The Deni Junior Giants Under 16s Boys have finished their strong 2018/19 season with another grand final victory.
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The Giants travelled to Benalla for the last tournament of the year with the U16s being one of two Deni teams through to the grand final.
The U16s came up against Wodonga in the grand final, starting strongly and staying in control to come away with a 61 to 37 win.
To get to the grand final the Giants had convincing wins over Wodonga Wolves 31 to 20, Wangaratta Warriors 54 to 22, Benalla Breakers 61 to 19 and Lakers 52 to 12.
Coach Trent O’Callaghan could not believe the success of his U16 boys for the tournament season, where they competed in four grand finals over the five tournaments, finishing with three title wins.
O’Callaghan said everyone in the team played their role well and the improvement in each and every player was obvious.
The U18 Boys had their best tournament of the year by making it into their first grand final, showing that hard work at training pays off.
The Giants started with a solid 42 to 27 win over an unfamiliar opponent, the Melton Thoroughbreds.
The win sent Deni into their second game against powerhouse Wodonga Wolves full of confidence.
The Giants played great basketball at both ends of the court but it just wasn’t enough to get over Wodonga, going down by a narrow three points, the closet margin in five tournaments.
Deni had a late game against nemesis Wangaratta and this game was not going to be any different than previous encounters.
The Warriors were physical from the first jump ball and didn’t ease up; the score see sawed for the first half until the Giants hit the lead in the second half with Deni coming away with a 16 point win.
Sunday morning saw the U18s come up against Eagles Blue. It was a nervous start for Deni before Cooper Willoughby led from the front, with solid support from Myles Amor and Cable Fitzpatrick, while Ben East topped scored in a 30 point win.
The grand final was against Wodonga Wolves which was always going to be tough but without coach Brendan Willoughby and point guard Cooper, the Giants were going to have to find a new level.
The Wolves started strongly shooting two three-pointers in the first minute of the game and the boys just couldn’t fight back.
Although it was not the result they were hoping for coach Willoughby was extremely proud of the team’s achievements for the year.
The tournament got off to a tough start for the U16 Girls Giants, coming up against the always strong Mansfield team in a 35 to 24 loss to kick-off the tournament.
In a physical game against Tumut, Deni managed to remain composed for the whole game and came away with the win 20 to 13.
In the third game of the day against Shep Tigers the Giants had control for most of the game.
They listened attentively to the coaches and put their instructions into play resulting in a 32 to 25 win.
The so called curse of the Giants was evident in the semi final game against Tumut with the girls struggling to convert their otherwise perfect shots at goals, going down by 10 to bring an end to their tournament.
Coaches Nerisa Wills and Mike Harvey said the girls have had a wonderful tournament season and have grown so much as a team.
Although the U18 Girls were unable to win a game on the weekend, they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and have definitely improved over the season.
They have been a great group of girls who have enjoyed their basketball, tried their hearts out, never gave up and just had fun.
Results from the Benalla tournament were as follows: Wodonga 32 def. Deni 20; Swan Hill 41 def. Deni 15; Wodonga 34 def. Deni 30; Swan Hill 40 def. Deni 24.
A notable mention for the weekend and highlight of Sunday’s game was a three pointer from Makhaya Mitsch in her first and final season for the Giants.
It was a big challenge for the U14 Girls A team, playing in Division One over the weekend.
Although there were no wins the girls showcased the skills that have proved they can be a competitive Division One team.
Results from the weekend were as follows: Yarra-Mul Lakers 28 def. Deni 24; Echuca Pirates 25 def. Deni 11; Swan Hill Flyers 24 def. Deni 13; Wangaratta Warriors 23 def. Deni 1.
The U14 B girls had an outstanding final tournament, despite not having a win.
The Giants girls have enjoyed the season and made some great friendships.
The improvement in all girls has been amazing since Swan Hill.
The U14 Boys B Team stepped up into Division Two for the first time and under the guidance of coach Ross Foran played some high quality basketball.
The Giants came up against Wangaratta Warriors in their first game and with a see sawing game Deni were right in the game with less then a minute to go.
Leading by one point the Warriors got a quick steal to score and a shooting foul allowed Wangaratta to finish the game with a four point win.
The second game was much the same with the Giants playing strong defensive basketball, just unable to convert on the scoreboard with Cobram Tigers taking out a narrow three point win.
The third game was against the strong and skilful Mansfield Lakers and the Giants were just unable to maintain any pressure going down 33 to 6.
The under 14 Boys finished the season with a well deserved win over Seymour Blasters in a one point thriller.
U14 Boys A team continued to carry their success from the Wodonga tournament having their most successful showing of the season.
The Giants came up against powerhouse Wodonga and for the first time this season got the early jump and had them rattled.
Deni maintained their momentum and with only a minute to go had the ball in their possession and were only a point down, a skilful steal and fast break saw Wodonga score and a foul sent them to the free throw line, giving them a four point win, the closest margin in five tournaments.
Deni boys finished the tournament off with three wins, defeating Benalla Breakers 48 to 9, Euroa 34 to 28 and Eagles Blue 28 to 14.
Coach Michael Todd said he was proud of his side’s commitment, improved ability to follow game plays and fantastic team play.
Day one was a very successful day for the U12 Boys A team with convincing wins against Tumut, Wodonga and Euroa.
Unfortunately day two saw the wheels fall off, losing to Mansfield 30 to 15 and Seymour 33 to 19.
Special thanks to Michael Todd and Troy Bartlett for stepping in and coaching for the Benalla tournament.
Under 12 Boys B team had an excellent final tournament with all players contributing.
Deni’s best game for the entire season was against Tumut Timberwolves A team where the boys showed exceptional team play.
Coach Richenda Everett said she could not be more proud of her team’s determination and improved skills and could not finish the season without every player being acknowledged for their work rate.
Congratulations to Tom Murray, Henry Robinson, Ted and Oscar Wren, Brody Wills, Toby Bartlett, Casper O’Brien, Fred Everett and Matt Caruso on an outstanding season.
The U12 Girls had an early start going into the last tournament and were all still a little sleepy while their opponents Shepparton Gators were up and about.
The Giants fought back late in the game but it was too late to change the outcome.
The second game against Albury saw the Giants on fire early.
Shots were going in from everywhere and brilliant defensive work gave the girls their first win.
The third game was tough one against a much stronger top age team in Mansfield Eagles.
The last game on Sunday was always going to be tough based on previous margins against Wangaratta but the girls dug deep and at one stage held the lead.
They were unable to hold of the fast finishing Wangaratta however, eventually suffering a loss.
Coach Tim Hillier said the girls had a fabulous season and their basketball future is looking bright.
The Deni Junior Giants will finish their season with a celebration at the presentation evening on Friday, March 22.