WYNDHAM has been crowned the champions of the Big V Women’s basketball competition for season 2022, after defeating the Bulleen Boomers in two games over the past couple of weeks. In the best of three series, Wyndham managed to get the job done in just two outings, in a performance that was reflective of their dominance all season long.

Wyndham (86) def. Bulleen Boomers (70)

Having been the best side all year, Wyndham came into the grand final series expected to win it all. However, there was every chance the weight of expectation could prove too much, and the Boomers had an exceptional year themselves. Despite these potential pitfalls, the ladder-leaders produced a clinical performance in both game one and two of the grand final series, and proved far too good for a determined Bulleen outfit. Wyndham proved to be a deserving winner, given how well they performed for all of season 2022, and ended the season in fitting fashion, crowned the competition’s best after an entertaining campaign.

The game took place at Eagle Stadium on Saturday night, and after claiming a win on the road last weekend, Wyndham had the home court advantage this time around. The hosts got off to a fast start, getting some easy buckets with their signature ball movement and jumping out to a five-point advantage at the first change.

Quarter number two saw Wyndham lift its offensive output even further, with buckets coming in fast fashion as the lead began to extend into double-digits. When the buzzer sounded to mark half time, the home team held a 13-point scoreboard advantage, and had one hand on the championship.

The Boomers made some adjustments at the main break, particularly on the defensive end of the court, with Wyndham held to just 15 points for the third term, their lowest period of the game. The margin was reduced to 11 points heading into the final change, and although it was unlikely, the Boomers had given themselves a slight chance.

Those hopes were unfortunately dashed by a clinical fourth quarter performance from Wyndham, who wrestled back momentum and put the game away with a 27-point showing in the final term. It was scenes of pure joy on the final buzzer as the minor premiers celebrated a terrific campaign.

In a fitting end to a dominant year, Amanda Paschal was far and away the most dominant player on the court, finishing with a triple-double from game-high 27 points to go with 18 rebounds and 11 assists (and six steals too), in an all-around showing that was reflective of her output all year. She formed a handy duo with Dyani Ananiev, who had 19 points of her own.

In a disappointing finish to a promising season, the Boomers still had some bright spots, with four of their five starters recording 11 points or more. Annabel Deerbon top scored with 16 points, but it was not enough as Bulleen could not contain the output of Paschal, who did as she pleased.

To add to the joy, it was a historic night for Wyndham, with the club’s senior men’s side also claiming the trophy in what was a dominant year for the organisation.