Way out West! The West Australian report.

WABL-West Australian Basketball League

The WABL Semi-finals are on tap for the upcoming weekend with hosts the Perry Lakes Hawks squaring off against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns in game one followed by a match up between the Lakeside Lightning meeting the Wolves of Wanneroo. The action kicks off at noon local time at the Perry Lakes Basketball Stadium with the women's semis followed by mens action.

The winners of this weekends matches will meet in the Grand Final on 20 September 2009 at Perry Lakes.

On the Women's side of the bracket, it seems like the usual suspects as Wanneroo battles hosts Perry Lakes in one semi and Lakeside meets the Perth Redbacks in the other semi with the winners advancing to Grand Final Day.

In the recently completed WA State League, Lakeside jumped out to an early lead and held on to defeat Perry Lakes by a count of 84-77 in men's action while the Willeton Tigers stopped the Mandurah Magic 73-63 in the ladies Grand Final.

From the Waratah Conference, NSW

courtesy of:http://www.waratah.basketball.net.au

Waratah ABL Men

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Parramatta Wildcats

In the most anticipated game of the weekend, bitter rivals Manly and Parramatta would face of for the men’s Waratah title. The Wildcats got off to a great start and opened up a handy lead early on. Led by point forward Graeme Dann and point Luke Martin, Parramatta held off a late Manly surge to lead by 4 at the first break.

Parramatta 22 – 18

The Wildcats continued their great play in the second, with the margin blowing to double digits midway through the quarter. But just when the Sea Eagles looked shot, league MVP Ben Arkell took over, hitting consecutive threes and a few other driving plays to get Manly back square. However, a Goran Veg three point prayer just before the buzzer gave the Wildcats the lead again. At the main break, it was Parramatta by 3.

Parramatta 46 – 43

The Wildcats again got out to another strong start fighting off every Manly challenge. The Sea Eagles hit three deep bombs and got the crowd off their seats. Luke Martin again was rock solid, as was centre Goran Veg with several driving dunks. A Karl King three at the buzzer closed the Wildcats gap to just 3.

Parramatta 80 – 77

The high-scoring, high-level of play continued in the fourth, in what turned out to be the most thrilling and exciting game of the finals weekend. In a classic shootout, Sea Eagles star Ben Arkell was brilliant, scoring 38, while Wildcats guard Luke Martin also scored 38. Manly would see their first lead of the game in the fourth, but it was the Wildcats who held their nerve, taking out the title in a Waratah classic, by 5 points.

Parramatta 109 - 104

Defensive Player of the game: Goran Veg - Parramatta

MVP: Luke Martin – Parramatta

Waratah ABL Women

Bankstown Bruins v Hornsby Spiders

The Spiders got out of the gates early and opening up a handy lead behind star guard Alicia Poto. The Bruins produced a run of their own and behind great play from outside player Sarah Hately and centre Jaime-Lee Samuels fought back to take the lead at the first break.

Bankstown 22 – 20
Spiders again started the quarter great and Poto continued to dominate on the offensive end, scoring and assisting on several back-to-back plays. Behind that run and her 15 points the Spiders edged ahead by 8 at the main break.

Hornsby 42 – 34

The Spiders continued their momentum in the third and Bankstown just seemed to be saving their worst game for the most important one. With everything seemingly going against the Bruins, they were struggling to keep in touch. At the final change it was the Spiders in control by 13.

Hornsby 66 – 53

With their season on the line, the Bruins just had no answers to stopping Alicia Poto, who was simply incredible. With several Bruins guards fouled out trying to stop her, the former Australian player scored a game high 46 points, leading the Spiders to a comfortable 23 point win.

