Ballan Brumbies Basketball

The U19 Boys D took on a Celtic Tigers side that they were expected to be able to handle with ease. The match proved far more of a struggle than the Brumbies had anticipated, however.

Neither team started out in prime form, Celtic looking scratchy on offense, Ballan looking tentative and unsure of themselves.

Celtic opened the scoring before Ballan finally got on the board through a strong Oscar McLucas drive and Billy Gillett layup.

The Brumbies, despite superior talent, were struggling to put the ball in the basket. They were able to get to the basket though couldn’t finish over Celtic’s interior size.

A Dallas McKay three pointer stretched Celtic’s lead out to 10 double digits before a late flurry saw Ballan score through Fergus McCausland and Jim Gorman. A basket to McLucas right on half time cutting the lead down to four, 12-16.

The Ballan boys were implored to lift their intensity, which they did, though unfortunately with little tangible impact. The Brumbies continued to struggle to score, missing a series of easy opportunities, however McLucas and McCausland were able to do just enough to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Ballan.

Conversely, Celtic were making almost every shot they put up, no matter the pressure they were under.

Trailing by 16 points with six minutes left, Ballan at long last started to kick into gear. Cooper fed Gillett for a three pointer before Burton swiped steals on consecutive possessions that led to baskets.

With Ballan’s speed and pressure ramped up, Celtic were unable to advance the ball past half court as the Brumbies created turnover after turnover.

With the margin suddenly down to just a point and 11-seconds remaining, Celtic called a steadying timeout. From the resulting inbounds play, they were able to draw a shooting foul and unable to make either free throw. Gorman secured the rebound, finding Leunig with the outlet pass. His hit-ahead pass found McLucas who calmly dropped the game winning basket with just three seconds remaining on the game clock.

To be fair, Celtic controlled the game for long periods and scarcely deserved to lose, but don’t let that take away from what was an inspired comeback from Ballan, who snatched a 40-39 victory from the jaws of defeat.

RESULTS – W/e Saturday 19 November

Under 10 Boys

Ballan D 10 lost Celtic Tigers 22
Ballan B 10 lost Saints Pistons 44

Under 12 Boys

Ballan E 43 def Wildcats 2
Ballan C 49 def Phoenix Lynx 17

Under 12 Girls

Ballan 18 def Saints Comets 0

Under 14 Boys

Ballan D 44 def Wildcats 13
Ballan C 69 def Celtic Tigers 25

Under 14 Girls

Ballan D 12 lost Phoenix Flames 16
Ballan B 34 def Wildcats 14

Under 16 Boys