Grand final dreams are over for the Melton Thoroughbreds and Bacchus Marsh Lions in the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League.
The Thoroughbreds have both its women’s and men’s teams in semi finals on Saturday night, while the Lions women were also in action with grand final spots on the line.
Despite strong regular seasons, all three sides fell short.
In the women’s competition, the Lions were in action first against the Maryborough Blazers, who have been the team to beat all season.
It was the Lions that led at quarter time by three points.
The Blazers were able to take control of the game the next two quarters, including win the third quarter by 14 points.
It left the Lions work to do in the final quarter as they trailed by 17 points.
While they were able to go shot for shot,the Lions weren’t able to close the gap, losing 100-82.
Kayla Salmons was huge for the Lions with a double-double, with 32 points and 14 rebounds.
Magdalene Kratochvil also scored 18 points.
“We couldn’t be more proud of what this team has achieved this year, putting on so many dominant performances and making the semi final,” the Lions said on social media.
“This squad has been amazing all season long.”
Melton women were at home on Saturday night against the Bendigo Braves.
The Thoroughbreds were hoping to get the win to play a grand final on their home court.
There wasn’t much between the two sides early with the Thoroughbreds leading by one point at quarter time.
That extended to five points at half time.
The Braves started to find another level and took the lead by one point heading into the final quarter.
In the final quarter the Braves were able to find another level to win, 97-86, and set up a grand final with the Blazers.
Ella Price had 21 points for the Thoroughbreds while Maddison Brady had 15.
Melton’s men were then in action as they faced the Macedon Ranges Rockies in Gisborne for a spot in that grand final.
The two teams had played each other in the final round of the season, with the Rockies winning on that occasion.
It was the Rockies, looking for their first grand final spot, who started the better.
They led by six points at quarter time and increased that to 11 points at the main break.
The Thoroughbreds stuck to the task and were able to get the margin back to seven points heading into the final quarter.
The two sides went goal-for-goal in the final quarter with the Rockies winning, 111-100.
Hunter Salmons top scored with 27 points for the Thoroughbreds, with Nicholas Hunter having 26 points.
