Big V Basketball: Gippsland United wins first title
Gippsland United has won a title in its first season of existence after a thrilling come from behind win and it won’t be the last with more talent on the way.
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Gippsland United has completed the most remarkable of debut seasons in Big V Basketball.
One of two new teams to enter the competition at the start of the season, United has finished 2022 as Division 2 Men’s champions.
United prevailed 87-70 against Pakenham to complete a clean sweep in the grand final series on home court on Saturday night.
The home side was forced to come from behind after trailing at every break in a hard fought contest.
They eventually ran away 87-80 winners after winning the final quarter by nine points.
Coach Scott McKenzie said his side’s never die attitude had well and truly been on display.
“We only led for 12 minutes of the game but we always had the confidence that we could finish strongly,” he said.
“This team had been in similar positions before throughout the season but they’ve never thrown the towel in.
“Being a Gippsland person, I’m so incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to achieve this season. This team is 95 per cent homegrown and just highlights how much talent there is in this region.
“It goes to show the depth of Gippsland basketball and it’s really exciting because we’ve got more talented juniors coming through our system.
“With Gippsland United having its own team in the VJBL it means kids aren’t having to go to metro clubs which is really important for us.”
Import Brandon Armstrong produced another strong display with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.
He was named Finals MVP to go along with his place in the Division 2 Men’s All Star Five.
Meanwhile, Stephen O’Brien’s 19 points proved critical in United’s comebacks.
“O’Brien had some massive plays in that last quarter and you could just see the energy in the group lift,” McKenzie said.
“Brandon was just his usual self. He had been at that level all season.”
With the first premiership trophy now in the cabinet, United will now hope to be accept into Division 1 for next season.
GAME ONE REVIEW
The Gippsland United fairytale has added another chapter.
One of Big V Basketball’s newest teams is on the brink of title success in its first season of competition after taking a 1-0 lead in the Division 2 Men series against Pakenham.
United gained the upper hand on the back of a 84-73 victory on the road at Cardinia Life on Saturday night.
A 32-18 quarter proved pivotal for the visitors after the game was level at halftime.
Coach Scott McKenzie pinpointed a more settled performance after the main break for his side’s victory.
“You always want to win an away game and take some of the pressure off,” he said.
“Both teams turned out very nervy in the first half and you were able to tell that by some of the mistakes that were made.
“We managed to get on a bit of a run at the start of the third which really helped with our momentum. Getting on top of their defence was critical for us.”
Import Brandon Armstrong starred for United with 21 points, seven rebounds and five steals in a performance McKenzie described as a “complete game”.
But it was the outstanding shooting display from Ben Barlow, who finished with 20 points, which caught the eye.
Barlow shot 8-15 from the field including three triples.
Joe Davis led the way for Pakenham with 20 points as Josh Dow added 19 of his own.
“Brandon had his usual game with points, assists and rebounds,” McKenzie said.
“Ben was outstanding. He tore it up in the second half. He had given so much he could hardly walk in the last quarter and had to substitute himself out of the game.
“It showed the team first attitude this group has shown all season.”
United will now look to wrap up the series and championship on Saturday night on their home court.
“Being back at home makes you feel a lot more comfortable — from the changerooms to the court we train on,” McKenzie said.
“We’ve had had tremendous support all season and I don’t think it will be anything different his weekend. We’ve got our offensive and defensive systems worked out now so we don’t want to be changing too much.
“Hopefully it’s enough to bring us another win.”
SERIES PREVIEW
Gippsland United and Pakenham are both looking at fairytale finishes to the 2022 season.
The two sides are set to face off in the Big V Basketball Division 2 Men’s best-of-three grand final series starting this weekend.
Minor premiers United are looking to claim the title in just their first season of the competition while the Warriors are aiming to rise from a difficult 2021 season where they finished fourth on the ladder.
They were clearly the best two teams all season after finishing one-two after 18 rounds of competition.
Game one will be played at Cardinia Life in Pakenham from 6pm on Saturday night.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the weekend.
WHAT THE COACHES SAID
Gippsland United, Scott McKenzie: “I think it would be a comment to say we’re exceeding expectations. Our aim at the start of the year was to make finals. We’ve got a really good mix of youth and experience to help us make it to this point of the season.
“It’s been a tight season series against Pakenham, in the first game we beat them but they had a few out so it was hard to get a read on them. Then in the second game they beat us in overtime. If we play like we did in our semi-final on Saturday night we’re going to give ourselves a really good chance.
Pakenham, Rob Roberts: “We’ve generally got the same core group as last season having only added Joe (Davis) and Ned (Weideman). The guys have really brought into what I’ve asked of them. This season has been proof to them they had it in them to contend. When I signed as coach we aimed to change the culture and professionalism of the Warriors environment and we’ve been able to do that with a lot of hard work.
“Gippsland are a bloody good side, I think most people around the competition knew they’d be competitive. They’re a high scoring team and if we can bring our defensive pressure we’ll give ourselves a good chance of winning this series. It’s been a good match up between both teams all season.”
THE STARS OF THE SHOW
Brandon Armstrong, Gippsland United
Many people in basketball circles already knew about Armstrong — thanks to his strong social media presence — but it’s his ability on the court which has done the talking. He has played a really important role for United leading his side in several stat categories. The big stage was made for him.
Joe Davis, Pakenham
Davis has been a huge success story for Pakenham’s basketball program. The Canadian arrived as an import and has delivered on so many levels. He has consistently show he can score while also bringing others into the game. Has already re-signed for next year and is now the club’s director of coaching for junior boys.
THE X-FACTORS
Stephen O’Brien, Gippsland United
One of the best shooters all season for United averaging a remarkable 57.93 per cent from the field. O’Brien can also be relied upon to create for others and disrupt opposition offence.
Josh Dow, Pakenham
The facilitator on offence for the Warriors who becomes a major disrupter on defence. While Davis has received plenty of plaudits this season, Dow’s performances can’t be understated in its own right. His do it all attitude is something coach would love.
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