BLAZERS have used a dynamic second-half performance to upset Pandamonium A 63-56 in the men’s A-grade basketball grand final.
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Pandas jumped out to an early lead thanks to some early buckets from big man Matt Dewar (10 points).
But a technical foul to Blazers guard Courtney Ward mid-way through the first half seemed to refocus his team.
The Blazers’ defensive pressure forced Pandas in to numerous bad shot selections and turnovers, which Blazers quickly turned into points at the other end.
At the final break, Blazers led by seven points but Pandas guard Theon Raffaldi (17 points) quickly brought the lead back to four points.
Blazers skipper Scott Amor calmed his troops down and scored a clutch basket in the final minutes to seal the win.
Ward ended the match with 16 points, with teammates John Dempsey and Jade Geary scoring 17 and 12 respectively.
Dempsey was awarded Most Valuable Player for his dominant performance in the paint, which saw him collect more than 20 rebounds.
In the women’s A-grade final, Matariki continued their dominance over fierce rivals Celtics, winning 44-35.
Both sides had early chances to take the lead, but defence on both ends proved superior.
Wai Emery proved the difference between the sides, as she scored a game high 30 points for Matariki, as well as securing eight rebounds, on her way to claiming MVP.
Celtics were led by Shannon Ward, Leiani Tautiepa (9 points) and Kamrynn Roberts (10 points).
The Celtics club regained some pride when their men’s side Celtic B defeated P.Pride in the B-grade final.
Despite 16 points for P.Pride from Johnmark Laya, Celtics claimed a 48-43 win at the Mount Isa Multi-Recreation Stadium.
Celtics B were led by game MVP Edward Farlow (13 points), with Lloyd Issacson chipping in 12 points for the victors.
P.Pride pair Jomari Caseres (11 points) and Jhay Santos (8 points) ensured the match stayed close until the final minutes.
Sonic Heath point guard Leiani Tautiepa (29 points) led her side to a 43-19 victory against Amaze-Balls in the Sonic Health women’s B-grade final, seeing her awarded MVP.
Sonic Health quartet Tanya Hales, Teresa Hodgetts, Margaret Tautiepa and Tara Glasscock all had strong games.
Amaze-Balls were led by Lee-Anne Bryant (6 points) and Ashleigh Jennings (6 points).
The final match of the day went to Pandamonium in the Cava Hydraulics women’s C-grade final, who defeated Semi Pros 2 19-12.
Panda guards Mia-Rose Brigham (5 points), Danica Kelly (4 points) and Danielle Uys (4 points) controlled the tempo for their side all match.
Semi Pros 2 guards Nina Makim and Ricarda Makim both contributed four points for their team in the loss.
Brigham was awarded MVP for her strong performance on the night.
Results:
C women’s winners - Pandamonium
C women’s runners-up - Semi Pros 2
MVP - Mia-Rose Brigham (Pandamonium)
B women’s winners - Sonic Health
B women’s runners-up - Amaze-Balls
MVP - Leiani Tautiepa (Sonic Health)
B men’s winners - Celtics B
B men’s runners Up - P. Pride
MVP - Edward Farlow (Celtics)
A women’s winners - Matarki
A women’s runners-up - Celtics
MVP - Wairita Emery (Matariki)
A men’s winners - Blazers
A men’s runners Up - Pandamonium A
MVP - John Dempsey (Blazers)