Ballan Brumbies Basketball

With only two rounds left to play, the Ballan Brumbies Under 16 C Boys, a side beset by absences, needed to halt their three-game skid to shore up a finals berth. A game against the bottom of the table Celtic Tigers offered just that opportunity.

Things didn’t get off to a good start when James Prosser – the team’s only remaining big – was late to the venue, forcing the team to start with a proverbial mosquito fleet.

Ballan’s guards flew out of the gates, harassing Celtic’s players every time they put the ball on the floor. Harrison Clark and Noah Pace both picked up early steals, leading to easy points at the other end.

Will Lewis, meanwhile, was white hot. The forward connected on an early three pointer and a pair of tough drives to the basket as the Brumbies got off to a flyer.

Ballan’s interior defense was reinforced with Prosser’s belated introduction as the boys extended their lead off the back of Lewis and Pace carving holes in Celtic’s defense.

Ballan’s defensive intensity was epitomized by Jack Clark, an under 14 playing up an age group to cover for the team’s raft of missing players, stepping in to take a charge from giant Tigers centre Christian Young.

Celtic gained a foothold late in the half as they started to click offensively, but another three from the on-fire Lewis – he had 15 points by this stage – saw Ballan lead 26-14 at the half.

Celtic started the 2nd half strongly as Young and Blake Ferris started to find their range. Ballan responded through Pace and Lewis.

A much bigger but slower side, Celtic began to tire as they chased Ballan’s speedier players around. Prosser took advantage of a tired defense as he repeatedly carved his way to the hoop whilst Tom Connally was able to leak out for a series of easy buckets.

Ballan’s speed and fitness eventually won the day, the Brumbies confirming their spot in the finals with a comfortable 55-29 win.

RESULTS

Under 16 Boys
Ballan G White 34 lost Wildcats 38
Ballan G Blue 2 lost Phoenix Rollers 44
Ballan E 31 lost Excies Acmy 42
Ballan C 55 def Celtic Tigers 29

Under 19 Boys
Ballan H 34 lost Phoenix Patriots 54
Ballan E 34 def Phoenix Lions 30
Ballan D 54 def Celtic Tigers 13

Under 19 Girls
Ballan 46 def Drummo Dragons 32