Term 4 2018 marked the launch of the inaugural Summer Junior Season at Noosa Basketball, and it was one of the largest and most competitive seasons to date.
Here is the U12/U14's Finals Day review.
Under 12
Grand Final - NW Warriors Black v Southern Sabres Black
Going down by 15 in the regular season, Southern Sabres were in for an up-hill battle in the Grand Final, as they faced the undefeated Regular Season champions in NW Warriors Black.
Right from the ball-up Southern Sabres shot out of the blocks, taking an early 6-0 run 5 minutes into the first term, to eventually lead the game at the first quarter break 9-2.
Despite a great effort in the first quarter by the Sabres, the Warriors came out in the second with full control, leaving the Sabres scoreless and bringing the game back within two points (9-7)
After a neck-and-neck third quarter exchanging baskets, the Southern Sabres gained momentum in the final quarter, building the lead every minute until the final buzzer, with the eventual score 17-12
League-leading scorer Jake Henry-May lead the charge for NW Warriors Black, racking up over half of their final score (8 points)
Southern Sabres Black saw a more balanced score-sheet, although with some clutch layups down the stretch, Tyler Woodward led the way for the Sabres with 8 points, claiming the Finals MVP.
3/4 Playoff - Central Saints Red v GSLC Blue
After a low scoring affair back in Round 7 (4-7), the 3/4 Playoff was anyone's for the taking.
Much like the Grand Final, GSLC Blue started off very impressively, racing off to a 6-0 lead leaving Central Saints Red scoreless in the first half.
The Saints came to life in the second half, putting up a tremendous fight for the remainder of the game, with the match coming down to the final minutes.
In the end it was GSLC pulling out the 3 point win, taking out third place 13-10.
Noah Woodcock and Eden Reid led the way for GSLC Blue, combining for 12 out of their 13 points.
U12 Summer Season 18/19
Finals MVP
Tyler Woodward - Southern Sabres Black (8 Points)
Overall MVP
Jake Henry-May - NW Warriors Black (8.5 ppg)
Most Threes
Jake Henry-May - NW Warriors Black (4 3pm)
Under 14
Grand Final - Southern Sabres White v GSLC Blue
It was a whirlwind playoff series for GSLC Blue, knocking off the highly touted Southern Sabres Black by double digit points in the Semi Finals (who they previously lost to by 19 points), to face another Sabres team in the Grand Final in Southern Sabres White.
In a low scoring affair, defence was the key to securing the championship.
It took two minutes for the game to see its first points, with Sabres big man Connor Avery raking in the first bucket.
In a weekend where all games were close, this match-up was no different in the first half. As the clock ticked down to 1 minute left before the main break, and only 2 points separating the two teams, league leader in 3 pointers Charlie Glennon of GSLC Blue hit a huge pull-up jump shot from beyond the arc to push the game out to 5 points.
After yet another tight quarter, GSLC Blue charged home in the final term scoring 6 unanswered points to close out the game 28-19.
Charlie Glennon led the attack for GSLC, scoring 11 points, with many of those in crucial parts of the game.
Southern Sabre Bailey Finlay poured in 12 of his team's 19 points.
3/4 Playoff - Southern Sabres Black v Central Saints Black
The 3/4 Playoff for the U14's saw two teams which both in their own right could have been in the big dance.
Southern Sabres Black led the competition for 8 out of the 12 rounds in the regular season, whereas Central Saints Black were just pipped at the post the week earlier by 1 point against the Runners Up Sabres White.
As he had done multiple times throughout the season, league leader in points per game Samuel Ruscoe tried his best to pull the Sabres over the line pouring in a massive 18 of their 20 points, although it was not enough.
A full team effort from start to finish by Central Saints Black saw them claim 3rd place for the season, with Cayden Stanicic and Ayman Alsago combining for 17 points.
U14 Summer Season 18/19
Finals MVP
Charlie Glennon - GSLC Blue (11 Points)
Overall MVP
Samuel Ruscoe - Southern Sabres Black (19.92 ppg)
Most Threes
Charlie Glennon - GSLC Blue (9 3pm)
