SCOTT Balsar and his Kennedy’s Tours Shoalhaven Tigers created history on Sunday, in their Waratah League division two youth men’s competition.
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After defeating Hornsby Spiders Green in Saturday’s semi-final (76-54), the Tigers were pitted against rivals Illawarra in the final, for a chance to bring the first ever youth men’s banner back to the Den.
The Cubs started the final at the Hills Basketball Stadium slowly, trailing the Hawks 25-22 in the opening quarter.
That lead stretched to 45-36 at half-time, behind the strong play of their guard Patrick Lancaster.
“At the break, the message to the boys was to stay positive, as we had been in this position before,” coach Balsar said.
“I explained there was no exact science to a comeback, but the main thing was that we just chipped away at the lead.”
After half-time Balsar and his team changed up their defensive sets, stifling the Hawks’ scoring – as the black and gold outscored Illawarra 26-8 in the third period.
“Our defence really went to the next level in the third and fourth quarters, led by Brendan Sampson, who denied [Patrick] Lancaster the ball at all times, and Brayden Morris,” Balsar said.
“As we were getting so many stops, it allowed us to get out and run, as their transition defence was non-existent in the second half.”
Going into the final quarter of their season, which started back in November, the Tigers led 62-53.
“At three-quarter time, I told the boys that now is the time to put the foot on the throat and bring home the banner,” Balsar said.
“We had worked too hard all season to let this opportunity slip.”
Despite the Hawks closing the margin to six points, the Tigers, on the back of close to 80 per cent shooting from the free throw line, managed to hold on for the memorable 12-point win – to bring the 11th banner (six women and five men) back to the Den.
“Once the final siren sounded, emotions ran high – the old man was even in tears,” Balsar, who has been involved in four of the women’s banners and one of the men’s ones, said.
“This banner means the most to me – it’s such a unique group of young men and I’ve seen how hard they’ve worked for each other all season.
“It was such a rewarding season and I put it right up there with my 2005 nationals gold medal.”
In the win, skipper Riley O’Shannessy finished with 18 points to claim the grand final MVP award, while Bruce Ozolins (13) and Luke Smith (12) were also crucial in the win.