The VC Grand Finals was a happy hunting ground for Hawthorn Magic, with three teams winning a title on the last day of the VJBL season, adding to the two titles won last week by the Girls 16.3 and Boys 14.8.
Taking out the title of Victoria’s No.1 team were the Boys 12.1, Boys 14.1 and Girls 14.1, with the Boys 16.1 falling agonisingly short.
The night started with the Boys 14.1 taking the court against Kilsyth at Dandenong Stadium; the Top two teams at the end of the regular season. Hawthorn took the lead at quarter time, 20-12. A huge defensive effort in the second quarter saw Kilsyth take the lead at half-time, 33-29. It was Hawthorn’s to turn up the defensive pressure, and in a decisive third quarter, kept Kilsyth to single digits. The boys were able see out the game, winning 63-54. Jagga Smith topped all scorers with 20 points and was well supported by Phoenix Windsor (13pts) and Liam Edwards (10pts).
Hawthorn Junior Magic B14.1
At the State Basketball Centre, and the only Hawthorn to play there on Friday night, the Boys 12.1 were up against Dandenong. A game that seesawed throughout the night, both teams went on runs, only to be pulled back by the opposition. It ultimately came down to the last quarter and didn’t the Boys 12.1 ratchet up the pressure. With Dandenong up 50-45 at the end of the third quarter, Hawthorn came out and kept Dandenong to 4 points and taking charge of the game. A well-executed game by Head Coach Michael Viney saw the Hawthorn win 59-54 in a thoroughly deserved win. See highlights here – Magic U12 VC Final Highlights
Hawthorn Junior Magic B12.1
Back at Dandenong Stadium, and just like the 14 boys Grand Final, the Top two teams in the 14 Girls would go head-to-head. A single point separated Hawthorn and Melbourne at half time, with Melbourne up 25-24. But it was all Hawthorn after half-time, outscoring their opponents 23-14 over the next two quarters to win 47-39. It was a balanced scoring effort from the girls, with Georgia McBean leading all scorers with 17 points.
Hawthorn Junior Magic G14.1
In the Boys 16 VC Reserve Grand Final, Hawthorn would take on Casey. The last time the teams met, Casey just won, but Hawthorn wold come into the game full of confidence after their strong win in the Preliiminary Final against Whittlesea. It wasn’t to be for the boys, coming up just short, 63-59. Ned Caldwell had 18 points for the night, with Jarryd Remy and Denzel Timmons shooting 15 points apiece. The team showed tremendous heart throughout the season and in the Grand Final game, and should hold their heads firmly up high.
2019 VJBL Grand Final Results
2019 Winners
Boys 12.1 def Dandenong 59-54
Boys 14.1 def Kilsyth 63-54
Girls 14.1 def Melbourne 47-39
Boys 14.8 def Mornington 54-30
Girls 16.3 def Pakenham 21-19
2019 Runners Up
B12.5 vs Pakenham lost 41-29
B16.1 vs Casey lost 63-59
B16.2 vs Nunawading lost 45-37
B16.5 vs Melbourne lost 48-30
