A DOMINANT final term from the Frankston Blues saw them defeat the Bulleen Boomers and cause a fair upset in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) U18 Boys at Frankston Basketball Stadium on Friday night. It was a contest that the Boomers were expected to win, given they have been floating around the top of the ladder for the entirety of the opening seven weeks of play. On the other hand, the Blues had stuttered in the first month of play, and while they had shown signs of improvement over the last few weeks, still faced a tough task in taking down a red-hot Bulleen side.

For much of the game, these predictions were looking likely to come true, as the Boomers began to build a solid lead over the first three quarters of play. Trailing by nine heading into the final quarter, the Blues were simply unstoppable in the last 10 minutes, outscoring the opposition 22-6 and producing a barnstorming finish as they emerged seven-point victors in front of their home crowd, as they produced a win that could define their season. The result sees the Boomers finish the round in second place, one win behind the ladder-leading Nunawading, while the Blues have found themselves in sixth spot thanks to Friday’s name.

Frankston Blues (66) def. Bulleen Boomers (59)

It was a close first term, with both sides producing some excellent offence and delivering some high scores. With a healthy mix of inside and outside scoring, the buckets were coming fast and east. At the conclusion of the first term, the Boomers held a 19-18 lead over the opposition, and carried that momentum into the second term. It was a powerful showing from the visitors, who managed to lift their work on the defensive end to hold the opposition to nine points in the second period, and heading into the main break with a six-point advantage, and while it was not panic stations for Frankston yet, an improvement was needed in the second half.

Quarter number three saw more of the same from the Boomers, just keeping the opposition at arms’ length thanks to their consistency on the offensive end. The Blues were better than the second quarter, but Bulleen was just a little bit better, extending the lead by three points with just 10 minutes to play. Things looked tough for Frankston, but they were able to produce a remarkable last term. The Blues were clinical in their erasing of the deficit, holding the opposition to just six points for the quarter, and delivering their best 10 minute period of the 2022 season. They proved far too strong for an overwhelmed Bulleen side, and claimed a stirring seven-point triumph.

At the forefront for the Blues in the win was Brennan Dick, producing a terrific offensive performance. He was one of the biggest factors in the comeback win, finishing with a game-high 24 points and leading his side to victory. Also crucial in securing the result was Kynan Phillippe, who poured in 12 points of his own. For the Boomers, Joel Foxwell fought valiantly, particularly in the first three quarters on his way to 19 points.

Across the courts

The VJBL competition is always good for plenty of action on a weekly basis, as the competition hosts the best young talents the state has to offer.

VC Ashe

Casey (65) def. by Sandringham (69)
Gippsland United (60) def. by Dandenong (90)
McKinnon (64) def. by Nunawading (89)
Kilsyth (74) def. Southern Peninsula (70)

VC Watson

Wangaratta (66) def. Bendigo (51)
Ballarat (88) def. Diamond Valley (66)
Geelong United (60) def. Camberwell (59)
Melbourne (65) def. by Knox (98)