Gilgandra and Balladoran well represented in basketball finals

Gilgandra and Balladoran locals travelled to Griffith to play in the Basketball NSW, Spalding Waratah Junior League Western Division finals, after their under 18s Dubbo Rams qualified.

Dominic and Sebastian Manusu, and Yindi Naden have been playing with the men’s and women’s Dubbo team for the 2023 season, cementing their place as talented athletes within the Association.

The under 18s Men’s Dubbo Blue team faced off against Orange Eagles in the division two semi-finals on Saturday, May 6, with the confidence of having defeated the Eagles in the season.

Displaying excellent defensive skills and teamwork, Dominic and Sebastian dominated under the defensive ring and assisted in keeping the scores even throughout the game. With the addition of Sebastian’s 11 points, and Dominic’s two, Dubbo Blue were leading by seven at the half-time, but in the third quarter Orange gained on the Rams to even the score.

Several three-pointers by the Eagles put them in the lead, and with Dubbo’s baskets not falling in the fourth quarter they were defeated 57-41 and were eliminated from the finals. Yindi Naden took to the court with the under 18s Women’s Dubbo Rams team, versing a strong Griffith Demons team in the division one semi-finals.

The Rams had defeated the Demons in the regular season, but with a home court advantage, Griffith kept the first quarter close, only extending their lead in the second quarter. Yindi’s two points in the fourth quarter and strong presence on the court, were not enough to get Dubbo back in the lead, and though the score remained close, Griffith won 53-48, sending the Dubbo team home.