Another successful season has come to an end. A celebration of all the positives and acknowledgement of the efforts of players across all 40 teams and development squads was held on Saturday,16 March. The event was well attended despite the dreadful weather conditions and after a delicious meal, the audience was entertained by a Q and A with AJ Ogilvy (NBL player with Illawarra Hawks) led by Andy Cameron and Will Johnston.The 14s and 16s age groups had particularly successful seasons and the 16E team, coached by Mr Esdaile and Ms Putica won the trophy for the ‘Most Successful Non-GPS Team’ having scored 508 points for and only 296 points against. Eight Year 12 players from 1sts and 2nds (Will Johnston, Omar Mirza, Leo Kyaw, Andy Cameron, Riley Green, Mike Nojiri, Sam Forster andSam Cook) were farewelled from the program and Will Johnston and Sam Cook spoke on behalf of their teammates.
The Graham Kelly Memorial Trophy was presented to Andy Cameron and The Players’ Player Award was won by Ben Moult. A huge thank you to the committee of the Basketball Club and helpers for the amazing ambience created for the event and parents and friends of Basketball for their ongoing support.
GPS Round 6 v Grammar
2nds TKS (48) Grammar (52)
Apart from a slow start by the King’s team, this game was a close contest in every quarter. By half time there was only a 5-point difference in the scores and the TKS team continued to lift to match Grammar right until the final whistle. A fine effort by the boys and in particular Leo Zhang who scored 17 points and made 7/9 foul shots. James Zhou supported well with 9 points and 3 from 4 three-pointers and Sam Forster showed his customary strength in rebounding. Well done to Angus Lee who was called up into the team from the 15As and managed to score 8 points.
2nds TKS (48) Grammar (52)
Apart from a slow start by the King’s team, this game was a close contest in every quarter. By half time there was only a 5-point difference in the scores and the TKS team continued to lift to match Grammar right until the final whistle. A fine effort by the boys and in particular Leo Zhang who scored 17 points and made 7/9 foul shots. James Zhou supported well with 9 points and 3 from 4 three-pointers and Sam Forster showed his customary strength in rebounding. Well done to Angus Lee who was called up into the team from the 15As and managed to score 8 points.
1sts TKS (79) Grammar (59)
Being the final home game of the season for the boys, they wanted to perform well. It was a game of runs with King’s starting well but allowing Grammar back into the game by half time. The second half told a different story with King’s stamping their superiority in defence and forcing several turnovers by Grammar. This pressure created more shooting options for King’s off fast break opportunities and the game ended with a strong win to TKS. Will Johnston scored a huge 33 points and Jack McWilliams registered another double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Great contributions by Ben Moult (11 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists) and Andy Cameron (9 points, 6 rebounds and 3/3 foul shots) with every other team member playing their part in securing the win. Defensive pressure by Noah Clarke and Riley Green always sets a competitive tone to the contest.
Being the final home game of the season for the boys, they wanted to perform well. It was a game of runs with King’s starting well but allowing Grammar back into the game by half time. The second half told a different story with King’s stamping their superiority in defence and forcing several turnovers by Grammar. This pressure created more shooting options for King’s off fast break opportunities and the game ended with a strong win to TKS. Will Johnston scored a huge 33 points and Jack McWilliams registered another double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Great contributions by Ben Moult (11 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists) and Andy Cameron (9 points, 6 rebounds and 3/3 foul shots) with every other team member playing their part in securing the win. Defensive pressure by Noah Clarke and Riley Green always sets a competitive tone to the contest.
GPS Round 7 v Newington
2nds TKS (32) Newington (61)
A more focussed start by King’s in the first quarter started the game well. Pressure on our ball handlers and shooters by Newington however, allowed the opposition to progressively extend their lead as the game went on. Undaunted, the King’s players continued to give their full effort to match Newington and should be proud of their commitment to giving their best throughout the season. Sam Forster contributed well in scoring and rebounding and Mike Nojiri, Omar Mirza and Leo Zhang also worked hard in rebounding. Our younger players Sam Vallance and Angus Lee have played confidently at this level of competition and show great potential for the future.
2nds TKS (32) Newington (61)
A more focussed start by King’s in the first quarter started the game well. Pressure on our ball handlers and shooters by Newington however, allowed the opposition to progressively extend their lead as the game went on. Undaunted, the King’s players continued to give their full effort to match Newington and should be proud of their commitment to giving their best throughout the season. Sam Forster contributed well in scoring and rebounding and Mike Nojiri, Omar Mirza and Leo Zhang also worked hard in rebounding. Our younger players Sam Vallance and Angus Lee have played confidently at this level of competition and show great potential for the future.
1sts TKS (71) Newington (78)
What an exciting game to end the season! Two quality teams matching each other basket for basket. With a 1 point difference in scores at half time and the same margin with 5 minutes to go the outcome could have gone either way. Newington scored two critical baskets with the clock winding down and that was enough to give them the edge at full time. A commendable effort despite the final scoreline. The entire team left nothing to chance, Ben Moult scoring 26 points and Will Johnston scoring 24 points. Rebounding effort was evenly distributed across the team in particular Andy Cameron, Callum Donohoo and Jack McWilliams did well. Cameron Warnock was an asset and Riley Green and Tom Harrison gave 100% as usual.
What an exciting game to end the season! Two quality teams matching each other basket for basket. With a 1 point difference in scores at half time and the same margin with 5 minutes to go the outcome could have gone either way. Newington scored two critical baskets with the clock winding down and that was enough to give them the edge at full time. A commendable effort despite the final scoreline. The entire team left nothing to chance, Ben Moult scoring 26 points and Will Johnston scoring 24 points. Rebounding effort was evenly distributed across the team in particular Andy Cameron, Callum Donohoo and Jack McWilliams did well. Cameron Warnock was an asset and Riley Green and Tom Harrison gave 100% as usual.
Player Achievement
Congratulations to Ben Moult who has been selected in the GPS 1st team and Jack McWilliams and Will Johnston who have gained selection in the GPS 2nds. This is an outstanding achievement by these boys.
Congratulations to Ben Moult who has been selected in the GPS 1st team and Jack McWilliams and Will Johnston who have gained selection in the GPS 2nds. This is an outstanding achievement by these boys.
Julianne Stanton
Master in Charge