Port City Power U18s want fifth spot
BASKETBALL: Gladstone Port City Power's Under-18 Boys will play off for fifth position at the State Basketball Championships on the Sunshine Coast today.
Ray Cooper's men opened their tournament with a two-point loss to South West Metro Pirates, but responded with three-straight wins to finish in second place on the Division 3, Pool C ladder.
An 81-66 loss against Sunshine Coast Phoenix Orange in yesterday's quarter final dashed the Power's hopes of making a run towards the Division 3 decider.
Cooper says his team has learnt some valuable lessons throughout the course of the championships.
"We've been failing to put the ball in basket - just little easy shots underneath the hoop aren't paying off - we're just not finishing with intent to score,” he said.
"So that's been hurting us a bit and a couple of turnovers as well. The boys have got to learn from that and keep working.”
Cooper said the boys' most impressive performance came during their 86-60 win over Brisbane Capitals.
"The match against Brisbane (Capitals) Bronze was probably our most complete game. I didn't have to say much or do much at all - we executed well, made our shots, looked after the ball and got after it,” he said.
"Issac (King) has been playing pretty well - he's a hustle player who just gets after everything. Ben Harvey has really stepped up and impressed me - he's taking it to the basket to score and not afraid.
"So he's playing well and also Jake Gudgeon.”
RESULTS - DIVISION 3, POOL C
Game 1: SWM Pirates Red 68 def. Power 66
Game 2: Power 82 def. Southern Districts Trojans 63
Game 3: Power 83 def. Goat Coast Tide 73
Game 4: Power 86 def. Brisbane Capitals Bronze 60
QF: Sunshine Coast Phoenix Orange 81 def. Power 66
Play-off: Power v Gold Coast Rollers (playing Friday).
