Quarter final

Shoalhaven 87

Wagga Wagga 50

THE South Coast Security Shoalhaven State League Tiger women have advanced to the Division 1 State League finals series in style, making short work of the visiting team the Wagga Blaze 87–50 in the first quarter final at the Tigers den on Saturday night.

In front of a good home crowd the game was never in doubt for the Tigers as they led from start to finish.

The Tigers went about their business getting out to an early lead with some easy transition baskets and great teamwork.

They led 25-11 at quarter time and were up by 31 at the main break 50-19.

They were well ahead 75-33 at three quarter time before rounding out a solid 37 point win 87-50.

“We were great in the first half it was some of the best basketball we have played this season,” said coach Scott Balsar.

“It was great to watch the girls play as a unit and as a team we really showed some championship traits.

“We had six girls in double figures which we haven’t had all season, it was just fantastic.

“It was also good to be back at full strength with Kelsey Gardiner and Kelly Hannett back playing with the rest of the team showing as they strengthened our group immensely.”

The win puts the Tigers in familiar territory searching for back-to-back titles after a flawless 2007 season and only one loss this season. The Tigers are only two games away from achieving this goal.

With a game still pending between Coffs Harbour who finished first in Pool A and the Dubbo Rams who finished third in Pool B, which is being played next weekend in Coffs Harbour, it looks like the Tigers will be taking on the Tamworth Thunderbolts, who at this stage are the highest placed loser going down by 12 points to Newcastle who finished second the Tigers’ pool this season.

The Tigers defence was the difference between the two teams on Saturday night.

They shut down Wagga’s stars, keeping their captain Ash Hayllar to just 12 points, she only got in the second half, and Caren Hugo to just nine points.

“Our defence was good, we restricted the Blaze to just 19 first half points, while racking up 50 of our own,” Balsar said.

“Our offence just flowed, we ran the break well and executed our offence. It was a real pleasure to watch.”

The Tigers’ guards distributed the ball well and the interior at times was almost unstoppable.

“To have six of our 11 players in double figures was great; we had a good spread of points across the board,” he said.

Kelly Hannett led the scorers with 15 points, five rebounds, two steals, Nicole Faulks had 13 points and eight rebounds, Kate Denyer 12 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and three steals, Simone Gibbs 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, Razz Muir 11 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and five assists and skipper Sandra Ozolins 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

“The other standout was Kate Bellamy, she was great at just 14-years-old. She really can play at this level with no fear and her drive on defence she finished the match with seven points, three rebounds and two steals,” Balsar said.

“She is the youngest player in the history of Shoalhaven Basketball to play State League.

“She is amazing and a real pleasure to coach and have part of our team. I sometimes have to pinch myself to remind me how old she really is.

“I must also thank all our sponsors and supporters for packing out the Den – it is always appreciated.”

The Tigers now have a three week break before the final series which is being played in Terrigal on August 9-10.

They will be taking a bus and have an accommodation and bus deal for any sponsors spectators or basketball fanatics that wish

to come along and support the team.

Contact Scott Balsar on 44225131 or 0412 770713.