Sunday, 17th June, 2012

In an action-packed thriller, the WheelKings have fought back from a 10 point half-time deficit to defeat Victoria Dandenong Rangers 55-51 in the NWBL Finals 3rd place playoff at Shellharbour Stadium today.

The Finals gala started on Friday night with defending champions Wollongong Roller Hawks being too good for the Be Active Perth Wheelcats, taking out a 71-62 victory. That win put Wollongong straight into today's grand final (yet to played at the time of writing). Meanwhile, Perth would get a second chance in the Preliminary Final but they'd have to wait to see who won the Minor Semi-final yesterday morning between Sydney Uni and Dandenong.

Unfortunately, the semi-final was a disaster for the WheelKings as they got off to a typically slow start to trail 25-10 at the end of the first quarter. Sydney matched the Rangers score over the next 3 quarters, and got within 8 midway through the third quarter, but ultimately they could do nothing to erase that early deficit, losing 65-50.

CJ Grogan had a monster game with 27 points, 15 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks. However, he just didn't have enough help on the day. Graig Cannane was solid on the boards (10 rebounds) and at the free-throw line (5 of 6) to record a double-double, but he couldn't buy a field goal. Kylie Gauci dished out 6 assists and tallied 11 points but similarly struggled with her field goal percentage.

"It was a very disappointing result for both players as they'd played really well against Dandenong in recent contests. We missed a few easy baskets that would have turned the momentum our way but now we have to see how we go in the playoff for third which was our minimum goal," said Coach Hewson after the game.

Full stats: http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/17/05/64/15/391EGlkni7A/

Last night's Preliminary Final between Perth and Dandenong became a lop-sided affair after a very close first quarter with the Wheelcats up 14-13. Perth then piled on the points to eventually win 77-54 and book a place in today's Grand Final where they'll get another crack at Wollongong.

Dandenong were left to once again face the WheelKings in the 3rd place playoff - the 5th straight game that Sydney Uni would take on their Victorian foes (last 3 regular season games, semi and now playoff)!

Coach Hewson made some defensive adjustments to counter the inside scoring of Cobi Crispin (20 points at an astounding 91% accuracy in the semi) but this would leave the high-scoring Daniel Deltoso with single-coverage defence. The strategy worked with Crispin scoring on just 2 free-throws in the first quarter but Del Toso got his shot going with 8 points.
Sydney would have missed the water if they dropped a basketball from a boat, they were shooting that badly. Yet another disastrous start had them down 17-7 at the first break with only Sarah Stewart and Caig Cannane registering scores.

The WheelKings came out much more determined in the second quarter and kept Del Toso to just 3 points. Their scoring woes continued but at least Sydney had slowed down the Rangers scoring as well, and still trailled by just the 10 points, 29-19.

After a big rev-up from the coaches during half-time, it was like a different Sydney Uni team that came out for the second half. Shots were falling, loose balls were being dived on, and turnovers were being forced. Del Toso scored the opening basket to put Rangers up by 12 but then the WheelKings went on a 15-6 run over the next 6 minutes to trail by just 3 with 3:19 left in the third period.

CJ Grogan hit the first 2 baskets of that run and 4 more WheelKings players added to the score as the quality of play was infectious. With Dandenong holding just a 40-37 advantage going into the last term, the game was now wide open.

In front of a huge and appreciative finals crowd, the Rangers quickly got the jump on the WheelKings to go up by 7 just one minute into the last quarter. However, a stunning performance from Cannane, Gauci, Grogan, Stewart and Josh Meoli saw them keep working their offence as they whittled the lead back to a single point with 5 minutes on the clock. Sydney's bench lit up at the 3 minute mark when CJ Grogan hit a 2-pointer to put the WheelKings into the lead for the first time in the match.

The pressure on Dandenong was obvious and they must have been having visions of the last game of the regular season against Sydney where they lost 52-50 which allowed the WheelKings to sneak into the Final 4. Just like today, that game had been preceded by Sydney being flogged by Dandenong the night before. Now here they were with the exact same scenario playing out with the WheelKings showing that they come up big in the games that actually matter.

Neither team scored again until the 1 minute mark when Crispin made a free-throw to tie the game, 50-50. Moments later, a foul on Dandenong's Jannik Blair put him at the line where he converted 1 of his 2 free-throws. Now down 1, the pressure was right back on the WheelKings. Step up Sarah Stewart who calmy hit an outside shot to retake the lead with 28 seconds remaining.

Dandenong took a time-out then put the ball in Crispin's hands to try to regain the lead however she missed with her attempt. In the scramble for the rebound, the Rangers guard Dylan Alcott secured the ball but he missed his rushed shot rather than passing the ball out to set up a final play.

Cannane pulled in the rebound and was immediately fouled with 16 seconds left. The bad news for Dandenong was that they hadn't fouled at all during the quarter so they'd have to commit 3 more very quick fouls to put the WheelKings at the line, thus giving them a chance of getting the ball back - hopefully with the WheelKings missing the free-throws.

It eventually came down to Grogan getting fouled with 9 seconds on the clock and he iced the first foul shot to give a 2 point buffer. He then missed the second but Stewart was right there to grab the most important offensive board of the game. She quickly passed the ball out to Gauci who was immediately fouled with the clock reading 5 seconds to go.

Gauci's free-throws were critical. Make one and Dandenong would need a 3-pointer to tie. Make 2 and it's game over. Well, Kyles showed all the class that has made her the starting point guard for the Australian Gliders. She calmy sunk both shots to put the game out of reach, WheelKings 55, Rangers 51.

After the game, Gauci (12 points, 9 asissts) was typically modest about her leading role in the win, "I'm pleased that I played well but it truly was a team effort. We played some of our best basketball of the season in the second half and everyone's so happy with win."

Coach Hewson was ecstatic with the performance of his squad, "that was a fantastic win for our team and especially the young guys. They were on the bench when we played in the grand final in 2009 but now they've had a leading role in winning a trophy. Credit goes to Kylie and especially Craig for their veteran leadership, and Craig has had his best season in years on the court and in the stats. Fantastic effort all round!"

Full stats: http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/17/05/68/33/56am0go5SDOcs/

It was a remarkable finish to a remarkable seaon for the WheelKings. So much credit goes to the coaching staff of Gerry Hewson, Alan Cox and Troy Sachs. But so much respect goes to the players for their heart and determination. With so many young and relatively inexperienced players, consistency will be an issue, but this team has stepped up each time there was a clear goal to focus on.

To Team Manager Sue James, a huge thank you, and much thanks to all our other helpers over the season, particularly Marilyn Gauci and Max Illingworth. Our sponsors have been terrific in helping us financially and coming to our home games to support us, and we look forward to renewing aquaintances next season.

Well done WheelKings and let's look forward to building on this wonderful season!

Michael King

EDit to add: Congratulations to Wollongong Roller Hawks who have just become back-to-back champions after defeating Perth Wheelcats 79-59 in today's grand final.