Wildcat Women lose nail biter final
THE Korumburra Wildcats Women’s side came agonisingly close to Country Basketball League glory on Saturday night.
In 40 degree heat at the Korumburra Recreation Centre it came down to over time between the Wildcats and the undefeated Churchill Blue Devils.
At the end of the extra five minutes it was the Blue Devils ahead by a single point to allow them victory.
The Korumburra girls were a little slow out of the blocks but the girls then switched on and played a great game.
The first quarter had both teams at 15 points.
Once again Jamie-Lee Jeffs was on fire with her shooting and a very strong defensive performance.
Gemma Dixon controlled the play with penetrating offence and hard nose defence.
The Wildcats led by a point at the main break but there was really nothing between the two teams.
Hannah Bassett was strong under the bucket all night and at the end of four quarters the scores were all tied up.
There was not a weak link in the Korumburra side and every player did their bit in this game despite the Blue Devils being too good in the end.
Korumburra coach Bill Jeffs said the team was very happy with its effort and although disappointed with a loss, was satisfied it had given its best shot – to lose a grand final against an undefeated Churchill side by one point in overtime was an outstanding result.
Jamie-Lee Jeffs was the top scorer for the Wildcats with 16 points closely followed by Bassett with 13.
The men’s game followed and another entertaining match between Churchill and Warragul with the Blue Devils eventually breaking the deadlock to win the game.
The atmosphere was electric with the large crowd making plenty of noise supporting their teams.
- Faceoff: Wildcat Maddie Lumby gets defensive with her opponent on Saturday night.
- So close: the Wildcat Women huddle up during their one point loss against Churchill.
- Loni Jeffs: the Korumburra tall clashed with her opponent.
- Eyes up: Gemma Dixon has her eyes on the basket during the CBL grand final at Korumburra at the weekend.
Short URL: http://thestar.com.au/?p=9942