Here we are at the business end of the season and it was semi finals time in Forbes Basketball's Men's Competition with two very likely looking match ups for our elimination semi-finals.
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The First match of the night saw the second placed Misfits take on the third placed Cespitorians for the first spot in next week's Grand Final.
Cespitorians flew out of the gates to establish an early lead with some great playmaking and shooting. Steven Betland was dominant in the early stages as he created many scoring opportunities.
The frantic pace of the game began to take its toll on both teams, but the Misfits would not go away and began to claw away at the Cespitorians early lead.
As he has done all year Tom Brunning stepped up and looked to link with Alex Boyd on multiple occasions with Boyd showing great touch around the hoop.
Charles Dwyer and Grant Dingwall were finding the net for Cespitorians as they continued to press forward and try and establish a bigger lead.
A 3-point play form Nick Jones sparked the Misfits in the second half and they were able to get themselves into the lead with 10 minutes to go.
The Cespitorians were dealt a huge blow in the second half when Dwyer went down with an ankle injury and did not return.
In what was the highest quality game of the year, both teams had their chances but it was ultimately the Misfits who booked the first spot in the grand final with a hard fought 46-41 victory.
Tom Brunning and Alex Boyd were the leading scorers for the Misfits, whilst Cespitorians were led by Betland, Dwyer and Randall Grayson.
Just who the Misfits would play in the semi finals would be determined in the second game as Flint Tropics would take on Three's Company.
The Tropics had won all three encounters in the regular season and would go in as favourites, but there are no certainties in sport and whomever got through to the Grand Final would have to do it the hard way.
In a somewhat scrappy start where both teams were poor shooting from the field, the tropics skipped away to a slim lead.
hree's company continued with their run and gun strategy that has proven successful for them throughout the season.
Jonno Morrell was the dominant force for the Tropics who went into half time with a 25-15 lead in a match that was still in the balance.
As he has done all year, Jourdain Girot-Serplet tried his best to carry the Three's Company attack, but a quick rush of points for the Tropics soon saw their lead move into double figures and onward as they began to establish dominance.
Ultimately the shots just didn't fall for Three's Company as they were beaten 54-28.
Three's Company can certainly still take some pride in the loss, with one of the youngest and most skilled teams in the comp they will be constant threats for years to come.
Jonno Morrell was a stand out for the Tropics, and will be looking to replicate that form in next weeks Grand Final.
He was well supported by Damo Price, Gus Coles and Brad Bainbridge, whilst Threes Company were led by the Girot-Serplet brothers, Noah and Jourdain.
Thanks to both Three's Company and Cespitorians for a great year and we hope to see you both in the 2021 Summer competition
Grand final time
Forbes Basketball Association will host their Grand Final night on Thursday 3rd of December in the Forbes High School Hall.
Our Men's game sees a match up of the 1st and second place teams from the regular season, The Flint Tropics and Misfits.
Some great match ups across the court should see spectators in for a real treat.
Both Teams have only lost two games each the entire season, with the Misfits having the wood on the Tropics 2-1 in their three meetings thus far.
Misfits have been the highest scoring team in the comp this year amassing nearly 900 points in their 16 games thus far, whilst the Tropics were minor premiers due to their superior for and against record.
Let's take a look at the players.
Misfits
Ashley Milford (C) The spiritual leader of the Misfits. Milf will have the boys fired up and ready to go from the sideline.
Injury will prevent him from playing but certainly won't stop him from celebrating a Misfits Victory.
Alex Boyd: Prolific scorer who will look to stamp his authority on the game. Will give the tropics fits with his offensive arsenal, will be the number 1 target for Brunning. The Author's tip to top score in the Grand Final.
Tom Brunning: Big man with the complete skills set, arguably the best shooter in the competition with great court vision.
The half court offense will run through him, his passing game could pick the Tropics apart. In a Misfits win, the authors tip for MVP of the Grand Final.
Grant King: The defensive anchor for the misfits. Kingy will be looking to dominate the Tropics big men and control the glass.
One of the best shot blockers in the comp, he will be looking to contest every shot that leaves the hands of the Tropics.
Nick Jones: Talented all-round player who is the Misfits best on ball defender.
Reliable player with great court movement and awareness, Jones could be a real x-factor for the misfits
Shannon Crowley: Brings plenty of experience and accuracy from beyond the arc.
Great talker and organiser who will play a key role if the Misfits are to win the game.
Stephen Maier: Might be the oldest player on the court on Thursday night, but also smartest.
Brings a wealth of knowledge and game experience. Has been the glue that has held the team together during their long winning streak.
Luke Duggan: Brings a tonne of energy and enthusiasm to the court, plays with high intensity and lifts those around him when he is on the court.
Not afraid to dish up a foul or two, he won't let the Tropics have anything easy.
Flint Tropics:
Bradley Bainbridge (C) Inspirational leader for the Tropics, will have a motivational pre-game speech ready for the team to fire them up.
On the court he will do all the dirty work, great talker and competitor looking to lead the Tropics to a victory.
Luke Churchill: Great talker and steady spot-up shooter. Will have the defence organised and never shy to remind teammates of their responsibilities.
Underrated defender who will look to disrupt the passing of the Misfits at every opportunity.
Gus Coles: fantastic athlete who has thrived in his first season of men's basketball. Tall enough to play in the middle and fast enough to play on the perimeter. A difficult matchup for whoever is in front of him.
Justin Hoy: Experienced player who will look to push the ball and attack at any opportunity, will look to get the Tropics big boys involved with his passing game.
Jonno Morrell: Possibly the best athlete in the competition with a wide variety of skills to boot. At 6'3 could also be the fastest player in the comp.
His individual battle with Brunning will be the highlight of the night. If the Tropics win, the authors tip for MVP of the Grand Final.
Damo Price: The moth is the heart and soul of the Tropics, everything is done at 100mph. Plays the game rough and tough but with a little bit of finesse.
Never afraid to put his body on the line, his battle with King and Brunning will go along ways to winning the game.
Warwick Edgerton: Loves the physical contest, will not take a backward step from the Misfits big men. One of the success stories of the comp in his first year of basketball.
Matt Mccloud: Macca could be the most underrated player in the comp, never gets the credit he deserves but highly respected by team mates.
Another who wont shy away from the physical aspect of the game and will be a big influence on the final result.