Tracy Village Jets ready for Essington Cannons challenge in Darwin Championship semi-final

TRACY Village captain Liam MacLachlan feels his young side has what it takes to power past Essington Cannons in the preliminary final of the Men’s Basketball Championship.

Jets’ captain Liam MacLachlan feels his side is ready for the challenge posed by Cannons in the preliminary final. Picture: Che Chorley

TRACY Village captain Liam MacLachlan feels his young side has what it takes to power past Essington Cannons in the preliminary final of the Darwin Men’s Basketball Championship.

The Jets fell 76-67 to league frontrunners Eagles in the tightly contested major semi-final to deny themselves a direct route to the grand final.

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“It was stressful and unfortunate not to get the win but we have to keep our heads up and keep going,” MacLachlan told the NT News.

“We played a good game but we just need a better shot selection than we perhaps had the time. Though we played well against them Eagles are a strong side with that winning momentum.”

Next up for the Jets is an Essington side fresh off a 108-103 win against Ansett.

The Cannons have plenty of firepower in their ranks with imports Elijah Barbour and Raymond Jarrett standing out last week, while captain Lachlan Shipway is a strong anchor in the centre.

Jets have plenty of firepower of their own and the young side has proven that on more than one occasion this season.

Will Burton and Jerron Jamerson have been particular powerhouses on the scoring end, while the Stevens brothers Ned and Joel, Keenan Abbott and Thomas Malseed have also had big seasons.

MacLachlan, who himself contested his first finals run at the age of 15 in 2007, feels this will be a chance for his young side to gain further experience.

“It should be a good game with Cannons coming off a win against Ansett so we will take it as it comes,” MacLachlan said.

“They have a strong shot selection and their height is good but as long as we play as a team and keep to our structures while working on our shot selections we should be good.

“We’ve been impressed with the side. We have lots of juniors in our club and they’ve all really stepped up to the plate with a lot of them playing their first finals series.

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“I’ve been really impressed with Will. He’s really picked up his game this year, incredible jump shot and incredible defence. He’s also fit and quick and we’re all pleased to have him on our league side.”