By Dion Stergiopoulos
After months of intense training, severe competition and every team fighting for the same goal: a championship; the 2025 Waratah League season culminated with the final series weekend on the NSW Central Coast last weekend.
The St George Saints Youth League Mens team were out to avenge their Quarter Finals loss to the Newcastle Falcons two weeks prior as the two teams faced off in the Semi Finals at Niagara Park Stadium on Saturday 23 August.
The Falcons jumped out to an early 8-0 lead to start the game, with the Saints quickly finding their groove and starting to fire from long-range fighting back to trail by only two points at the end of the first quarter (13-11).
The Saints would fall behind by as much as twelve points during the second period, before going on a run of their own to trim the lead to just three points.
A last second three-pointer by Newcastle would extend their lead to six points going into the halftime break (48-42).
Desperate to get back into the contest, the Saints would regain control of the contest, opening the second half, forced some tough shots and some carless turnovers, allowing the Falcons to storm out to a fifteen-point lead.
A quick timeout by Saints head coach Luther Shannon was able to spark some life into the team going on a 10-1 run to stay in the contest, trailing by just seven points heading into the final quarter (69-62).
Points were hard to come by for both sides during the final term, with the Saints holding the Falcons to 37% shooting from the field, desperate to save their season.
The Falcons would again go on a run extending their lead beyond double digits late in the final quarter with victory firmly in their sights.
The Saints would not give up, sparking a late surge to bring the game within a single possession, trailing by three points with eleven seconds remaining and possession.
The Saints coaching staff would draw up a play they have used all season for their captain, Jaxon Jon Frintzilas.
As the play developed, Jaxon would get a good look from three to look to tie the game and send it into overtime; however, it was just off to the left and the Falcons came away with the rebound and the game.
The Saints would go down fighting 75-79 to the Falcons, with Newcastle eventually going on to defeat Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Spiders on Sunday’s Grand Final.
Key performers:
- Maper Maker – 17 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks
- Dylan Akosah – 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
- Jaxon Jon Frintzilas – 10 points 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
St George Saints treasurer George Aliferis said that despite the disappointing result, the club is extremely proud of what the team accomplished throughout the season.
“On behalf of the board we would like to congratulate our Youth League Mens Red team on a tremendous season,” he said.
General Manager Valerie Stoddart said: “We could not have been more proud of what you have achieved this year on and off the court… We would also like to thank our major sponsors Club Rivers and City Ford Rockdale for all their continual support throughout the season.”
