The Kyneton Tigers’ championship dream is over after being knocked out in the semi finals of the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League north-west women’s.
After finishing the regular season in second spot, the Tigers hosted the Mildura Heat on Saturday for a spot in the grand final.
The two teams had faced each other once, back in round one, with the Tigers winning by 23 points on that occasion.
On Saturday, it was a different story with the Heat stepping up their game to come away with a 85-62 win.
It was an even first half with scores locked at 33 apiece.
The Heat broke the game open with a 28-18 third quarter to hold a 10 point lead heading into the final quarter.
There was no last quarter comeback from the Tigers, with the Heat adding another gear to run away with the win.
Michelle Fletcher and Jessica Mangan scored 15 points for the Tigers, with Alex Strawhorn chipping in with 12 points.
For the Heat, Courtney Sandiman and Alannah Morello scored 19 points apiece.
The loss was just the Tigers second for the season.
The Heat will face the Bendigo Braves in the grand final this weekend which will be played in Bendigo.
The Braves beat the Maryborough Lady Blazers 72-58 with Madeline Sexton top scoring with 17 points.
The Braves are aiming to go through the season undefeated.
The Heat also won through to the men’s division and will face the Melton Thoroughbreds in the grand final.
Meanwhile, Kyneton veteran Michelle Fletcher has been nominated for the all-star five awards.
Ten players from each division have been listed as finalists with the winners set to be announced this weekend. The most valuable player awards are usually selected from those finalists as well.
Fletcher, who has been part of the Tigers since the start, continued to produce each week scoring a total of 103 points in the regular season.
It’s been a big season for Fletcher, who previously had her jersey retired by the Bendigo Braves having played more than 300 games for them, who got to play with her daughter Jazmine Young with the Tigers.
Coach Kim Strawhorn said at the time it was pretty amazing to see the two play together, with Young just 13 at the time and needing an exemption to play.
