AN exceptional grand final from the top shelf saw the Seymour Blasters and the Wallan Panthers do battle at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre on Saturday night to decide the Country Basketball League North East Men’s premiers.
A big, boisterous crowd of over 550 people made plenty of noise for both combatants in what was a fiercely contested battle.
Seymour, as minor premiers, made a terrific start in the opening quarter, and thanks to the likes of Tyler Best and Robbie Sartori, opened up a quick seven-point lead.
The Blasters were getting quality looks in the paint, while at the other end, were able to restrict the Panthers from scoring easily inside the three-point line.
At the end of the first term, Seymour led by eight points, 24-16.
For much of the second term, Seymour was threatening to blow the Panthers away with good shooting, particularly from Best and Jesse Brock, and as a result, the lead crept into double digits, with the Blasters leading by as much as 12 points.
However, Wallan responded and in particular, it was the trio of Lachlan Lombardo, Ryan Philippe and Jayden O’Brien who got to work in trimming the margin.
A late 10-2 run to finish the first half meant the game was still on the line going into the main break, with Seymour leading 42-38.
Wallan started the third term asking questions of the Blasters, and closed to within two points, but crucially, could not hit the lead.
The game seemed to turn on a crucial inbounds turnover which saw Seymour score four points in a matter of seconds, which shifted the momentum the Blasters’ way. It would result in a 21-5 run which saw the game seemingly done and dusted going into the final term, with the Blasters assuming a 70-51 lead.
When Harry Stones hit a three-pointer for Seymour with eight minutes remaining in the last term, the margin was 22 points, and the game appeared a formality.
However, Wallan suddenly caught fire, and the Panthers slowly but surely closed the gap.
Philippe was driving to the cup with ease, while also having the hot hand from outside the arc, and along with O’Brien, helped Wallan go on an astonishing 19-0 run to cut the margin to just three points with two minutes left.
With 38 seconds remaining, a Jordan Sullivan three meant the margin was just two points, but Brock sunk a dagger into Panther hearts with a crucial two pointer, with the Blasters holding on for a four-point victory in an instant classic, 82-78.
It was the Blasters’ 10th title, and Best was a deserved recipient of the grand final MVP, scoring 29 points, while Brock added 17.
Wallan did not go home empty-handed in defeat, with Philippe’s 22 points earning recognition, while O’Brien added 20.
Philippe was named the North East MVP for the season, while also taking home the leading scorer award and a spot in the All Star Five alongside the Blasters’ Sartori, who was also named the defensive player of the year.