MATT Alexander has praised the basketball IQ of his young charges after Warrnambool Seahawks’ under 12 boys announced themselves as country Victoria’s best.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Seahawks defeated Bendigo Braves in thrilling Basketball Victoria Country championships grand final on Sunday, earning eligibility for the national titles in June in the process.
Alexander said he was proud of Sam Niklaus, Logan Barby, Kayne Rae-Rentsch, Talor Byrne, Oscar Hill, Sam Marris, Jack Kelson, Des O’Keefe, Mack Mills, Malachi Woodbury who played nine games in three days in Bendigo.
Warrnambool responded from a loss to Bendigo in the pool games to win the division one decider 42-37.
“They played a formidable press (in the pool game) and we set out a plan for the grand final and ran it perfectly and we broke the press,” Alexander said.
“The guys’ basketball IQ for 10-year-olds is really amazing. I couldn’t be more proud of the guys.
“We’ve won five out of the eight tournaments we’ve played and the guys have played over 50 games this season.
“We’ve put a lot of preparation into it and to see the guys developing is really rewarding.”
Warrnambool was dealt an injury blow in the grand final with the influential Niklaus ruled out in the first half.
Alexander said his teammates stepped up in his absence.
“Kayne rebounded and scored eight points, Oscar from Port Fairy hit timely threes and Logan scored 10 points and had a couple of Euro-step moves to the basket,” he said.
“Talor went down with foul trouble in the rounds and had 50-50 calls against him and he then stood up in the grand final as well.”
Terang won the division five title with Jack Fowler (20 points) and Darcy Hutchins (14 points) leading the way in the 47-35 win over Surfcoasters.