Fazlyn Hartley was singled out for praise for her efforts throughout the semi-final series.By Marc McGowan
THE Dandenong Rangers will be represented in both the men’s and women’s Big V basketball grand finals after progressing through their respective matches on the weekend.
The women’s team took a one-game lead in their three-game series against Eltham the previous weekend and was forced to go the distance after losing 73-59 in game two on Saturday night at Eltham High School.
“I think we went out there as if the hard work the previous week would continue through,” Rangers head coach Michael Davies said. “Eltham just worked harder.”
Davies stressed the importance of working harder to his team after the game.
The Rangers were desperate to rectify their disappointing result from last season, where, after losing just two matches during the regular season, they were bundled out in the semi-finals in two games.
Game three was played at the high school on Sunday afternoon.
Dandenong’s five-point lead at the last break was wittled down to one point within 30 seconds of the final period starting.
It was a gripping contest from then on before the Rangers held on to triumph 72-66.
“It was a battle royale,” Davies said. “We got some big stops – a massive win.”
The victory was particularly noteworthy as the team had to play ‘small ball’ after starting centre Demelza Waixel was forced out of the match in the second quarter after hurting her knee and back-up centre Tess Meyer followed Waixel to the bench in the third term when she injured her calf.
Fazlyn Hartley played a pivotal role in the Rangers’ progression, hitting two monstrous three-pointers in the third quarter to fire up the team.
Davies singled Hartley out for praise for her defensive efforts on Eltham star Jodie Datson, and for her big shooting performances in game one and three.
“The girls are pumped and we’re expecting another tough series (against grand final opponents Sandringham, starting on Saturday night),” Davies said.
“It has also qualified us for nationals.”
The nationals include Australian Basketball Association (ABA) teams from around the country who have either reached or won their grand finals.
The men’s team took an easier route to the title fight, smashing preliminary final opponent Warrnambool 131-89 to set up another date with semi-final conqueror Sandringham.
Big V All-Star Lester Strong led from the front after playing what Rangers’ head coach Warren Dawson described as his worst game in the two years the previous weekend.
Strong knocked down 26 points, shooting at 50 per cent from the field, plus a remarkable 19 boards.
Unlike the game against Sandringham, Dandenong had contributors aplenty with Brent Hobba recording 19 points and nine rebounds and Ash Cannan scoring 17 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
The Rangers took a four-point lead into the second period and the margin grew to 13 points at half-time and 25 by the final change.
“There was pride on the line after our poor display against Sandringham,” Dawson said. “The reality is that Sandringham is a much better group – we need to toughen mentally.
“When the game slows down (against Sandringham) it is going to come down to our ability to generate good looks at the basket.”
The three-game grand final series will begin at Dandenong Basketball Stadium this Saturday night, when Dandenong will be looking to avenge its disappointing loss to Sandringham in the semi-finals.
“There will be six or seven players who have been, or are currently, in the NBL (National Basketball League) on the court on Saturday,” Dawson said.
“As far as the standard, you won’t get anything better outside of the NBL.”