Hornsby 90 – 67

Defensive Player of the Game: Jaimee Kennedy – Hornsby

MVP: Alicia Poto – Hornsby

The Queensland Wrap...QABL Finals

courtesy of: http://www.qabl.basketball.net.au

'Power claim 1st title with Marlins racking up no. 7'

The Cairns Marlins have blitzed the Rockhampton Rockets in the 2009 QBL Grand Final on Saturday night (113-81). Winning three of the four quarters and shooting at 53%, the Marlins led by Boomer Kerry Williams (26pts, 2rbs, 8asts, 1stl) racked up Championship number 7 in style, after finishing the year as minor premiers. US import Reggie Golson put up a worthy effort for the Rockets (28pts, 11rbs, 1ast, 1stl) but the teams 23 turnovers was the real thorn in their side in this game. Marlin Kerry Williams was named the Grand Final MVP.

In Townsville, the Gladstone Power fans were loud and proud as their Women’s team collected an OT victory over a worthy South West Metro Pirates team (102-98). In a game that could very well of ended in a win for either team, the Gladstone Power battled through another tiresome overtime period (their third of the weekend) to bring the first ever State Championship back to Gladstone. Hurst and Bibby dominated at both ends of the floor, with the Pirates Catherine Scanlon being named as the Grand Final MVP with 27pts, 18rbs, 2asts, 1slt, 2blks.

2009 QBL Award Winners - MEN

Most Valuable Player- Cameron Tragardh (Northside Wizards)
Coach of the Year- Leonard King (Mackay Meteors)

2009 QBL Award Winners - WOMEN

Most Valuable Player- Kirby Dalgleish (Townsville Flames)
Coach of the Year- Mark Wrobel (Townsville Flames)

Referee Awards

Referee of the Year - Toni Caldwell
Rookie Referee of the Year - Tom Slattery
Referee Recognition of Service - Kaye Hart

Development League

Men’s Most Valuable Player – Jonathan Mines (South West Metro Pirates)
Women’s Most Valuable Player – Sarah Ambrose (Logan Thunder)

All League Team

Cameron Tragardh (Northside Wizards)
Aaron Grabau (Cairns Marlins)
Reggie Golson (Rockhampton Rockets)
Scott Cook (Mackay Meteors)
Rhys Martin (Rockhampton Rockets)

Statistical Leaders:

Leading Scorer - Cameron Tragardh 42.3ppg
Leading Rebounder – Matthew Hanson 16.6rpg
Steals Leader – Michael O’Neill 2.7spg
Assists Leader – James Cochran 6.3apg
Leading Shot Blocker – Duncan Milne 1.8bpg
Leading Field Goal % - David Bartholomeaus 63.4%
Leading Free Throw % - David Gurney 91.9%
Leading 3 Point % - Aaron Grabau 50.6%

Youth Player of the Year

U23 Youth Player of the Year- Todd Blanchfield (Mackay Meteors)

2009 QBL Award Winners - WOMEN
All League Team

Abby Bishop (Rockhampton Cyclones)
Rohanee Cox (Mackay Meteroettes)
Stephanie Gandy (Bundaberg Bears)
Jessica Bibby (Gladstone Power)
Natalie Hurst (Gladstone Power)

Statistical Leaders

Leading Scorer – Jessica Bibby 30.2ppg
Leading Rebounder – Ezria Parsons 15.1rpg
Steals Leader – Natalie Hurst 4.5spg
Assists Leader – Natalie Hurst 8.2apg
Leading Shot Blocker – Marianna Tolo 2.7bpg
Leading Field Goal % - Marianna Tolo 60.8%
Leading Free Throw % - Natalie Hurst 85.4%
Leading 3 Point % - Natalie Hurst 48.1%

Youth Player of the Year

U23 Youth Player of the Year- Abby Bishop (Rockhampton Cyclones)

The rest of the League reports from 'round Oz

While I have covered quite a bit of the SEABL and the Central ABL, I have been reminded there were other leagues around Australia recently finishing their seasons so here are the finals reports.

