WMR Basketball

On Thursday, the 2nd of November, the Year 8 boys’ basketball team made their way to Altona Stadium to compete in the second round of the inter-school competition. This is the second straight year the boys have qualified for this round after winning the Western Ranges Division. Last year the team finished second in their pool. This year, the boys were aiming higher. Knowing the competition was going to be tough, the boys spent hours in the gym at lunchtime training for the tournament with Mr. Collins, Ms. Cooke, and Mr. Cini.

The boys required 3 wins from their pool to go into the final. They got off to a great start beating Footscray City Secondary College 38 – 29. The next game was against Manor Lakes where the boys won 55 – 27. The boys dominated the final game against Strathmore Secondary College, winning 37 -24.

A clean sweep in the pool meant the boys advanced to the final match against Maribyrnong Sports Academy. The winner won the Western Metro Division title and a spot at the State Finals. The game was close, and came down to the line with Maribyrnong sinking 2 of the luckiest 3 pointers in the game to steal victory from the boys 39 – 35.

Despite the many sad faces, Mr. Collins gave his final words on wisdom to the boys.

Congratulations to the following boys on a fantastic effort:

Bol Dengdit

Jordan Barnes

Blake Thompson

Evan Donoghue

Adrian Sta Cruz

Dylan Mcdonald

Jack Scalpelli

Adam Gatt

”The day was really good until we lost” --- Dylan

“Mr Collins was a really good coach, it was disappointing to lose but we will get them next year” --- Evan

“It was heartbreaking to see the team lose the final match. The boys did an amazing job on the day, and I can’t wait to see what happens next year.” --- Ms. Cooke

“The boys performed extremely well in our pool games comprehensively beating most teams. We faced the sports super school Maribyrnong Sports Academy in the final and led for patches. Unfortunately the boys fell tantalisingly short of a state final birth due to a couple of lucky shots late in the 4th quarter. Great effort boys we will get them next year!”

--- Mr. Collins

DANIELLE COOKE

Sports Coordinator