In a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural Friday Nights Under Lights junior basketball competition, the Proserpine Pirates have clinched the title overcoming a late challenge from the Cannonvale Crocodiles.
In the first match of the evening, the Crocs took on the Airlie Beach Ballers in a neck and neck match with scores tied at 10-10 at half time.
The tense second half saw both teams tussle for the lead before the Crocs went ahead for the final time, winning 18-16.
The next match saw the Ballers back up to face the Pirates. Fatigue got the better of Airlie side with Pirates running away with it 34-6.
The results set up an exciting finish for the competition. If the Pirates won, they would move to eight wins and take the title outright, while a win for the Crocs would move them level with the Pirates on seven wins, with the outcome coming down to points for and against percentage.
As has been the case throughout the six-week tournament, the standard of play from both teams was excellent with the crowd treated to a wonderful display of junior basketball. On this occasion it was the Crocs who prevailed, though, concluding their season with a 29-28 win.
This meant a quick crunch of the numbers to see who would take the overall crown for the term, and it was the Pirates from Proserpine coming out on top with a superior point for and against percentage (1.36% vs 1.10%).
“We are all ecstatic with the first running of our Friday Nights Under Lights comp,” Tim Oberg from Whitsunday Basketball said.
“The kids who have participated have all been immense, displaying wonderful sportspersonship and increasing their skill development.”
Mr Oberg thanked the volunteer team managers and referees, as well as the parents.
“We can’t wait to do this all again in term three,” he said.
Registrations for term 3, Friday Nights Under Lights, are now open.
Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg
The Proserpine Pirates won the first season of Friday Night Under Lights Basketball
Airlie Beach Ballers finished in third
It was a tight night of games for the finale
Cannonvale Crocodiles were pipped at the end by the Pirates, but enjoyed their first full season
