After two impressive grand final games, Bulls’ men’s and women’s teams were crowned the Bunbury Basketball Association 2017/18 league champions.
A strong crowd turned out to catch the women’s match between Bulls and Tornadoes Red on Saturday afternoon.
Having clinched the minor premiership last month, Tornadoes Red was expected to lift the trophy.
The Bulls’ side, however, refused to go down without a fight.
From the opening tip-off, Bulls looked set to cause an upset.
Strong performances from Georgia Denehey (21, including four three-pointers) and Courtney Bayliss (11) ensured their side controlled possession during the first quarter.
After leading by nine points at quarter time, Bulls maintained a 10 to 15 point margin early in the second term.
With help from Bianca Donovan (20) and Eleanor Hartill (16), Bulls rallied to extend the lead.
In front 54 to 28 at the main break, the Bulls’ players refused to squander their first-half efforts.
The squad maintained a wide margin in the third term, while Tornadoes Red’s chances of a comeback steadily slipped away.
Hitting a 30-point lead at the final change, Bulls showed zero signs of fatigue.
Despite the hard work of Kate Fielding (20), Tayla Kemp (11) and Raya Thompson (11), Tornadoes Red could not stop Bulls’ 92 to 49 victory.
Leading up to the men’s grand final, Tornadoes Black impressed throughout the regular season while the Bulls’ squad was never too far behind.
Tornadoes Black showed promise early in the first term, before Bulls gained momentum to lead by two at quarter time.
Efforts from Chris Douglass (19, nine two-pointers) and Nathan Berryman (15, four three-pointers) helped Bulls run out to a ten-point margin midway through the second term.
Despite solid input from Tornadoes Black stars Jason Smith (16, seven two-pointers), Carey Watkins (12), and Lucas Goff (10), Bulls held on to lead by nine at half time.
Bulls Matthew Leary (12) and Trent Worthington (11) helped their side nab a comfortable 10-point lead by three quarter time.
Tornadoes Black refused to quit and came within two points midway through the fourth quarter.
The Tornadoes’ side’s enthusiasm was not enough to prevent Bulls’ dominance of the game.
Bulls ran out to a 64 to 53 result, gifting both Bulls’ sides with premiership wins.
Ready for more basketball action? The South West Slammers’ men’s and women’s sides face off against Kalamunda on March 18.