Firstly from: http://www.bigv.com.au

Big V Conference

Tigers too much artillery for Hawks

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MEN

GRAND FINAL GAME TWO

Melbourne Tigers 130 beat Ringwood Hawks 111

The Melbourne Tigers have taken the 2009 State Championship Men's Grand Final series in two games, beating the Ringwood Hawks by 19 points in what was a dominant offensive display.

It's hard to outscore a team that can finish a game of basketball with 130 points — they had 70 at half time. It's equally tough to out shoot a team that's good for 53 per cent from the field and 43 pr cent, especially when they put up 42 attempts from the arc for a game. But these were only some of the massive hurdles that the Ringwood Hawks had to overcome in series where they struggled to stay in the hunt.

The Tigers' shooting performance was nothing short of spectacular. They had a huge inside presence in Daniel Johnson, who owned the low block and had the Hawks doubling from the weak-side. The Tigers played the inside/outside game to perfection, with crisp ball movement giving, their shooters plenty of daylight. Every time the Hawks made a run, the Tigers broke their hearts from outside.

Finals MVP Darryl Corletto lifted in game two, finishing with 33 points and 12 dimes. Matt O'Hea finished with 30 himself, to go along with 11 boards. His shooting was perhaps only topped by Adrien Sturt, who connected on five of six triples to go with a nice dunk in the fourth, to finish the game with 26.

For the Hawks, they weren't disappointing by any stretch. They were able to get points on the board themselves — to finish with 111 against this Tigers outfit was no mean feat. McMillan was consistent with 30 points and nine boards, and the always-fiery Matthew Snowball put up a valiant effort, finishing with 22 points, nine boards and eight assists. He shot the ball well from the three and in the early stages, kept Ringwood in touch when they were struggling for buckets.

Import Sam Belt was not his usual self, finishing the game with 17. He shot 25 per cent from the field and was worse from the three — a disappointing end to a stellar season.

The Tigers led at the first change by 17 and this was quickly out to above twenty in the second. But the Hawks rallied, and got the game back to 12, before the Tigers knocked some big shots and extended yet again. The Tigers were in front by as many as 29 but to the credit of the Hawks, they played the game out under difficult circumstances.

The Tigers had inches at every spot, they shot the ball better, and were very worthy back-to-back champions. Al Westover called the Hawks the bench-mark for the season, and he was right. But the Tigers brought their game when it counted and now boast another banner to hang in their hallowed gallery.

Finals MVP: Darryl Corletto

Bronocs close to perfection

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN

GRAND FINAL GAME TWO

Hume City Broncos 75 dft. Waverley Falcons 73

The Hume City Broncos have overcome a huge scare to take game two and the State Championship Grand Final series by a thrilling two points. The Falcons led by as many as 15 at one stage, and went into the final term 13 points in front, but the Broncos rallied and pinched the win on their home floor.

The Falcons second and third quarter was as good as we've seen this year, outscoring the Broncos 56 to 29. They were aggressive, attacking and showed why they were genuine contenders. But, as has been the story for the Falcons all year, their first and last quarters were as if another squad was playing. They were only able to score six points in the first term, and only five in the last.

And this is where the Broncos did their damage. Katrina HIbbert was dominant yet again, finishing the game with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Her partner in hoops, Sharin Milner was equally impressive, finishing the game with 21 points.

For the Falcons, Laura Thomas was Waverleys best, double-doubling with 19 points and 17 boards. Brooke McKay backed up her impressive game one finishing with 16 points.

The Falcons were huge in the paint, out-rebounding the Broncos by nine and outscoring them 40 to 26 under the basket. They shot better from the field and from the three, but let themselves down from the stripe, connecting on 12 of 22. The Broncos on the other hand made the most of their free-throws, getting to the line 19 times for 16 points.

The Broncos have been unstoppable all season, and the Falcons have been a worthy adversary. And although the best team on the season walked away with the title, the Falcons may always wonder what may have transpired on Sunday, had they got over the line.

