By Dion Stergiopoulos
Last weekend the Basketball NSW Metro Junior League had reached its climax; in a season that had featured many ups and downs it all came down to one final game: the Grand Final.
For the St George U14 Boys Red team, this was a culmination of everything they had worked towards all season long.
The team was selected back in October 2024, and they hoped that this team of talented young men could go far and do great things.
Eight months later, after a long tough season they reached the championship game against cross-city rivals Sydney Comets at a packed out Bankstown Bruins Basketball Stadium.
The two squads had a strong connection with players and coaches being involved with both clubs in some capacity, and the Comets were willing training partners for the Saints for scrimmages early in the pre-season.
While the two clubs were rivals on the court, there was plenty of mutual respect between the two sides.
The Saints knew all too well that the Comets would produce a tough challenge, even though St George had come away with victories in their last two encounters all be it by slim margins.
St George had the tendency for slow starts throughout the season, however with dedicated support and boisterous crowd behind them, they came out firing with an 11-0 run to start the game.
Led by their top scorers Aethan Manuel, Alex Shen, Ben Savann and Leo Chen, the Saints put their foot on the gas in the first quarter, ending the first quarter up by sixteen points (25-9).
From there, the Saints did not look back.
With every great play, the crowd erupted, the bench went crazy and the players on the court fed off the incredible energy in the stadium and began to suffocate the Comets.
With each passing quarter, the Saints continued to extend their lead, and the players finally gave their coach a game he could sit back and enjoy.
Saints cruised to a 79-59 victory, with Grand Final MVP Ben Savann leading the way with 19 points.
Liam Greene returned to form, chipping in with 15 points, team captain Aethan Manuel contributed with 14 points and Leo Chen was the Saints’ defensive anchor with 13 points.
All these contributions speak volumes as to how incredibly talented the Saints U14 Boys Red team has been this season, where at any given game, every player has the capability to step up and have themselves a good game.
Saints head coach Anson Wen was extremely proud of his team’s performance in the Grand Final and of their performances throughout the season.
“It has been an absolute honor coaching the team this season, and it couldn’t have happened without assistant coach Benji as my right-hand man and manager Sharon for organising everything outside of basketball,” he said.
“A major thanks to the parents as well, for bringing their sons to training, travelling far and wide and backing us all the way.”
Elsewhere, Sutherland Basketball Stadium was packed to capacity for a local derby for the U16 Boys Grand Final between St George Saints and Sutherland Sharks.
Everything the Saints had worked so hard for all year long was on the line and the game did not disappoint.
In a tense game from start to finish, the Saints rose to the challenge, coming away with a 71-51 victory on the back of a strong fourth quarter from the visitors, claiming the title of Champions for 2025.
All year the focus was on teamwork and defence, and in the end that is what got the Saints over the line on the seasons biggest stage.
The Saints saw a huge improvement from the start of the year, gaining confidence each and every week as they worked towards a common goal that at times seemed unlikely.
Special mention to Tifii Mhando who not only had an incredible overall season but also took home Grand Final MVP.
Saints head coach Mark Winney was incredibly grateful for the commitment of his players throughout the season.
“We are forever grateful to all the boys for their attitude and commitment this season, but also to the parents, supporters and the St George Basketball Association for their support throughout the year,” he said.
