North Adelaide aims for rare basketball double with Norwood and Southern ready to spoil the party
After Covid-19 put an end to the inaugural NBL1 basketball season in 2020, the first ever men’s and women’s grand finals will be played out on Saturday night. Read the previews.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The North Adelaide Rockets have a rare opportunity to take home both the men’s and women’s championships in the NBL1 Central basketball grand finals on Saturday night.
Both Rockets teams have hit form at just the right time this season, but will have their work cut out for them, the men playing against Norwood and league MVP CJ Turnage, and the women taking on the 16-2 Southern Tigers.
Men’s coach Dean Nyberg said his team is excited just to be taking part, after Covid-19 threatened to derail yet another season.
“There were a lot of different points in the year where we thought the season might not be played out and we wouldn’t get there,” he said.
“Even in the final round, we needed to win that game to scrape into the top five and make finals, so there have definitely been ups and downs and I’m so proud of the group for sticking with it.”
Norwood poses a strong threat to North Adelaide’s perfect ending however, with 2021 season MVP CJ Turnage ready to fire.
Turnage used to be a traditional big man, but has this season moved into a point guard role and played it perfectly.
Flames coach Mike Malat believes his team has the right amount of firepower to get the job done.
“CJ has been phenomenal all year. We asked a lot of him to transition to point guard but he’s been fantastic and I wouldn’t be surprised if NBL teams start showing interest,” he said.
“We have made the right adjustments throughout the season to have a balanced attack and if we can stick to our foundation I love what this team can do.
“With what we’ve been through this year, especially with the Covid stoppages, a championship would mean everything.”
While Norwood’s side boasts top talent, Nyberg expects Adelaide 36ers Jack McVeigh and Sunday Dech to lead the charge to the first Rockets men’s title since 2007.
“Obviously I’m confident Sunday and Jack will do their thing and I think Verle Williams off the bench can be huge too, but we need everyone to step up,” Nyberg said.
“To win the championship and break that drought would be amazing. It would mean a lot, particularly if the women can get up too.”
The women face a tough test against Southern Tigers, a team which boasts league stars Teige Morrell and Morgan Yeager.
Rockets coach Brenton Johnson believes that, with players like Taylor Ortlepp and Jess Good, his team has the experience to shut down the season’s top side.
“Each girl for us has had finals and grand final experience – Jess Good for instance has played in three grand finals,” Johnson said.
“We know that Teige and Morgan are probably going to get their 20-30 points but I think we’ll be able to shut down the others and limit their attack.”
“I’m really proud of the girls regardless and I think we have a lot more upside going forward.”
The Tigers are favourites heading into the clash – something coach Matt Clarke isn’t buying into.
“I don’t think of us as favourites and we don’t really feel that much expectation. At this point in the season every team is playing top-level basketball,” Clarke said.
“In saying that, I’m confident. We’ve got girls who can win us big games and we always have multiple contributors – girls who can pass, who can defend, who can score.
“We’ve been together for a few years now so it would mean a lot to get this one.”
The women’s game tips off from 5.30pm at St Clair Recreation Centre while the men will hit the court at 8pm.
Both games will be aired on Kayo Freebies.
‘Beyond excited’: Dixon joins local SA club for 2025
Former Port Adelaide star Charlie Dixon has joined a local SA footy club for season 2025 after retiring from the AFL level.
‘Like a second home’: Local footy club legend calls time
A Southern Football League great has called time on his dazzling career ahead of season 2025 after winning a fourth A Grade premiership with his beloved local club in 2024.