BASKETBALL
NBL
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
TRARALGON was once again a hive for basketball lovers, as the NBL returned for the second and third time in Gippsland this year.
The region was still in recovery from South East Melbourne Phoenix’s previous venture to the Latrobe Valley last January, in which they blitzed Brisbane Bullets, and entered into a doubleheader at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium for Round 12.
The Phoenix’s Wednesday (December 10) showcase opened their time in the Latrobe Valley and subsequently resulted in their first loss at GRISS since succumbing to Illawarra in 2023.
In each of the Phoenix’s six trips to Traralgon, they’ve won four of them, including arguably the best game in the league’s history when they triumphed in double overtime against Sydney Kings in 2022.
The first leg of the doubleheader made up part of the Ignite Cup, the NBL’s in-season tournament.
Tasmania JackJumpers claimed victory over South East Melbourne, 89 to 81, keeping the technical visitors in the race for finals after heading in losers of seven of their last eight games.
Nathan Sobey opened the game by knocking down two three-pointers, which led the charge for the Phoenix in their second home as they poured in 36 first quarter points.
Up until the midway point of the opening term, Tasmania kept in close touch, before the Phoenix scored 11 points in the final two minutes to lead by near double digits.
Almost the opposite played out following the break, as the JackJumpers went on a 17-8 run to even the score.
Both sides, more specifically Phoenix players such as Wes Iwundu, began to be stirred by some of the decisions and non-decisions with the whistle as the game progressed.
As such, a more aggressive style of play began to eventuate, which included an increase pressure at the rim defensively, seeing bodies collide and crash to the floor.
Morwell junior basketballers taking on court sweeper duties were immediately on the scene to ensure a safe surface was still on display.
The JackJumpers took the lead for the first time since the early portions of the game through a Nick Marshall three-pointer that then followed with a tough midrange shot from Bryce Hamilton and inside finish from Josh Bannan, which resulted in Tasmania heading into the main break ahead by four points.
After an offensive explosion in the first quarter, the Phoenix were held to just 12 points and seemed more concerned with the long-range shot and how the referees were operating.
The halftime break featured a light scrimmage between Moe and Morwell juniors to entertain the crowd before the latter half of the game played out.
Former Phoenix player Ben Ayre (whose family is from Morwell) opened the second half with consecutive driving layups to move Tasmania’s lead to eight points.
Hunter Maldonado and John Brown III broke the cold streak for South East Melbourne, as a majority of the third quarter played out closely with each team trading baskets.
Angus Glover swished home a three for Phoenix to tie the ballgame at 66-all, only for Tyger Campbell to scurry his way inside for a tough bucket under the rim for Tasmania.
Pandemonium erupted the Traralgon stadium to begin the fourth quarter, with the JackJumpers holding a four-point edge.
Eyes lit up from the young fans in attendance as Brown III arrived at the free throwline with the Phoenix on a score of 66, and as he rudely missed the first, knocked down the second, sending the crowd wild as the ‘memeified’ number and gesture took ahold of the crowd.
Phoenix court announcer, Maffra’s Tyson Whelan, was equally encouraging all onlookers to join in.
As the second quarter had previously suggested, Phoenix was routinely fixated on the outside shot, which was not giving them anything deep towards the end of the game either.
The JackJumpers persevered by attacking the basket to much success, which saw Tasmania out to a double digit lead with two minutes left.
South East Melbourne desperately fought to etch close as the clock wound down, in support of their home crowd, but could not overcome their earlier faults.
Hamilton led for the JackJumpers with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Iwundu did his best for the Phoenix with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
South East Melbourne regained their mojo however in Saturday’s matchup against New Zealand Breakers.
Sobey poured in a ludicrous 36 points, making ridiculous shots all night long, as the Phoenix rode past the Breakers, 92-80 in their second instalment at GRISS in a week.
Motivated to give the local crowd something to cheer about before departing, the Phoenix opened out of the gate strongly through Jordan Hunter and Brown III as they led by six points at the first break.
The travelling New Zealand squad answered as the second quarter opened, getting the margin back as close as ever, but Sobey being the dangerous option on the court, kept the Phoenix from losing their lead with attacks at the basket.
South East Melbourne saw separation as play resumed for the second half, buckling down defensively and making timely shots at the other end of the court.
While the Breakers desperately tried to fight back in the closing minutes of the game, the Phoenix had already done what was necessary, and with the backing of the green and black army in the stands, there was no stopping them this time around.
In a post-game interview at centre court, Sobey spoke to how special it is arriving to Gippsland year-on-year and connecting with the region.
“Personally, coming from a little country town, and to be able to do these sorts of things that we don’t get to kind of experience as kids, hopefully it’s something they’ll remember and chase their dreams moving forward,” he said.
“As a kid, you kind of live for those moments where you have NBL teams or professional teams come into your home town … hopefully (Traralgon) was able to enjoy our presence and obviously, ultimately, the games and get a win.”
It is yet to be confirmed by the NBL whether more games are coming next year and the following seasons, but there’s no doubt with the energy provided by the locals and the commitment by the Phoenix that it will return in the foreseeable future.
