6 Dec 10 - Atoms BGW Boys U17/2 (2010/2011 Summer)
On 5 December Atoms BU17 div 2 BGWs really showed their overall quality; with numerous players below their best, and having a rare poor shooting day, the BGWs still ran out 33-27 winners against Downer Biscuits in a rough and virtually whistle-free match. After hitting virtually nothing in the first half and going into the break 12-19 down, the Atoms dug deep and gradually whittled away the deficit with some tough inside play and some improved shooting, while at the same time stepping up the defence. With a now virtually guaranteed spot in the 2 v 3 semi final, it is time to go after the unbeaten SA Giants and try to secure top spot.
Report Nov 29th
On Nov 27 it was the battle of 3rd v 2nd when Atoms BU17 div 2 BGWs squared off against the Kew Crusaders (who had the same 4-1 record plus a better percentage). On paper this was going to be a tough assignment, but it didn't turn out that way, with the BGWs playing near their peak to cruise to a 29-12 victory. The hapless and increasingly frustrated Crusaders had no answer to the strangling and switched-on defence of the BGWs. At the other end, the BGWs had plenty of system and patience and got great looks and really, would be disappointed not to finish with 40+ points, with numerous easy layups and a number of foul shots missed. BGWs' field shooting however was "on", with Mitch, Phil and Cameron all hitting 3s and Ben plopping basket after basket from midrange. Jon had the time of his life including an alley-oop, while Jacko played without a break to run the point all day. Andre's great hands in defence led to numerous steals and his strength bolsters the defence enormously, spurring Cameron and others to great defensive heights. Impressive also was the passing composure under pressure, with all the perimeter players knowing when to pull back their passes to avoid the intercepting hands. In the final game before the holiday break the BGWs face bottom of the table Downer Biscuits and with Dean back and the right attitude, should take that one out also.
Report Nov 14th
Atoms BU17 div 2 BGWs had an immensely satisfying come-from-behind win against the East Malvern Tiger Knights on Sat 13 November. The EMTKs showed that there is more than one way to play basketball, but that it also helps if everyone in the team is 190cm and super fit. With their awkward but somewhat effective noisy, hard running and brutal rebounding style of basketball, the EMTKs shot out to a good early lead, at one stage in the first half having an 8 point lead. The shell shocked BGWs took a while to match the intensity but the injection of Cameron into the game triggered a slow and steady comeback especially after half time that saw the hard work the BGWs do at training start to pay off against the disorganised EMTKs. With Mitch bamboozling the EMTKs with his control and speed in transition and Phil hitting mid rangers when it counted, the BGWs found themselves in striking range with a few minutes to go. A big 3-pointer from Cameron with 45 second to go saw the game tied at 30-30 and then a great finish from Andre after a superb offensive transition took the margin to 32-30. A bewildering call of an unsportsmanlike foul on Dean after 10 similar unpenalised infractions by the opposition sent the EMTKs to the line. They could only manage 1 point, and a frantic last 10 seconds saw the BGWs gain then retain possession (and the lead), to remind the EMTKs that in the end class will beat, um, short-shorts. Next game is against the Breakers, and hopefully back to some normality on the court.
Report 7th November
Atoms BU17/2 BGWs had a good win against the Nightmares on November 6, securing a 38-26 victory with 36 minutes of "doing the basics really well", with the occasional bit of flair and prowess. After an early battle to score, Jon gave the Atoms a gradually increasing lead in his repeated visits to the foul line, and continued to be solid for the rest of the game, racking up 11 points. Jacko hit a couple of great 3s at important times and ran the "1" spot well in defence. Phil showed his experience and capability with an excellent finish from behind the backboard, strong rebounding and arguably the best pick 'n roll that has ever been seen (with Jon) where he threaded the basketball through a basketball-sized gap as Jon motored to the bucket. Cameron was content to be awesome in transition and defence, and Mitch was super reliable and poised, shooting repeatedly off screens for numerous baskets. Andre defended hard as always and boosted his confidence with a great mid ranger in the first half. Ben did all he could given his illness, and put his energies into his robust defence and rebounding. Next week the BGWs face the "mouthful team", the East Malvern Tiger Knights, and a win here can give the BGWs a break in third spot and they can start thinking finals yet again.
Report 18th Oct
The Atoms BGW Boys Under 17s again proved themselves competitive in division 2 as bottom age on Saturday 16 Oct, but couldn't get over the line against the beefy SA Giants, going down 35-46. After taking a healthy 24-16 lead going into half time, due to some sustained offensive pressure, the intensity gradually fell away after the break as the SA Giants refused to get shorter and lighter while the Atoms were getting tireder. In the end the SA Giants were too good inside. Lots of positives to take out of the game though, some good long range shooting and some good inside finishing in the first half. Cameron stepped up to play an awesome game, and I hope the Hawthorn Magic selectors were watching. Dean was composed and made a great effort in his third game for the day. Everyone can hold their heads high but know they can still improve. Coaching was suboptimal but gave everyone an opportunity to fight back when they were down. Next game is two weeks away, opponent is one of the Nightmares teams unless regrading scrambles the fixtures. Go Atoms!
12th Oct Report
Following their grand final victory in Winter 2010 the Atoms BGW Boys Under 17s have found themselves graded really high for a mostly bottom age team, being placed in division 2. Far from being overawed at the first game (on 9 October 2010), however, the team is off to a great start with a 10 point win over Downer Biscuits [have you ever heard a goofier name] whom they lost to by more than 20 points just 6 months ago. Phil led the scoring with about 15 points but its a team game and everyone at times was key to offensive success. Defence was again an incredibly tight and miserly orchestration and I challenge anyone to find a better defence anywhere in the age group. Jon was strong on the boards and well supported by Dean and Cameron who played tall in defence. Mitch was his usual creative self and Ben made some great baskets and assists at crucial times. Jacko returned to the team with a solid performance. After his standout performance at training the previous Wednesday, parent Greg Lampard stepped up again to be a massive supporter on Saturday. The next game is against SA Giants, a bulkier taller opposition, and the return of Andre from injury will be a big help to countering the Giants' inertia. BGWs are looking very strong in the big man stakes at the minute.