Basketball Australia U16 National Championships: Vic Metro clinch 33rd title with thumping win

Winning 33 under-16 boys national basketball titles doesn’t happen by chance, as Victoria Metro’s coach, Dom Linossier, comes clean on what is behind their winning formula.

Victoria Metro’s secret to this year’s success was simply continuing the culture of previous teams, according to coach Dom Linossier.

The powerhouse continued its domination of the under-16 boys national basketball title, winning its third straight title with a 93-53 win over New South Wales Metro.

It is the 33rd time Victoria Metro have won the national title in under-16 boys.

Unbeaten all week, Victoria Metro raised their game to another level in the final, to smash the opposition.

The team raced to a nine-point lead at quarter-time and a 12-point lead at the main break.

Victoria Metro then held NSW Metro to just 20 points in the second half, while scoring 48 themselves, to blow the contest wide open.

The last quarter was party time for the home state.

REPLAY

NSW Metro v Victoria Metro (Boys gold medal)

Watch the full replay in the window above.

Victoria Metro were again the standout performers of the national championships in Bendigo. Picture: Supplied

“That’s Vic Metro basketball, the relentless pressure the entire time,” Linossier said.

“We were so proud the boys were able to respond and take instruction.

“They executed properly.”

Linossier said the success came from the program Vic Metro has and the high-performance team, led by Darren Best, who helps to develop the players needed to represent the state.

He added there were three players who backed up from last year’s championship winning team. And those players were also vital.

The powerhouse Victoria Metro team cruised through the competition undefeated. Picture: Supplied

“They won last year as bottom agers and they come back this year,” Linossier said.

“It makes a big difference to any group. That’s really the secret to our success.”

Linossier said captain Tom Dammers was outstanding all week as well as Charlie Wilson who was a “rebounding machine”, according to the coach.

But all players stood up when needed.

Five players scored double figures in the final with three of them recording a double double in points and rebounds.

“It’s a super credit to all the boys,” Linossier said. “We spoke regularly throughout the week saying be ready for when your number is called.

“It certainly was the case today.”

Originally published as Basketball Australia U16 National Championships: Vic Metro clinch 33rd title with thumping win