BBBBBBBB SSSSB Back-to-back premiers

Basketball

COLLIE’S under-16 girls’ team became back-to-back premiers when they won division three at the Country Championships at Perth’s Bendat Stadium at the weekend.

With 10 teams and two pools, the girls had five games against strong competition.

A win to start the weekend was a good confidence booster, as the team beat Eaton Eagles 49 - 8.

Bridgetown was next with a 39 - 4 win.

Game three against Albany was close all the way to the end. Tiredness set in, which caused turnovers, however the girls continued to work hard and finished 19-all. The girls recharged for Saturday’s game against Manjimup. The final score had Collie lose, 8-26.

Making the semi-finals seemed to renew the team’s positive attitude.

They came out fighting, and played strong defence. They blocked the offence and created more scoring opportunities.

This paid off with a win over Margaret River, 38-13, which sent them into the grand final against Australind.

It was a hard-fought, low-scoring game. Both teams played great defence and scoring opportunities were minimal.

Collie Cougars fought hard all game, winning 17-13. Jorja Storen was named the most valuable player in the grand final.

UNDER-15 GIRLS

The under-15 girls’ team played eight games during the weekend, and progressed to win the grand final.

They defeated Pinjarra in division three, 24-15. Coach Mat Harker said each player conducted themselves professionally.

“They competed hard all weekend and played a great defensive game in their style of play,” he said.

“They are a great group of girls and deserved to win a Country Championship after being runners-up previously.”

Ava Roney was the team’s most valuable player in the grand final.

Brooke Burek was the team manager, and Teagan Roney was the team scorer.

UNDER-15 BOYS

The under-15s boys’ team played in its first Country Championship.

Coach Chris Stewart said they performed well, and their training helped their game. “After a tough loss early, the boys knocked down and played some good basketball which was highlighted by plenty of tenacious defence,” he said.

“To come away with two wins was a great reward for the training the boys put in.”