DESPITE a bit of a scare, the Bendigo Braves completed their flawless season by defeating the Waverley Falcons by five points in the NBL1 South Women’s grand final on the weekend, securing a spot in the upcoming National Championships.

It was a result that was sparked by the performance of gun Amy Atwell, who stepped up for her side in the biggest of matches, one where they were most certainly hunted by an underdog opponent.

The Braves came into the contest having not lost a game all season, making the most of the competition’s strongest roster and proving a class above the opposition all year. Although the Falcons came into the grand final on the back of some good form themselves, it was going to take an almighty effort to take down the powerhouse side of the competition.

It was a tight start to the game, with Waverley showing it could match it with the best side in the competition. However, Bendigo was able to ramp things up as the game went on, slowly building a lead on the scoreboard and although it was not much, it was enough to keep the opposition at arm’s length. The Braves managed to counter any punch thrown by the Falcons, and went on to produce an 83-78 win.

Bendigo Braves (83) def. Waverley Falcons (78)

Amy Atwell – 36 points, eight rebounds, two assists

Atwell was a monster on the offensive end for the Braves in what was a match-winning performance. In a game where the Falcons gave it their all, Bendigo needed a player to take things to the next level, and she answered the call.

Obviously, her 36 points was a game-high figure on the big stage, a total she reached thanks to some excellent shooting from all three levels. Atwell nailed 12 of her 22 shots from the field, spreading out her field goal selection in order to not make herself as predictable with ball in hand.

Five of her makes came from behind the arc, which comes as no surprise given the sweet shooting motion that has served her so well throughout her career. The defence became worried about Atwell carving them up off the dribble that she was often given space from long range.

Atwell was a lightning quick scorer for the Braves, accounting for nearly half of her team’s output on the offensive end and showcasing why they are so dangerous as a side. She stood up in the biggest game of the season and will play a key role in the National Championship.