3 wins out of 4 Grand Finals was the end result.
Under 12 Boys beat Yorke Valley
Under 16 Boys beat Pt Augusta
Under 18 Girls Beat Pt Augusta
Under 18 Boys lost to Pt Augusta
A very good effort by all the teams and coaches.
Under 12 Girls Pt Pirie
The under 12 girls are an extremely new playing group, and as such are still learning to play with each other. They have been performing well and did so again at the Pt Pirie carnival. With all players now knowing the combined system, they have come up against some stiff opposition. Playing Yorke Valley in their first game was not what they needed. Losing this game by 8 points.
In the second game the girls played Pt Pirie and it turned out to be an excellent, tight game with both teams fighting out a well deserved draw. While the Stealers had their chances to win, the lack of team work at times took its toll. But with such a young group, it is these things the players must take away from each game.
The third game for the girls would be their last and it was against Pt Augusta. The girls began to play as a team, getting good passes away, which lead to an even score sheet. All the girls getting some points, showing the improvement in this group.
The team consisted of Tia Bails, Nellie Cowan, Kelsey Mitchell, Alice Morgan, Annabel Gurnett, Myrrhn Mitlon-Hutchinson, Sarah Simmonds, Shannon Herbert, Katelin Morgan, and Madeline Forran. For such a young group a win, lose or draw is not that important, it is the learning aspect that these girls are gaining that will give them excellent experience later on in their combined playing lives. Well done to all the girls on their continual learning curve and keep up the great work.
Under 12 Boys Pt Pirie By Pat Kemp
The under 12 boys were coming off a successful carnival in Pt Augusta and were looking to go back to back in Pt Pirie. Their first game was against Yorke Valley. It was a tough hard fought game where the scoring was even and the game played at great pace. Jordan Henderson-Ewing playing in his first carnival was showing some signs of nervousness, but settled down and played well with the team. Adrian Hunter again showed why he has won MVP at the 2 other carnivals with his 20 points. He also played a fantastic team game. The boys were able to hold off the Valley by 4 points.
In the second game the boys played Pt Augusta who was no match for the mosquito fleet of Tom Fischer, Aaron Rogers, Jarrod Wallace, Daniel Vines and Kody Rosalia. All boys getting on the scoring and setting up a comfortable win.
The third game was played against the host town, all the boys were now looking to extend their time at the top and played with vengeance to get the win. Adrian Hunter scoring 24 points and really showing the way. Daniel Vines providing some good defence and getting in the way to cause some turnovers. Winning this one by points.
The boys continued on the winners path in their final pool match, beating Pt Lincoln by 25. All the players were now fully focussed on the upcoming Grand Final. In the Grand Final the boys would match up against Yorke Valley, a team who had come the closest to beating them. With the intensity building and all players knowing what this game was about they set about their task well. The scoring going backwards and forwards, changing many times throughout the course of the game. With the game close at three quarter time, the Stealers set about getting this win. Applying the pressure and listening to their coach to up the ante and get a 10 point win. All players were fantastic, and again proving that playing as a team and not as individuals is the way to the winners circle.
Special mention to Adrian Hunter for being Carnival MVP and player of the Grand Final.
Under 14 Girls by Showtime Quinn
The under 14 girls first game was against Roxby, this game was at 8:45am and the girls looked like they were asleep, the girls won the game by only three points but this may have had to do with them trying to run different defences and offences.
The second game was against Port Lincoln which they won easily and now starting to show signs of understanding what they where doing on the court, the team played much better with all the girls contributing.
The third game was against Pt. Augusta who won the last carnival, this was always going to be a tough game, the girls played very well for three quarters leading the game by 12 points at one stage, the last quarter Pt. Augusta increased the intensity in their defence causing Whyalla to turn the ball over a number of times, with only 30 seconds to go the game was all tied up, Whyalla girls had four shots in the final seconds of the game however just could not find the basket, the game finishing with a draw.
