By Tara Murray
Sunbury Jets’ hopes of a first Big V youth league men’s championship are over, after a shattering loss on Saturday night.
Having lost game one of the division 1 grand finals series to Waverley Falcons by a point, the Jets were hoping to turn it around on their home court at the weekend.
Just like the first game of the series, this one was a thriller.
Neither side was able to get a lead greater than seven points and the highest run of points was nine.
In the end the match, and ultimately the championship, was decided in overtime after scores were locked at 78 at the end of regular time.
The Falcons saved their best ’til last, outscoring the Jets 12-6 in the extra period to seal a 90-84 victory.
The Falcons took the lead at quarter-time, after the two teams went goal for goal.
The Jets looked like they were getting on top in the second quarter, outscoring the Falcons 28 to 20 and taking a five-point lead into the main break.
The margin was back to two points at the final break.
The Jets managed to get the margin out to seven points with just under three minutes remaining, but the Falcons had one last push to regain the lead.
The Jets again hit the front and Dylan Larkin had the chance to take it back for the Falcons with 22 seconds remaining.
He hit one of his two free throws to level the scores.
The Jets got the first goal of overtime, before the Falcons took over and ran away with the win.
Captain Nathan Baker put in a massive effort playing all 45 minutes. He scored 26 points and had nine rebounds and five assists.
Kyle Collins had 21 points, while Nathan Marshall and Ivanne Loncaric both scored 12 points.
Jets coaching director Kennedy Kereama said making the grand final had been a massive achievement.
The youth league men’s side is one of three Jets sides that has made Big V grand finals.
The youth league women’s side starts its grand final series this weekend, while the state championship women’s side starts its the weekend after.
“I’m very proud of the youth league men’s effort,” Kereama said.
“I’m devastated with the result … But they can hold their heads up high.
“To have three teams playing in grand finals is such a huge effort. Not many clubs have the opportunity to play finals.”
Tara Murray
