IT all comes down to tomorrow night in the South Australian Country Basketball League, when the Mount Gambier Lakers take on the Colac Kookas in the South West Conference grand final at Bluewater Leisure Centre.
The Lakers will go into the match chasing an undefeated run for 2017-18, but the Kookas have proven to be a solid force this season and will not be put down easily.
“They are a really good team,” Lakers coach Ryan Meakin said.
“They have some extra size that we do not have, which we do struggle a little bit with.
“But if we defend really well and make sure we box out, we will give ourselves every opportunity to take out the win.”
The first meeting between the sides back in Round 4 saw Mount Gambier claim a nine-point victory at the Icehouse.
This was followed by a closer six-point margin in Round 12 at Colac’s home venue, where the final will be played.
Kane deWit was the top scorer for the Lakers in both of these games and he will be looked to for another big input tomorrow night.
DeWit has been a key player for his team this season, with his presence on the court a standout for the Lakers, averaging over 25 points-per-game.
“Kane is obviously a very important part of the team,” Meakin said.
“The opposition knows that and will have a game plan for Kane so we will have to combat that.”
However, deWit is not the be-all and end-all for the team, as the immense depth of the Lakers has seen a number of players step up to the front row throughout the year.
Dellon Brown has been a common player in the top-scorer’s list, averaging over 16, while Matthew Berkefeld and Sam Stafford have also proven capable.
“It’s really good to have that depth,” Meakin said.
“Even some of the younger guys who week-in-week-out do not play massive minutes each game.
“I have the confidence in them to be able to step in if one of the guys gets injured during a game or is unavailable.
“All of the guys have the skills and the ability to be able to step up at any stage.”
For the Kookas, Lewis Varley will be one to watch and the Lakers will need to devise a way to keep him quiet.
Varley’s average of over 19 points-per-game sees him as a dangerous player in the Colac lineup.
He will be joined by Jacob Pupavac, who has scored well against the Lakers in their past clashes, scoring 25 and 16 points in Round 4 an 12 respectively.
However, if the Lakers can bring their best to Colac, they will have a selection of players able to combat these heavy-hitters.
Despite holding an undefeated status going into the grand final, Meakin believes his team still has plenty more to give on the court.
“I’d say we have been solid for the majority of the season,” he said.
“We have had some good stretches and good patches of games, but I do not think we have put four quarters together yet.
“Hopefully this Saturday it all comes together and we are able to do that.”
In terms of preparation, Meakin said the approach going into the final will be the same as any other game.
“We will approach it the same as any regular season game.” he said.
“Before the semi final last week I said to the guys, we are 10 and 0, but unfortunately that means nothing unless we are 12 and 0 after the grand final.
“Now we are 11 and 0 and I will be letting them know exactly the same thing, they all understand that.”
If the Lakers can uphold their form and take out the title tomorrow, Meakin said it would be the icing on the cake after the efforts put in by the players throughout the season.
“The guys have put in some pretty hard work during the season trying to improve and come together as a team,” he said.
“Being able to win tomorrow and go 12 to 0 for the season would be a pretty good feeling.”
With the match held at the Kookas’ home venue, Meakin is confident this will not provide a disadvantage and he is hopeful to see some familiar Mount Gambier faces in the crowd.
“Obviously we are playing against Colac at Colac, so they will more than likely have a bit of a home crowd.
“Hopefully some of the Mount Gambier faithfuls can make the trip to Colac and give us a bit of support.”
The match tips off at 8pm.