Sunday morning the girls had a 8am start against York Valley this game was again going to be tough as York Valley are very strong unfortunately the Whyalla girls where caught sleeping again with York getting out by ten Whyalla could not pull the margin back. Taylor Crocker and Jenna Daniels had very good game unfortunately Whyalla missed too many shots and got into foul trouble costing them a finals berth.
Overall a little disappointing as they were expected to be in the final but the team learnt to play a number of different defences.
Under 14 Boys Pt Pirie
The under 14 boys played in the Pt Pirie Carnival with a mixture of experience and new players to the grade. What these boys showed was heart and endeavour well above their years. In the first game against Yorke Valley, the game was tight and the Stealers were able to get away with a 1 point win, with Josh Waugh stealing the ball in the last 5 seconds and getting a basket. While it was the last basket that won the game, it was a fantastic team effort with all the boys playing well.
The second game was against Roxby Downs, a very tough team, Josh Waugh, Lewis McLauchlan and Callam Mitchell doing all the scoring, but the likes of Sam Sawford, Myles MacNamara and Isaac Manisalis applying the full court pressure to the opposition really helped keep the game tight. While the boys lost, they showed immense heart in the contest.
The third game was against West Adelaide, who was extremely tall and well drilled, and run the game out easy winners on the boys who had had a long day starting at 8:45 in the morning and playing this game at 8:00pm that night. The boys played to the best of their ability but were not match for a team that had 2 tall’s who played very well. The smaller players like Frank Trevvorow did cause the tall’s trouble by showing speed to get up and down the court and attacking the basket when they could.
With no chance of playing in the finals, the boys played a consolation game against Pt Lincoln. Brandon Rosalia, Isaac Manisalis, Sam Sawford, and Myles MacNamara come out to show they are players of the future in the 14 boys. Ferocious at the ball, and showing great aggression at the goals. Lewis McLauchlan and Josh Waugh played as they had all carnival with great leadership and encouragement of their younger players. Callum Mitchell playing a pivotal role having to play defence on all the big players all weekend. A job he was able to do very well.
Well done to the boys on an excellent effort, the boys learning that it is not always the result that counts, but the effort shown that is remembered.
Under 16 Girls
The Under 16 girls started the carnival late on Saturday and in the early stages of the first game against York Valley it showed. Appearing to be just going through the motions. A quick time out was called and some more forward instructions seen all the players come out with an attitude that was more rewarding. Mackenzie Burns and Rhianna Stringer leading the way.
Jasmin Frusch returned to the combined team for her second carnival after having some time off and played as if she had never been away. Providing some great rebounding and taking the ball full court for some much needed points. The girls getting a win, 38 to 28.
The second game was against Pt Lincoln, and the girls needed know time to get warmed up, With Caitlin Wallace playing excellent defensive roles all weekend and proving to be one of the most needed team players going around. No job too hard. Brittany White showed she was able to run the court all game and hassle the opposition getting plenty of turnovers and rebounds. The girls had an easy win in the game 46-18.
Whyalla’s third and last game was against Pt Augusta, a game that was always going to be tough, but the girls proved up to the challenge and lead early and took the game to the highly fancied Augusta Devils. Eirin Hunt and Zoe Crocker playing good roles, getting plenty of the ball and taking good shots. Rhianna Stringer, Mackenzie Burns and Jasmin Frusch continuing to lead from the front and getting plenty of the basketball and scoring where they could. Pt Augusta continued to apply pressure and at times getting some turnovers and gaining an edge over the Whyalla Stealers. The Devils were eventual winners of this game 28-20.
While a big pat on the back must go to all as it was an excellent team effort by all the girls. Special mention to Caitlin Wallace for her continued perseverance and great team play. Jasmin Frusch for the quick transition back into combined basketball. Mackenzie Burns and Rhianna Stringer continue to lead from the front, and will need to keep up the excellent work leading into the Whyalla Carnival in February.
