def. Northside Wizards (94)

QF3 South West Metro Pirates (110) def. Gold Coast Goannas (100)

Note- Semi Final rankings based on end of regular season ladder

Semi Finals:
Cairns vs SW Metro
Brisbane vs Rockhampton

QBL Womens:
Gladstone 98- Rockhampton 68
Caboolture 74- Maroochydoore 66
SW Metro 55- Gold Coast 54

Semi Finals:
Townsville vs SW Metro
Gladstone vs Caboolture

Get out this weekend and catch the action in your area.