The race for SECBL finals spots heating up

South East Coast Basketball League scrambling to reschedule men’s games ahead of the winter finals

With 2 Rounds to play in the 2023 South East Coast Basketball League Winter Season, it is time to preview finals time in a season in which interest and entertainment has been regenerated in these local basketball competitions.

In the women’s scene, five of the six teams are genuine contenders for the four finals spots.

Three teams, Saints, Bulldogs and Cougars are locked in a tussle for the two double chances while Cats and Roos, separated by one point, are battling for the fourth spot. Round 14 results may clarify the situation because Roos, currently fifth meets third placed Cougars and top two, Saints meet Bulldogs. Fourth placed Cats are expected to keep their chances alive when they meet a hapless Panthers, who have struggled for numbers and consistency.

Interest is likely to remain high for fourth spot in Round 15 as well when Cats and Roos take on leaders Saints and Bulldogs respectively.

The postponement of the two crucial games in Round 13 puts a hold on the order of the four teams to feature in the 2023 Men’s Winter Season finals. Bulldogs Blue, Saints and Panthers are jostling for the top two spots in their final three games. Leader Bulldogs Blue has a tough run home; they meet Saints on Wednesday night, Roos in the “catch up” game and then finish off with a classic contest against Panthers. Saints too will be challenged, having to play Panthers, Bulldogs Blue, and Bulldogs White in their run home.

The toughest assignment however, faces Panthers, who play the improving Cougars next Wednesday, Saints on Thursday and Bulldogs Blue in Round 15. Meanwhile Roos is assured of finals action from fourth place.

WOMEN:

Outcome up for grabs right up to final minutes when Bulldogs’ Ava Collins, continuing her stellar form, and Kaitlin Egan scored 9 points to one by Cougars and sealed the win.

BULLDOGS 65 (A. Collins 28, T. Human 13, M. Anderson 8) def COUGARS 55 (S. Ritter 18, M. Horrigan 16, A. Beveridge 8). After a lethargic start, a lift in tempo saw Roos gradually build a winan Norman after a break from the game, is regaining confidence as she played a key role in this win. ROOS 60 (L. Norman 16, M. Griffith 15, C. Nulty 10) def CATS 50 (A. Berkefeld 15, E. Denton 9, J. Hibberd 8).

SAINTS 20 def PANTHERS 0. (Forfeit)

MEN:

Tenison Woods College competing in the State finals of the Year 11 and 12 Boys Secondary Schools Basketball Championships in Adelaide last Wednesday resulted in several of the Men’s SECBL teams struggling to field teams for Round 13. Two of the games were consequently postponed in order to have full complements for these crucial contests. The Saints v Panthers game has been scheduled for Thursday August 24, while the date for the Roos v Bulldogs Blue game has not been finalised at this stage. COUGARS 20 def BULLDOGS WHITE 0 (Forfeit).