Last week’s buzzer beating effort by the Slammers was truly exhilarating and now it was time to seize the rare opportunity in the penultimate contest in order to finally be crowned School Sport WA Champions for 2015.

The Slammers took on private school Mazenod College this afternoon for the right to wear that crown. The Bendat Basketball Centre was full of buoyant and enthusiastic supporters for the Shenton boys from staff, parents and students alike. So many had turned up that the organizers must have contemplated bringing out spare chairs. The boys and I were overwhelmed with the extent of support and the players didn’t let their army of fans down today.

The Slammers primed themselves for a good start and jumped to an early lead, outplaying Mazenod College with smart in and outside options and taking their chances at every opportunity. They more than matched up well against them, but the Slammers found themselves in foul trouble late in the second quarter and megastar captain Coops, who had been directing play with aplomb, had to sit down for a spell. The second half saw the boys come out firing again as the ‘green machine’ opened up a match winning 16 point lead as they turned for home. There were limited rotation options for this team of stars but the blend of youth and experience held it together and the team ran out comfortable 30-point winners in the end. It was this incredible mix of Year 9 talent with developing Year 11 players and then topped off with the reliable polish of the Year 12 stars that made for some incredible experiences this season.

Cooper Hamilton was named GF MVP and he proudly introduced his team to the waiting audience for them to receive their medallions at the Presentation Ceremony after the match.

What a way for this coach to bow out and what a fantastic group of young men to do it with!