YOUTH LEAGUE 1 MEN
Diamond Valley 61 defeated Waverley 60
The Diamond Valley Eagles have had a narrow escape in game 1 of their best of 3 series against Waverley coming away with a 1 point victory in what was a thrilling game of basketball at the Waverley Basketball Centre. A large crowd was on hand to support not only the Falcons, but a big contingent of DV-singlet wearing Eagles made the trip to support their team as well. The Eagles came into this hot favourites to wrap up the series comfortably in 2 games but Waverley made them earn the win, fought all the way and will be disappointed that they are not heading back to DV 1-0 up.
After three tight periods Waverley actually looked like they were going to get the win in the last, outscoring DV by 5 but unable to knock down a few baskets they would normally put away easily which would have given them a buffer down the stretch. With 4/23 from the field for the Falcons this will be remembered as the one that got away.
For Diamond Valley though a win is a win and with a 1-0 advantage will be looking to put Waverley away in game 2 and march on to the Grand Final series.
YOUTH LEAGUE WOMEN
Hawthorn 61 defeated Waverley 45
Based on historical results the semi final matchup between the Waverley Falcons and Hawthorn Magic looked like it could be a one-sided affair, the Falcons had dominated the Magic in all of their previous match ups this season.
The first quarter saw both teams execute their offence, exchanging baskets and looking to establish rhythm as Magic were able to take a small advantage, 15-11 going into the quarter time break. However it was in the Magic who seized control of the contest in the second quarter by pounding the ball inside to Charlotte Ross-Harris, Georgia Stott and Harriet Chesterfield allowing Hawthorn to take a commanding 35-22 lead into the half time break.
After the break, the third quarter was somewhat of a stalemate with both teams committing a series of travelling violations. As frustration mounted, so did the foul count, which saw both teams in the bonus early on resulting in numerous trips to the charity stripe. Both teams did manage to break free of the shackles of the third quarter as Waverley looked to make a run at Hawthorn early in the fourth, but a pair of long bombs from game-high scorer Steph Perch (17 points) ended any hopes of a Falcons comeback. The Magic convincing 61-45 winners.
Linda Rizkallah and Caitlin Hindle with 11 and 9 points respectively paced the Falcons who admittedly were not at their best while in the unfamiliar position of playing catch-up. While for the Magic, Georgia Stott and Charlotte Ross-Harris were dominant on the boards with a mammoth 24 and 13 respectively. The series is right in the balance as it heads back to Waverley next weekend for games 2 and 3 with Waverley hoping to force a deciding game 3 with a win on Saturday night.
Photos by Melissa Sudero: www.melissasuderophotography.com.au
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