THE Hamilton Basketball Association senior finals are underway with a handful of teams already qualifying for the season deciders.
Women’s Division 1-2
St Mary’s d. Tigers
THE Saints were the first team to win through to the grand final after they accounted for the Tigers by nine points in the division one semi-final on Tuesday night.
One player stood above the rest, as Clare Crawford put up 30 points in a stunning performance in a pressure game, as Tigers had no way to curb her influence, as the Saints went on to record a 49-40 victory.
Ella Sevior was the standout for Tigers, scoring 16 points.
The win sees the Saints progress directly to the division one grand final, while Tigers get one last chance in next week’s preliminary final.
Monivae d. Minders Blue
IN the first of the division two semi-finals, it was Monivae which claimed a comfortable 24-point win at the final buzzer against Minders Blue.
It was a dominant performance from the outside for Monivae, as it opened up an early lead and controlled the game to finish 47-23 winners.
Maggie Doyle topped Monivae’s scoring with 22 points, while Maddison Cotten put up 11 points for Blue.
Monivae now moves straight into the division two season decider, while Blue will be back in action in next week’s preliminary final.
Crocodiles d. Pure Envy Coasters
IN the sudden death semi-final, it was Crocodiles which came out on top to keep its season alive with a win against Pure Envy Coasters.
It was a defensive game with neither team able to put together a run of regular scoring.
Crocodiles eventually did enough to edge clear and won, 26-19, thanks to Clare McKay and Jessica Martin, who each put up six points for the winners.
Jamie Hura was Pure Envy Coasters’ best with six points also, as the team dropped out of premiership contention.
Men’s Division 1
Minders White d. Barber Boys
BARBER Boys has ended its season prematurely with a six-point loss to Minders White in its division one semi-final on Wednesday night.
It was a tight contest for much of the game with both teams able to apply scoreboard pressure at different times, but White found itself clear on the scoreboard when it mattered most, winning 79-73.
Angus Noske impressed for the winners, putting up a game-high 28 points, while Josh Miller added 21 in support.
Nate Krause topped Barber Boys’ scoring effort with 21 points.
St Mary’s Orange d. Minders Blue
ST Mary’s Orange booked a spot in the division one grand final with a comfortable win against Minders Blue in the other semi-final.
Orange was in control of the game from the outset, as Blue had no answer to the full court dominance of its opponent.
The St Mary’s squad put up the highest score of the round, amassing 90 points to easily account for Blue’s 67.
Deacon White contributed 26 points to the winning tally, while Charlie Alexander put up 22 points.
Aaron Glare was Blue’s best with 18 points.
Senior preliminary finals
Women’s Division 1 – Sportscene Minders v Tigers
Women’s Division 2 – Minders Blue v Crocodiles
Women’s Division 3 – Tigers Orange v Tigers Black
Women’s Division 4 – Athletics v Storm
Men’s Division 1 – Minders Blue v Minders White
Men’s Division 2A – Good Shepherd Sharks v Minders White
Men’s Division 2B – Barber Boys v Tigers Gold
Men’s Division 3 – St Mary’s v Coasters
