Trevor Jackson
THE Mount Gambier Lakers men have reached the business end of the Country Basketball League 2022-23 season, with just one chance to make the grand final.
Semi-finals are played this weekend and it is a do-or-die scenario, with the winners going into the grand final and the losers in mothballs for the off-season.
In the harsh reality of the competition, the Lakers face their nemesis in Horsham Hornets, a side that has beaten them on both occasions they have played this season.
The first occasion was back in Round 9 where the Hornets won by just two points.
It was a disappointment after the Lakers led early but fell in the second half to go down.
The last occasion was just a few weeks ago, with the Lakers travelling across the border and returning home after a six-point loss.
That game saw a full roster take on the Hornets but still with no joy.
The Lakers have been one of the dominant sides this season but it all counts for nothing if they cannot win this one game.
Coach Kane deWit and gun Simon Berkefeld will be key to success, with both needing to lead by example to spur their side on.
Berkefeld returned to the competition with a bang and is always a danger player for opposing sides.
Likewise, deWit controls the floor from the point and his NBL1 experience is invaluable to the success of the Lakers.
Ben Young is a young player who has made waves this season.
He has proven his ability week in, week out and will be one the Hornets will need to watch for.
If he can find some space he will certainly do some damage, as will Toby deWit, who provides plenty of entertainment as he drives hard to the basket.
Nelson Forbes is ayoung gun with plenty of class, while Braiden Ousey provides a big target around the hoop at either end of the floor.
Unfortunately injuries to Kyle Tipene, Matthew Berkefeld and Jack Wilkinson will have some effect, but the Lakers would still start as a real chance to advance to the grand final.
The Hornets were well served last time against the Lakers by Cody Bryan, Mitch Martin and Austin McKenzie.
If the Lakers can close those three down they have a real chance of advancing to the big dance the following week.
With the home-court advantage, the Lakers should be up to the task this weekend, with the game set down for 8pm Saturday night.
It will be a big afternoon at the Icehouse, with the Lakers women preceding the men, after the early Millicent Magic women’s clash.
