Keegan Luck’s MVP performance guides Mustangs to comeback win in final of TBL

On a court filled with veterans and stars of Toowoomba Basketball, Keegan Luck stood tallest to help the Washed on James Mustangs to earn their place in Toowoomba Basketball League history.

BASKETBALL: They led the league from start to finish, and now the Washed on James Mustangs reign supreme as Toowoomba Basketball League champions.

In a stirring battle at the Clive Berghofer Arena, a hot finish led the Mustangs to an 87-75 defeat of the Westridge Warriors.

Leading for just 33 seconds of the contest prior to the fourth quarter, the Mustangs hit the front with 2.44 left to play, scoring the last 12 points of the match to close out the win.

“We knew we just had to hang with them,” coach Mitch Wormald said.

“Our boys have been really calm all season and haven’t got flustered.

“Joel Seaby was unbelievable for us and held everything together defensively.”

In a game filled with veterans and stars, it was an unsung hero that stole the show, with Keegan Luck’s 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and six steals earning him player of the match honours.

“Keegan really stepped up and showed that he really is one of the best U18s in Toowoomba,” Wormald said.

“He was pretty nervous at the start of the season to come on-board and he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to handle everything.

“I’m really proud of how he’s approached everything and honoured to be a part of that process for him.”

The Warriors led the match for almost 35 minutes, before key players in foul trouble hurt them at the death.

“We knew if we attacked them early it would hurt them at the tail end of the game,” Wormald said.

“Both teams were pretty short handed, so we knew that once that foul pressure built up, it would be sink or swim for them.

“The boys stuck to the plan very well.”

Mustangs guard Cam Weber was named as the league MVP.

Joining him in the Allstar Five were Will Mitchell, Adam Gehrig, Bailey Nwanevu and Seth Ham.

Warriors player Theo Hess took home the award for best U18s player of the competition.

GRAND FINAL TEAMS

MUSTANGS

Cam Weber

“Being a number one pick, he had a lot of weight on his shoulders,” Wormald said.

“So far he’s done a wonderful job of that, especially on the offensive end. He attracts a lot of defensive attention.

“He’s an incredible team leader and hopefully he has another good game.”

Joel Seaby

“An unsung hero. A lot of what he does doesn’t show up in many stat lines unless you have a close look,” Wormald said.

“Most guys he’s matched up on have had their worst games of the season. We will lean heavily on him defensively.

“There’s a few games we wouldn’t have won if we didn’t have Joel digging in deep for 35 minutes.”

Michael Usher

“Michael has been really solid in the shooting guard spot,” Wormald said.

“He’s been pretty consistent for us all season and has just been a really good decision maker.”

Chris Kitapindu

“Our X-factor,” Wormald said.

“You’re always going to get something good out of Chris, you just don’t know what shape it will take.

“Is capable of having a 20-point, 20-rebound game and always gives 100 per cent.”

Bailey Nwanevu

“Bailey has been our most improved,” Wormald said.

“A few of the old fellas and myself have been in his ear about being more than just an athlete, and he’s really stepped up and become more of a well-rounded basketballer.

“I’m hoping he goes hard this week and plays with a lot of confidence in himself.”

John Dhuol

“One of our older players that has given us valuable minutes off the bench,” Wormald said.

“Gives us some excellent defence and great rebounds. A key part of the rotation.”

Keegan Luck

“One of the best U18s players floating around,” Wormald said.

“Has been really consistent. Being our only true point guard, he’s stepped his game up playing with the older boys.

“Is efficient offensively and has been playing out of his skin matching up against some of the best point guards in Toowoomba.”

Sam Holt

“Only played a couple of games but has shown glimpses of being able to put together good games,” Wormald said.

“Had a game of 100 per cent shooting and we’re looking for him to be efficient in a minor role.”

Brock van der Linden (injured)

“Went down with injury and won’t be playing after breaking a bone in his foot,” Wormald said.

“He been at every game since and brought a lot to the team. We’ll miss him.”

WARRIORS

Will Mitchell

“Will brings a soft touch around the hoop,” Connelly said.

“He brings a lot of experience to our young group and is averaging a double-double.

“He’s a key component of our team, hence why he was our first pick.”

Patrick Roche

“Another big for us that forms the twin towers with Will,” Connelly said.

“A great passer of the ball, also has a soft touch around the rim and brings a solid, all-round game at both ends.”

Bailey Biggar

“A dynamic young guard that can play one through three,” Connelly said.

“Is great at getting heat on the rim and is a key defender of the group. The way we play is free flowing, giving him freedom on offence to allow him to focus on his defensive assignment.

“Brings a lot of talent.”

Ashley Peters

“A streaky three-point shooter that brings great leadership and is a vocal voice,” Connelly said.

“He’s what we call the glue guy. He’s a young coach that is starting to apply some of his coaching to his game.

“Turning more into a leader on the floor and doesn’t need the ball in his hand to do it.”

Noah Silcox-Smith

“Our X-factor. The kid can do it all,” Connelly said.

“Plays D when he wants to. Needs a bit of a push, but once he does and gets into the groove, he's very good on the defensive end.

“His offensive creation is next level. He’s able to score, pass and create.

“We want him to create first and then let the game come to him, rather than go after it to help him become a more potent player and exploit his strengths.”

Theo Hess

“The kid is dynamite,” Connelly said.

“A knockdown three-point shooter that is very consistent and the dark horse of our team.

“Can break open a game and has shown that over the last few games by shooting at a high percentage.

“Reads the game very well and definitely has a future in basketball.”

David Werth (injured)

“The general of our team and his presence is next level,” Connelly said.

“A young guard learning to lead and starting to understand the role of leadership for a true point guard.

“Unfortunately out with injury, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

The TBL men’s grand final tips off at 7pm Monday at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre, St Mary's.