Altona Gators have missed out on the Big V basketball men’s division 2 play-offs, but can go into the off season full of optimism after an impressive second half of the season driven by youth.
The Gators won two of their last three games, but were out-classed in the final round by minor premiers Craigieburn Eagles, losing narrowly 78-69 at the Altona Sports Centre on Sunday.
Despite the loss, it was a performance the young Gators team could be proud of against a team that is heavily favoured to win the division 2 title.
“The team that we lost to on the final day did finish first,” Gators coach Des Radoslovic said.
“They’re on top for a reason and we challenged them right till the end.
“Even though we didn’t get the win, there was still a lot of positive signs in the way that we finished the season with the personnel that we had.”
Craigieburn’s fast start to the game and a closing act from American import Dexter Graham proved the differences between the two sides.
The Eagles opened up a handy 12-point buffer by the end of the first period and refused to let it go. Each time the Gators got close, Graham, who finished with 24 points, would deliver a dagger.
“He’s a six-foot-six legitimate athlete,” Radoslovic said.
“His penetration made a big difference.
“We had to put a lot more emphasis on stopping him, but to Craigieburn’s credit, they shot the ball well from the outside when we did.”
Young Altona Gators centre James Till entered the game on the back of a starring role in a win over Wallan Panthers a week earlier.
Till alerted Craigieburn of his ability with a 25-point, 17-rebound game against the Panthers.
Limiting Till’s output was crucial for Craigieburn, who kept him to eight points and 13 rebounds.
“They scouted James Till heavily and put an emphasis on stopping him,” Radoslovic said.
Altona Gators young guns Nathanial Coory and Jeremy Edwards could hardly be stopped.
Coory was solid at the point guard spot with 13 points and nine rebounds, while Edwards was white hot from long range with 16 points, including five three-pointers.
Gators captain Patrick Green added 12 points and six rebounds.
The Gators defended well and shot reasonably from the field, but in both facets, Craigieburn were just slightly better.
“They’re the top team and I think they executed better when it counted early and we had to play catch up,” Radoslovic said.
“They prepared well to counter certain players of ours and we did so with them, but they did it 5 per cent better.”
Altona has finished the campaign in ninth spot with an 8-14 record.
Radoslovic has indicated his desire to stay on as coach next season because he sees a bright future in the youngsters in the system. He will meet with the Gators later the month.
In women’s division 2, Altona has finally been put out of misery, ending a 0-20 season.
The Gators were pummelled 112-39 in the final round by a merciless Craigieburn at the Altona Sports Centre on Sunday.
Cassie Favero was the pick of the Gators players with 11 points.
