Blaze of Glory: Busselton Blazers claim back-to-back country week championships

The Busselton Blazers certainly lived up to their name at last weekend’s country championships, the under-13s side going back-to-back to claim a second country championship. A rare feat in Busselton basketball history, the team proved their class over a series of six games, defending their title as they played against teams from across the State. Co-coach Garry Stokes said it’s a massive achievement for such a young group of players. “It’s a huge achievement, it shows the uniqueness of this team,” he said. “Winning that championship division at country week is pretty rare, I’ve been involved in country week for 30-odd years and think I’ve only won one other,” he said. Battling it out at Perth’s Bendat Basketball Centre, the side started strongly against Harvey, using new offensive structures and solid defence to dominate the floor as they started the tournament with confidence. Game two saw the side face their South West rivals, the Bunbury Bears. Having been beaten in the regional grand final late last year, the Bears were eager to reclaim top status. In a heated match that saw the Blazers holding a slim six-point lead with three minutes to go, Bear’s Liam Beauclarke surprised the side to push through and secure victory for his team 28-27. While game three proved a test as teams played in the heat, the Blazers had no problem in taking out Australind with an easy 28-18 win. The Blazers played the undefeated Geraldton Buccs in their fourth match. Quick transition play from the Blazers found them too hot to handle, however the Buccs counterattacked with their strong inside game and containing defence which resulted in a solid Blazers lead being reduced to only two at half-time. The second half proved a grind for the Blazers as their offence dried up and the Buccs proved too strong with them winning by nine points. The preliminary final saw them back against the Bears, but the team’s hunger saw them defeat the opposition and advance to the final. A notable grand final was in store as the Blazers yet again faced the Buccs, who had them rattled in their last clash. Rowan Stokes and his father Garry led the team, ensuring the Blazers were up for the challenge. The electric Maddox Dragstra tore the Buccs up early creating a problem for the Buccs defensive match-ups. Remmington Lowe entered the game at critical times and won possession on a number of occasions. Marley Della Bosca and Taj Bagetta set the scene knocking down four critical three-pointers during the game to keep the Blazers in front. Busselton’s all round team balance and composure through to the end saw them win the electric match 39 – 37. Mr Stokes said it was the team’s solidarity on the court that earned them the win. “I think their ability to play as a team and all contribute was probably why we won,” he said. “The paperwork showed there was times that others were bigger and stronger in some aspects but these guys work really well and combined together as a team and that’s as powerful again.” Point-guard Della Bosca claimed the MVP of the match with an impressive 16 points. Teammate Bagetta scored 15 points. Dragstra was named Championship All-star for his consistent performance over the weekend. Other notable performances came from Shaun Parkinson who scored plenty of points and Flynn Dennis and Noah Kontogeorgis for their strong defence.