Grand-Finals- Saturday 10th March @ Penrith  

In the U14’s
After a great season only dropping one game, the boys were set for a big game against rivals Oakhill College. The boys were quite overwhelmed with the noise and excitement of a grand final however Dan Morely and Noa Faatui steadied the ship and keep us in the game. Liam Painter played with heart all game long as the boys were up and down against the strong Oakhill outfit, with Dylan Richmond coming in and playing some efficient minutes and defending well.

Oscar Hammond, Jed Walsh and Tom Wheen almost brought the game back however the boys couldn’t finish off when it counted going down in the dying seconds of the game, 28-29.

The U15’s
This was a very tough loss against a determined Oakhill College. Max Dowling top scored with 11 points. Jai Fisher, returning this week from an ankle injury, scored 7 points, and Tom Douglas, who played strong down both ends, scored 5. Blake Guberina came on and made a huge impact on the game, with three huge rebounds and a block. Final Score 31-41 The U15’s had an amazing season and although things didn't go their way in the final, they should be extremely proud of how the grew and improved as a team.

In the U17’s
Our Saints boys had a terrific Grand final performance especially in the first half placing immense pressure on Chevalier and causing them to struggle with their offence against our tremendous defence, especially with our full-court press resulting in turnovers by Chevalier and giving us a few easy layups. Ben Powe had an amazing tough game on the low post giving Saints some great offensive punch, he also had a great defensive game causing Chevalier to miss many shots resulting in a great rebound performance from all boys. This was a Fantastic finish for the boys who deserved to win the ISA Championship as they have all been unselfish with their play and work for each other to get great performances as a team. A great win by the boys. Final Score 42-27. 

The College Firsts were up against St Pius who had pushed them at both outing this season.

Opportunities were limited for both teams early as team defence was tight.

Clancy Bird and Conor Holmes productive early for Saints. 17-7 at quarter time Early fouls to Zac Kimball and Clancy saw them sit early. Zack Ringrow, Louie Ross, Nic Albertini and Banjo Talbot kept momentum with Saints as they built a nice halftime lead 34-22. In the third quarter Eromon Uadiale and Clancy Bird were strong inside and Jake Fisher gave valuable minutes.56-37 at three quarter time the fourth quarter saw Saints go further ahead but St Pius X hit some big shots late playing hard right till the end.

Final Score 79-58. A great ISA season for the Firsts going undefeated in a challenging season. The team will now rest for a week before getting ready for the Champion schools tournament playing the winner of ACEIS in early April.

Year 7 Preseason @ St Pius X

The Year 7’s played in a ISA preseason tri-series against Redlands and St Pius X at Pius X Oxford Falls campus. Saints Steelers trailed for most of the game and despite a late push we couldn't get the win going down 20-24. The second game of the morning was against Redlands. Saints came out fast and didn’t look back getting out to an early lead and building on it throughout the game. Saints winning 24-10. Saints Celtics had a fantastic two games coming out with the wins. Fast passed first game against St Pius X winning 28-12 with great teamwork and extra passing to get open shots with a fantastic game from Emmanuel Duku. A very close game to be determined by Max King-Gibbins last baskets to give saints to lead to win by 2, 21-19.  

IPSHA

In IPSHA we played at Newington College at their Senior campus at Stanmore. The Year 5’s had a tight contest throughout and the atmosphere was intense with both supporter groups cheering on their respective sides.  All players put in fantastic contributions and were ahead with a few minutes remaining until a couple of errant passes lead to turnovers and layups by the opposition and Newington could steal the match in a thriller.  Final score 35-36.

The Year 6’s had a slow opening 5 minutes, Saints settled nicely and finished the half on a 21-9 run to go into the break leading by 6.  The catalyst for the run was playing with poise and soon Saints would be controlling the tempo for the entire match.

The team would run for easy baskets if opportunities presented themselves or settle into their half court, dribble hand-off offence if the fast break were absent.  Momentum continued in the second half with all players contributing, with quick ball movement and floor spacing.  Mitch Will anchored the second unit well with 7 pts and 4 steals, Tyler Hartman and Joe Walsh's passing were highlights.  Kodie Janik found nothing but nylon with his outside shot, delivering 10 pts, whilst Lucas Elbag was strong all game contributing 6 for 8 from the field and 12 points.  Final score 50-33.  

This week…  

IPSHA Basketball Round 6 Vs Sydney Grammar (AWAY)

Address: Address: Sydney Grammar Edgecliff: 7/11 Alma St, PADDINGTON

Directions: Enter via Alma St Paddington & travel along lane way between Weigall Playing Fields & White City tennis courts. There is a carpark at the end of the lane way & the courts are in the North/eastern corner of Weigall 4.  

Game times for Saturday 17th March, 2018

Good luck to all teams.  

Emma Donnellan
TIC ISA Basketball