Finals MVP: Katrina Hibbert

Jordan selects David Thompson to open doors to Hall of Fame

Out of the virtual plethora of people including former coaches Dean Smith and Phil Jackson, running mate Scottie Pippen, former college teammates James Worthy and Sam Perkins, hang out buddies Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan has chosen David Thompson to present him to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

If you refer back to my very first blog, it was about that very David Thompson. It speaks even more volumes about the influence Thompson had on the game for him to be chosen for such an honour. While Jordan left his indelible mark on the game, he readily admits that his game was patterned around the high flying antics of Thompson who went to arch Carolina rival N.C. State.

Congratulations to Mr. Jordan and kudos for recognising the predecessor of the Skyways.

CABL Final Wrap

Congratulations to the Norwood Flames men and Forrestville Eagles women for their Grand Final victories in the CABL over the weekend.

In the men's final Todd Matthews notched 29 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the way as Norwood stopped the Sturt Sabres 94-84. Matthews received adequate support from Andrew Webber who scored 19 points in spite of an icy cold 4 of 14 shooting from three point land and Keith Krausse with 18 points. On the boards Dan Thompson with 15 and David Cooper with 10 rebounds helped to offset a massive effort by Sturt's Jacob Holmes who scored 21 points and grabbed 24 rebounds. Darren Ng with 18 and Thomas Daly with 16 were other double figure scorers for the Sabres.

In the ladies final, Forrestville was rarely troubled as they ran past Sturt by a 74-49 count. Jess Fergus scored 21 points to lead the way with Dee Ranford scoring 16 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists and Mia Newley scoring 15 points and snaring 11 rebounds for the Eagles. Caroline Burgess with 14 points and Brigid Bowley with 12 rebounds headed Sturt's effort.

Congratulations to the champions and well played to the runners up. Good luck next season.

Final wrap of SEABL

Here is the SEABL Wrap up for the year, I will get more up soon. Again sorry for my abscence but my health took control!!

KNOX RAIDERS - 2009 CRAZY JOHN'S SEABL MEN CHAMPIONS

Knox Raiders have secured the 2009 SEABL Championship after a surprising 125-98 victory over Frankston Blues in front of well over 1800 spectators at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre.

Raiders imports CJ Massingale was awarded the Hugh McMenamin Medal for Grand Final MVP finishing the game with 30pts, 6rebs, 5ass and 2stls.

Both teams started the game well as the lead changed numerous times in the first quarter. Massingale and Mick Hill kept the scoreboard ticking for the Raiders in the first quarter as the Blues relied on guards Andrew Harms and Mitch Chapman. Neither team could grab the advantage and the teams were tied 30-30 after one quarter.

Raiders second import Lester Strong (25pts, 10rebs, 2ass) stepped up in the second quarter and dominated inside the paint at both ends of the floor as he and Rigby were able to contain South Men MVP David Gruber. Lester scored a number of alley-opp dunks to fire up the “Raider Nation” to guide the Raiders to a 70-56 lead at the half.

Knox came out in the second half and stepped up at the defensive end to keep Blues David Gruber out of the game. Blues Andrew Harms never gave up and played hard but was faced with tough defence from the Raiders on every play.

John Philip started the fourth quarter and hit three shots from long range to increase the Raiders lead further and consolidate the Championship for the Raiders. With four minutes remaining Raiders coach Graham Longstaff benched his starting five and all received a standing ovation from the large contingent of Raiders supporters.

Click here for boxscore

BRISBANE LADY SPARTANS - 2009 CRAZY JOHN'S SEABL WOMEN CHAMPIONS

Brisbane Lady Spartans held on to secure their first SEABL Championship with a 77-69 victory over Minor Premiers Knox Raiders. Lady Spartans Holly Smith (18pts, 8rebs) dominated the game and received the Barbara Barton Medal for MVP of the Grand Final.

