During the Queen’s Birthday long weekend the Waverley's U16 men’s team made history when competing in the 2008 National Classic Basketball Tournament. Regarded as the most prestigious junior club basketball tournament in Australia it pits the best representative teams in the country against one another. After having earned their invitation to compete in this years event, by finishing with 8 wins 1 loss in Ashe Conference of the Victorian Junior Basketball league the Waverley Falcon's U16 men became only the 1st Waverley team and only the 13th club in the history of the event to win the U16 men’s tournament, .
Over the course of the weekend the team played 3 tough pool games, Geelong (Country Vic), Hills Hornets (NSW), Eastern Mavericks (SA).
After a narrow escape against a spirited Geelong side 55-54, which saw their buzzer beating three point attempt from NBA range rim in and out, the Waverley Falcons acquitted themselves very well against a highly athletic Hills Hornets outfit that boasted one of the tournaments highest scorers. Averaging just shy of 20 points per game the Waverley Falcons tenacious defense held him to single figures, and thus winning the game 64-38. In game 3 of the pool stage it was the bench that provided the energy for the victory 43-34. In a closely contested battle it was strong contributions inside from Matt Hancock, Nick Smith, and David Windley, combined with the perimeter skills of Hayden Stewart, Chris Watts, and in what is a fairy tail story with in itself the full return from illness of Alex Fejer that lead to the Falcons finally breaking away to win by 9.
Having won all 3 pool games, the finals series and a top 8 finish lay before the Falcons. Firstly a quarter final versus Knox (Vic) coached by one of the greats and loaded with junior talent, Knox went into the match with much confidence. However, it was a well organized Falcons outfit took the win 66-48 to qualify for the Final 4. Stand out shooting performances from Lin Jong and Jack Blackburn, and excellent contributions from all round.
In the Semi Final the Falcons would meet the 2007 defending National Classic champions Northern Suburbs (NSW). While out sized, the Falcons refused to be beaten and were all class. Execution of the game plan combined with their discipline and organization, the Falcons lead the majority of the way, winning a hard fought and bruising contest 57-52.
Big efforts from Steven Hale, Michael Harper and Sebastian Evans on defense.
This led them to the Grand Final which culminated in an exciting match up between perennial power house Dandenong Ranges (Vic) who progressed through the tournament almost unchallenged and your Waverley Falcons.
The Falcons jumped out to a great start and lead all the way. Dandenong to their credit challenged strongly in the 4th quarter, but the Falcons hung tough and were never headed winning 43-39 in a tough defensive game. Again the Falcons were all about each other and while Kaighin Johnson with 18 points and 11 rebounds was deservedly game MVP, the weekend was very much about a team play, refusing to be beaten and a team drawing off the enthusiasm and energy of their team mates.
Congratulations to the team on their achievement!
The season is not finished however, and now it’s back to business to aim for the Victorian Championship and to add more silverware to the Falcons nest, along side both the Eltham/Dandenong winners trophy and the 2008 National Junior Classic medal.
GO FALCONS!!
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A few "Thank-yous" from Coach Dimis and Ast. Coach Embury,
Parent Team - For putting up with the coaches demands, assisting the players with their rehab, and all round general support.
Team manger - Adrian Smith, for always being one step ahead of the off court ball game.
Nick Johnston & Abram Hotnyang - for assistance behind the scenes with the scouting reports Cassandra Benavides - for being the teams No.1 Fan
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