The 2021 club basketball season ended recently and saw our U17A side play in the grand final delayed due to lockdown. Pitted against Burnside High, it was going to be an intense match up and as the form team during the regular season, St Bede’s were striving to finish the season on a high.

Getting off to a promising start, St Bede’s led early, despite showing a little bit of rustiness from the layoff. Burnside continually fought back with the lead changing multiple times, particularly during the 2nd quarter with Burnside taking the narrowest of margins into the break, up 32-31.

The pattern continued during the opening stages of the second stanza however Bede’s struggled to convert at the offence end and Burnside increased their lead. Throughout, St Bede’s showed grit and determination to take and arrest the momentum away from their opponents but going into the final quarter trailed 47-56.

In a final surge to claim victory, the team caused several turnovers but Burnside were able to match the scoring. Time on the clock was against the Bede’s boys and as the final hooter sounded, Burnside claimed victory 75-63.

The side had an amazing season, losing just 3 matches across the year and playing some outstanding team basketball in a very competitive grade. Congratulations to all players on their efforts on and off the court with the achievement of finishing second in the A Grade being a very successful campaign.

Thanks to all of the many supporters the team had throughout the season and particularly to Cat Miguel for managing the team.

With the Junior and Senior South Island tournaments both being a victim of COVID there were many disappointed players and officials, however, the desire to provide some end of season play for these teams has been strong and both teams will compete in games across this weekend.

The Junior team are part of a tournament starting in Christchurch tonight with pool games against Shirley, Hillmorton and an Invitational team before moving into playoffs. Starting this evening, the team will play a minimum of 5 games across the tournament and it will be an ideal way to finish the season.

The Junior team participating in the tournament is: Troy Cutbush, Harry Cournane, Cooper Siave, Hugo Smolej, Flynn Martin, Douglas Yi, Alex Wathne, Kyle Peterson, Jacob Yang, Finn Pearson with Noah Loffhagen unfortunately unavailable due to injury.

The Senior side embark on a Southern tour tomorrow, taking in Ashburton, Oamaru and Dunedin with an awesome opportunity to face off against sides which they have encountered this season. The tour kicks off with a match against Ashburton College Saturday morning before venturing to Oamaru for a clash with Otago schools' champions, Waitaki High. Sunday and Monday see matches in Dunedin against Otago Boys', King's College and John McGlashan College before making the trek home on Monday afternoon.

The Senior side travelling is: Harvey O’Neill, James Leen, Ashton Walls, Griffyn Westwood, Jacko Siave, Hunter Cutbush, Harrison Earl, Hamish Patrick, Lochie McLean, Thomas Martin, Angus Stewart, Corban Fisher with Agar Torres unable to travel due to other commitments.

Congratulations to Ashton Walls for this week being named in the line-ups for the College Park All Star game to take place later in the year. We look forward to seeing you in action during this event.

A new date has been set for the Club prize-giving with this now scheduled for 7 November and hoping that there are no further obstacles to this event taking place so we can collectively celebrate the basketball season.