Nathan Lambert  |  K-12 Sport Co-ordinator

Last week, our Primary Basketball teams competed in the Central Coast Basketball Challenge and they had an amazing day. The Senior Boys won two out of three games, with the girls undefeated throughout the day, taking out their final match as if it was the Final.

With such an impressive performance at this competition, both teams were looking forward to travelling to Sydney to compete in the CSSA State Primary Basketball Championships. This was a tough competition with the Christian Schools across NSW, and one competition that we came very close to winning last year, with the girls just going down in the Final in double extra time, by just two points.

Our boys started strongly, playing Northcross in their first game, and with good teamwork and accurate shooting, raced to an early lead and eventually won 20-12.

Their second match was against Northern Beaches, who always field a strong team in any sport. This year would be no different, and though our boys were valiant in their efforts, Northern Beaches led early and kept piling on the pressure. We made a comeback in the second half but just couldn’t claw back the difference, going down 23-6. Though the score line was a difference of 17, the game was much closer, with inaccuracy of shooting letting us down.

The Shire would be their final opponent and our boys wanted to finish strongly. They attacked early and made a solid start, with good shooting and crisp passing. Once we took the lead, we kept piling on more points and won comfortably in the end, taking the game 26-10.

Though we won two out of three matches, we unfortunately did not progress to the Semi Finals. We did however, make it to the Playoff match for those teams that finished second in their pool.

This game was the best game of the day. Both teams were strong in defence and attack, and with the scores even throughout the game, it was going to be a fight to the finish. 

With 20 seconds on the clock, we were down by one point. With quick passing and determination, Charlie pushed through the line and had a shot and got it in! We were now in front 14-13 and held on to the final buzzer. 

It was a superb ending for the boys who though not making make the Semis, still showed the focus and intensity in every match, to win it in the final 20 seconds. It was a great feeling!

At the end of the day, Oxford Falls won the title, just beating Northern Beaches by four points. For our boys to know that they were very competitive against a team who nearly won the entire competition is another example of what a great bunch of boys they are. 

On the Girls side of the competition, our girls were very keen to make it to the Semi Finals. They had some challenging teams in their pool, so they needed to “bring it” from the opening whistle. 

Their first game was the start they wanted, again proving to the other teams how incredibly talented the team is, beating Northcross easily 38-2. Northern Beaches, was their second opponent, but they couldn’t keep up with the speed, agility and skills of our girls as they cruised to another hard-fought victory 18-2. Their final pool match was close in the first half against the Shire, with the scores locked at 4-4, until GPCC put the pedal down and took hold of the match, winning 24-6. 

Making the Semi Finals is one thing; performing when it counts is something else. Our girls were looking good, heading into their Semi against Charlton, though they needed to fire in this match.

From the start our girls attacked, pushing the passes to create opportunities and defending as strong as possible. They led early and as they have done in every game so far, they did not want to relinquish that lead, eventually winning 24-0. It was truly a dominant performance and one that was a statement for the Finals. 

This Final was tough against Maitland the defending champions and our girls were going to have to bring their A-Game.

From the opening tip off, it was on! Both teams were determined to take the upper hand and score some quick baskets. Defence was important; passing was essential; accurate shooting was required; but teamwork was the difference!

GPCC has been amazing with their teamwork, both at this competition and at the Central Coast Challenge last week. Their teamwork is why they were undefeated and again, they were going to show Maitland why they deserve to be Champions.

We took an early lead through their teamwork and increased this lead with this continued focus and drive. After being six points up, the girls knew that there was still a lot of time left in the game, so their zone defence had to be perfect and it was! They cut down attacking raids and blocked many shot attempts.

The second half was just as intense as the first, and with the scores still close, it was going to be up to the team who wanted it more.

Green Point has never won the CSSA State; we went down last year in the Final by two points, so this year, we wanted it!

Our girls definitely stepped it up in the second half and gave everything they had. Mr Vartan, their coach who had expertly devised a plan for the girls, had executed it perfectly and now, wanted to finish it off. They were exhausted by their effort by the final whistle but in the end, it was worth it as our girls won 12-4.  They won the CSSA State Basketball Championships and were the Champions. 

It was such a well-deserved win for the girls. Both the boys and girls teams had performed so exceptionally. They had tried hard all day and had such superb results because of their focus, determination and intensity.

Congratulations to both teams for yet another great performance; and well done to the girls who are now State Champions!

THE LEAGUE

We have finally reached Finals week, with the Elimination Finals held on Friday. There were some very close games and one for which the students gave 100%.

ELIMINATION FINALS

Here are the results of the Elimination Finals for SOCCER for our Primary teams:

The Elimination Finals  and Semi Finals for BASKETBALL in Primary will be held next Thursday.

SCHEDULE OF FINALS WEEK (WEEK 8)

After 7 weeks of competition, the final points tables finished this way: