WITH a stirring final-quarter comeback, Haileybury’s senior boys triumphed in the McDonald’s Champion School of Victoria Tournament.
Earning their first championship – coached by Melbourne Tigers’ great Lanard Copeland – at the state-wide tournament the hard way, Haileybury overcame an eight-point last quarter deficit to take the title.
Haileybury College exploded with a 30-17 final quarter to defeat two-time reigning champion Caulfield Grammar 83-78, booking a place at the Australian Schools Championships in December.
The Bloods were led brilliantly by point guard Anthony Karabatsos who finished with 23 points, while captain Lachlan Anthony provided 21 points, including 10 in the final quarter, and Srdjan Sumarac connected on four three-pointers in his 18 points.
Starting the final term behind 53-61, Anthony and Sumarac dominated the opening minutes, scoring 14 of Haileybury’s first 16 points. When centres Harry Byrne and Alex Zenin fouled out midway through the quarter, the momentum briefly turned back in Caulfield’s favour, but Jordan Hurley came up big, connecting firstly from downtown and then scoring under pressure at the hoop to tie the scores at 74-74 with four minutes remaining.
In a pivotal play, Karabatsos sliced through three players to finish at the hoop with just over a minute remaining and when he repeated his success again seconds later, Haileybury held a three-point lead with 45 seconds remaining.
Haileybury assistant coach Duncan Berg said it was pure satisfaction and joy to knock off the highly touted Grammarians after their recent dominating run at the tournament.
“It was (pure satisfaction) especially because Caulfield has won the title the last two years and we really didn’t come near them in the APS competition,” Berg said.
“They beat us comfortably in the APS – but we were confident we were improving and able to bridge that gap and played a really good game on the day.”
Haileybury had to earn a wildcard place to the tournament after failing to qualify, but Berg said to progress to the final and make amends made the win even greater.
“We had seven weeks to prepare, knew exactly who the opponent was and focused on them (Caulfield Grammar),” Berg said.
“It was really good to get over them, especially as this is the first time we have won the Schools Championship.
“We haven’t beaten them for a number of years, but to score 30 points in the final term and take the come-from-behind victory with great contributions from everyone – it was great to see so many people contribute on the big stage.”