Spartans dominated the first half as the Raiders struggled to convert and produced costly turnovers, which resulted in numerous fast break points for the Spartans. Raiders injured center and All SEABL team member Emily Fryters was struggling early as the Spartans played an uptempo game style that had the Raiders concerned.

Lady Spartans guards Kate Willey, Shona O’Bree and Cassie Smith were a dominant trio on defence as they didn’t give Raiders Sarah Graham any free space and the Raiders struggled to find an offensive threat. Brisbane held a 40-26 lead at half time and looked to be in full control of the game.

Knox Raiders coach Heath Anderson asked for his girls to lift during the half time break and they responded, as they outscored the Lady Spartans 25-23 to bridge the gap. Caitlin Cunningham dominated in the third quarter to keep the Raiders in the game and with his starting five not producing Raiders coach Heath Anderson went to his bench and Danni Bone, Lill Keane and Megan Sinclair played hard to bridge the gap to 68-70 with 2mins remaining.

Brisbane remained composed in the last quarter and held on to secure the win as the Raiders were forced to foul in the final seconds, but Brisbane made the free throws and held on to secure the win.

Click here for boxscore

2009 ALL SEABL SOUTH MEN TEAM

Frankston Blues have completely dominated the voting for the All SEABL South Men team, with
three players receiving recognition. It is the first time in the history of the SEABL to have three

players all from the one team. The "All SEABL Team" is decided by the coach and captain of each team. The team is selected by playing position from a list of players that received Most Valuable Player votes throughout the regular playing season.

DAVID GRUBER led all players in the South team for the second consecutive season with 13 of a possible 14 votes, averaging 23.3 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.0assist per game. This is Gruber’s fifth consecutive selection to an All SEABL Team. Gruber dominated the league all year despite receiving only one Player of the Week recognition.

ROB KAMPMAN averaged 22.1pts, 10.6rebs and 2.7ass to earn All SEABL team selection in only his second SEABL season. With Gruber and Harms receiving a majority of the defensive attention, Kampman was able to step up and provide the Blues with a consistent performance each week. Kampman recorded a double double on 13 occasions this season and received Player of the week honors for round nine when he averaged 34pts and 13rebs in the Nations Capital.

The unsung hero of the Hobart Chargers this year was second year import CHUCK LONG. Chuck was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year award and averaged 18.7pts, 10.7rebs, 4.1ass, 2.0blks and 2.3stls. Chuck received Player of the Month recognition for April and recorded 19 double doubles including the 30pts, 15rebs, 6ass, 3blks and 4stls against Mt Gambier on 19 June.

With five 30+ pt games including a season high 40pts@60%, 8rebs on 18th July against NW Tasmania, Frankston Blues 24 year old ANDREW HARMS earns his second All SEABL team selection. Harms had a standout season and has been a major reason for the Blues league leading 23-4 regular season record. Harms was the only player to receive two player of the week recognitions this season and recorded a triple double (34pts, 11rebs, 11ass) against Geelong on May 23.

SEABL 300+ game veteran SAM ARMSTRONG took on extra responsibility this year as playing coach of the NW Tasmania Thunder. The extra work load didn’t faze Sam as he produced one of his best seasons, leading the league in scoring with 25.64pts. Sam scored a league best 53pts@64% in Brisbane on 12th June and recorded 30+ pts on nine occasions. Sam announced his retirement from the SEABL during the year and has finished a fantastic career with his second All SEABL team selection.

2009 ALL SEABL EAST MEN TEAM

Three new faces receive recognition for sensational seasons this year with MVP favorites Joe
Werner and CJ Massingale earning recognition for the second consecutive year. The "All SEABL
Team" is decided by the coach and captain of each team. The team is selected by playing position
from a list of players that received Most Valuable Player votes throughout the regular playing
season.

CJ MASSINGALE had another standout season and is rewarded with his third All SEABL Team Selection. CJ had a sensational year, finishing the season as leading scorer (25.0ppg), including seven 30+pts performances. . Massinagle guided his Raiders team to their third Conference title in four years, and will be hoping to cap his brilliant individual season with team success and win the Championship this weekend.

