ALTONA Gators have advanced to the Victorian Basketball League Big V women’s youth league 2 grand final with a cliffhanger 48-47 win over Craigieburn Eagles.
The decisive game two of a best-of-three semi-final series played out at the Altona Sports Centre on Saturday night.
One second on the clock, one free throw to be made and ice cool co-captain Ashleigh Richardson at the line was just the tonic for the Gators to clinch a 2-0 series win.
Richardson told the Weekly it was important she landed the winning basket from the free throw line to avoid overtime and a potential return to the court less than 24 hours later.
“I had to make one,” she said. “We were all so exhausted. We knew we had to win it on the night. No one wants to have to back up on Sunday again.”
The Gators’ series win was built on a sound team effort. Richardson says it is what makes the Gators unpredictable.
“It’s all 12,” she said. “Our whole team is talented. We work hard and we all get along. Anyone can step up.”
It was Richardson’s turn on this night and she was happy to deliver for her team.
Ashley Patterson, the other co-captain, led from the front with a team-high 11 points to go with six rebounds.
Jenna Conroy was a defensive powerhouse with 10 rebounds, five steals and two blocks.
Sally Cameron was also busy with 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Randy Shanklin-coached Gators will meet Hawthorn in a best-of-three grand final series.
They will visit Boroondara Sports Complex for game one on Saturday night.
Game two and, if required, three will swing back to the Altona Sports Centre the following weekend.
Big V
Women’s youth league 2
Semi-final series
Game 1: Craigieburn 43 lt Altona 54
Game 2: Altona 48 d Craigieburn 47
Altona wins best-of-three series 2-0
