THE Kennedy’s Tours Shoalhaven Tigers are back in the winner’s circle of the 2018 Waratah League division two men’s youth competition, after defeating the St George Saints 107- 84 on Saturday.
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The cubs, who were coming off a tough loss to the Sydney Comets – their first of the season – were keen to bounce back in front of their home fans at the Tigers Den.
But another slow start from the hosts, saw them trail for most of the first quarter but on the back of some tough defence and solid execution, the cubs clawed their way back and reduce the margin to just one point (16-15), heading into the second term.
The second quarter was a see-sawing affair with the lead changing hands on several occasions.
But a number of mental lapses and slack defensive transitions, towards the end of the half, saw the visitors take a 10 point advantage into half-time.
Whatever coach Scott Balsar said to his troops in the sheds at half-time seemed to work, as the Tigers returned in the second half a vastly improved side.
Led by Jeremy Harding, Riley O’Shannessy, Brayden Morris and Luke Smith, the hosts regained the lead midway through the quarter – only to again fall behind on the back of poor execution with the ball.
The fourth quarter was all black and gold thought, as the Tigers took full control and placed a foot on the throat of the Saints, forcing the visitors into costly turnovers and frustration fouls.
The Tigers outscored the Saints 45-21 in the final stanza, to record their 12th win in 13 games.
Kyle Leslie was the catalyst, knocking down four triples in the quarter, to finish with six from behind the arc for the game and 21 second half points.
Smith was just as outstanding, after missing last week’s game in Sydney, also finishing with 21 points, while Harding poured in 23 points of his own and skipper O’Shannessy topped all scorers with 24, to go with his 21 rebounds.
“This was another tough game and a real test for the boys – St George were a big team similar to Sydney and they tested us across the board,” Balsar said.
“We struggled early against their 2-3 extended zone, as our execution wasn’t great at times.
“But it was a tale of two halves, as we were almost perfect in this area, along with our defence, in the second half.
“The boys rallied and played for each other and in the end, we got the win – we had to do it the tough way but we got there in the end.”
In the win, the Tigers shot 52 per cent from the field, 38 per cent from downtown and 69 per cent from the free throw line.
“I was extremely pleased with Jeremy Harding and Luke Smith’s output – they have really stepped up and are playing their role in the team,” Balsar said.
“We are getting points out of Riley [Shannessy] each week but to have these two step up and accept the challenge, is really pleasing.
“Each week we have different guys in the leading scorers, which shows how versatile we are.
“Kyle Leslie’s second half was also outstanding – six triples and 21 points is just what I asked for.”
Balsar’s league leaders next play the Camden Valley Wildfire, who sit in seventh, at the Mount Annan Leisure Centre from 4.30pm Saturday.