Dandenong Rangers forward DUSTY JURA earns All SEABL team selection in his first season after averaging 24.0ppg (2nd), 12.7rpg (2nd) and 1.6ass. Jura started the season at a blistering pace recording 34pts and 9rebs in his first match. Jura received Player of the Month accolades in June after producing two 40pts and 15+rebs games.

CHRIS GOULDING received the Australian Youth Player for the second consecutive year this season and has been awarded with his first All SEABL team selection as well this year. Goulding averaged 20.8pts, 3.7rebs, and 2.9ass in his third season with the Brisbane Spartans. Chris was a member of the Australian Boomers Squad this year, but injured his ankle in round 14 and missed numerous camps. Goulding has shown over the past few years he is a talented athlete and after two years as a development player in the NBL, he is sure to give the NBL a shake this year in his first season with the Gold Coast Blaze.

Brisbane Spartans forward ASH CANNAN receives his first recognition on the All SEABL East Men Team in his first season back in the SEABL after stints in US College and the Big V. Cannan was instrumental in his teams Minor Premiership this season, and finished the season averaging 19.4pts, 9.7rebs and 2.2ass. Cannan’s passion on the court shows up in every game and he received Player of the Week recognition in round 18 for averaging 19.5pts, 13rebs, 3ass and 3stls on the Spartans 2 game road trip to Victoria.

JOE WERNER scored a double double in all but three games this season and earned Player of the Week for his performance in round 12 with 45pts, 20rebs, 3blks and 2ass against Ballarat. Joe averaged 21.8pts (4th), led the league in rebounds with 13.6 per game, and 1.5ass for the year. Joe was a dominant force all year for the third placed Cobras and scored 20+pts on 15 occasions and 15+rebs on 10 occasions.

2009 ALL SEABL WOMEN TEAM

All five players awarded a position on the All SEABL Women team are first time recipients of the
award. The "All SEABL Team" is decided by the coach and captain of each team. The team is
selected by playing position from a list of players that received Most Valuable Player votes
throughout the regular playing season.

Having received 19 out of a possible 20 votes, KELLY WILSON was the leading vote getter for the All SEABL Team after a consistent season which saw her guide the Bendigo Lady Braves to a 13-7 record. Wilson led the league with 22.8 points as well as recording 5.8rebs, 4.5ass (2nd) and 2.1stls this season.

Joining Kelly in the back court is Ballarat Lady Miners AMY LEWIS. Lewis joined the Lady Miners after a successful rookie season with Townsville in the WNBL and was an influential player for Ballarat this year. Lewis scored 20+pts on five occasions with a season best of 27pts@62% on 25th July. Lewis finished the season averaging 16.5pts (6th), 4.7rebs and 2.27ass.

Transferring to Knox Raiders in the off-season has been a fantastic move for EMILY FRYTERS. Emily led the league in rebounds for the second consecutive season with 11.8 per game. Fryters was a dominant threat in the paint all season and recorded a season best 19 rebounds on May 3 against Dandenong. Emily damaged her ankle in round 18 of the regular season but has been working hard to be fit for the Championship game this weekend against Brisbane.

With 22pts, 16rebs and 4ass in her second SEABL game New Zealand Tall Fern LISA WALLBUTTON showed she was going to be a threat in the competition. Wallbutton guided the Lady Bandits to their first ever finals appearance with an 11-9 season record. Wallbutton finished the season averaging 18.8pts (3rd), 11.6rebs (2nd), 1.7ass and 1.2blks. Wallbutton started the season with player of the month recognition in March.

The final position on the All SEABL team is awarded to Kilsyth Lady Cobras AMY DENSON. Earning Player of the Month recognition in June, Denson averaged 19.5pts (2nd), 10.5rebs (5th), 1.8ass, 1.5stls and has been one of the standout front court players.