WESTERNPORT defied all challenges to come out on top in the new premier division Ballarat senior basketball tournament.
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Westernport went through the three-day event unbeaten.
Former Ballarat Miner Ivan Harris suited up for Melton, but he and his teammates had to settle for second after keeping Keysborough at bay in its last game.
Tournament director Mark Valentine, who oversaw more than 150 games in eight divisions, said the premier division had been an outstanding success with large crowds supporting the teams and wanting to get a sneak peak at the Miners, who teamed up with Ballarat’s Big V youth players.
Valentine said Ballarat, which finished fourth, found the competition challenging.
He said there were some good signs though, with youth league coach Brad Cartledge looking forward to the young Miners’ Big V season opener at the Minerdome on Saturday night.
Valentine said other highlights included the apperance of Olympians Chris Anstey and Jason Smith for Paperboys in the masters division.
“They came with a mission after missing out in the tournament in the past few years and claimed the title.”
Ballarat teams completed the men’s C grade double, with Powderblue snatching a nail-biter against LLB in C2, and H4Bs overcoming a determined Patriots outfit in C2.
MEN’S premier division final standings: Westernport 1, Melton 2, Keysborough 3, Ballarat 4, Keysborough Youth 5
MVP : Kade Marra (Keysborough)
GRAND FINALS
Women’s social 1: HPD 54 d Pink Ladies 33
Women’s social 2: Myths & Legends 44 d PLH 38
Men’s social: Celtic Tigers Red 80 d The Recruits 59
Men’s C grade 1: H4Bs 47 d Patriots 35
Men’s C grade 2: Powderblue 54 d LLB 53
Men’s B grade: Dragon Vultures 66 d Bashed Crabs 43
Men’s masters: Paperboys 71 d State Bank 1 47