Week #19 recap - Game #26 vs Rockingham Flames (105 - 126 loss)

And so the season finishes. The score:

Quarter Eagles Flames
1st Qtr: 32 25
2nd Qtr: 52 58
3rd Qtr: 83 87
4th Qtr: 105 126

The boys played hard and much improved over the past 4 weeks efforts. It was pleasing to see, and I was proud of them. The Flames may have been without Caporn, Godfrey and the occasional Trahair, but they still have a solid lineup including Chris Moore (33pts), Travis Moore (22pts), Tim Bush (14pts, 9rbds). Together with a terrific triple double from Jarryd Griffen (26pts, 14rbds, 14asts) they were just too strong and we ran out of legs in the fourth.

Our zone was effective in the first quarter, we relaxed a little in the second and picked up again in the third. Offensively we played some of the best team basketball I have seen us play in the first half, unfortunately as the game wore on we lost focus and went away from it somewhat.

The good:

• Jon Moon playing one of his best games (22pts, 7/11 63%fg, 2stl)
• Jarrod Balcombe finishing the season strongly (24pts, 9rbds, 3bs, 3stl)
• The welcome return of John Taylor (16pts, 9rbds, 2stl)
• Another strong effort from Ty Alabakis (17pts, 6rbds, 5ast)
• A character building performance, playing hard despite it being the last game of a losing season

The not so good :

• At this stage, there isn’t anything is there…I mean being only outrebound by 13 is an accomplishment, forcing the second team on the ladder to bring it’s A game and push them for 48 minutes…can you really complain on the last game of the season?

I mentioned last week it has been a “learning experience”…and I think that is how we treat it. The players this year have had a great deal experience facing adversity as have I, and whilst it may not feel like it right now it is beneficial for us all.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the club, board, and many volunteers for making this season happen and fielding an SBL team. To the women’s SBL team a big thankyou for their support throughout the season, to Heather Tonkin and the McLennan’s who undertook manager duties throughout the season and to Geoff Warner my assistant coach for his solid support. And to the ever faithful East Perth spectators who turned up in numbers at our last game and created a great environment to play in.

And finally to the players…

Andrew McLennan
Jarrod Balcombe
Damian Stack
Tim Kruge
Nathan Friend
Ty Alabakis
Nic Donlagic
Lucas Offereins
Clint Burbage
Mark Stokes
Jeremy Nichole
James Elliot
Alex Franklin
Dion Serras
and to Michael Jones (at least in thought, if not in presence)

And lastly to two players who have been with me since the very beginning of my time at East Perth in 2006…without who’s help things would have been much tougher…Jon Moon and John Taylor. Both have been steadfast in their support and professional throughout.

The State Basketball League continues to go from strength to strength and this year has been no exception. Best of luck to you all in the future, and good luck to those teams still in the finals.