Basketball The 1st V basketball squad prepared for the 2016 Blackwood Cup season with a solid Term 4 pre-season. With a number of the 2015 players returning to lead the squad and some of our Year 10s stepping up to the highest level, there was a very positive vibe amongst the team. Term 4 results didn’t all go our way and, in fact, losing some of these games provided valuable lessons for the team. Losses to Hale School and Aquinas College and a close win against Wesley College was evidence that the 2016 Blackwood Cup season may well be the closest in a number of years. A few of the senior players attended the Trinity College USA basketball tour throughout December and experienced basketball at the highest level. Although the varsity team didn’t come home with a win, the boys really developed and would be better equipped for the PSA competition.
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Trinity had the bye in round one and the boys were eager to build on their pre-season and gain some match fitness. An invitational team consisting of State representative, State Basketball League (SBL) players and some of the best youth players in WA was to be our first challenge. These boys went head-to-head for the full 40 minutes and eventually the Trinity 1st V came away victorious by one point. Thanks to Jhonny Lutula (12.4) for arranging the opponents. Our first official fixture was against the very competitive Hale who had a convincing win in Term 4 against Trinity. The intensity and skills on display were exceptional as the lead changed regularly. With solid performances from Jhonny Lutula, Sebit Reath (12.5) and Sam Cannell (12.2) Trinity took their first step towards the Blackwood Cup with a seven point win. Round two against Aquinas was always a danger game. Aquinas had an unexpected loss to Christ Church Grammar School in round one and were determined to bounce back and put themselves back in the race for the cup. After holding a 14 point lead, the Trinity pressure and intensity subsided for a short period in the third quarter and Aquinas were back in the game. The fourth quarter was electric as the game ended 53–53. A quick break and the boys were stepping into overtime. Tired legs, foul trouble and some outstanding shooting from the opposition, Aquinas snatched victory by three points and left the mighty TC boys stunned. The next three matches against Guildford Grammar School, Scotch and Christ Church were not up to the same level as the previous two rounds and we continued striving for that elusive Blackwood Cup with convincing wins. With other results out of our control the boys set themselves for the final game. A do or die clash against Wesley, where the winner would get a hand on a shared Blackwood Cup with Aquinas.
Mr Brett Silver Head of Basketball
The Trinity gym was packed with students from both schools cheering on their friends and hoping to hold the cup at the final siren. The margin was tight all game and both teams were playing a high standard of basketball. Wesley managed to gain a seven point lead late in the game which questioned our players to find something special. With star player Jhonny Lutula on the bench with severe cramp it was Captain Sam Cannell who stepped up and took the opportunity. Fighting back into the game, Trinity found themselves down by one point with eight seconds left on the clock. Sam scored the winning basket — and ultimately the Blackwood Cup — from a perfectly executed set play from a sideline inbound. An amazing season had come to a close and the excitement and happiness displayed by the team will never be forgotten. Well done to all boys in the 1st V squad on a successful season, your dedication to the basketball program at Trinity College is appreciated. Congratulations to all teams on their performances throughout 2016. Trinity basketball experienced some great results across all year groups and acknowledgement is extended to all coaches who have been committed to improving the standard of basketball at Trinity College. A thank you goes to all basketball parents and families for the support and assistance received throughout the year. All parents who would like to see basketball move from strength to strength are asked to take up the call and join the Friends of Basketball Committee. Mr Brett Silver Head of Basketball
