Geelong United has come away from the National Junior Classic basketball tournament with two impressive results.
The Troy Parker-coached under-14 (1) Boys have finished fourth overall, while Brendon Matthews’ under-16 (1) Girls have finished eighth.
The boys went through their pool games undefeated, beating Nunawading and South Adelaide narrowly on Saturday before taking care of Newcastle on Sunday.
Lewis Gommers stood out in the quarter-final win over Forestville, knocking down eight three-pointers on his way to 35 points in a 70-63 victory.
Unfortunately, Geelong United’s quest for the Classic title was halted at the semi-final by Eltham on Sunday night.
That relegated United to Monday’s third-place playoff.
Despite outscoring Melbourne Tigers in the final quarter, United narrowly missed the podium as they suffered a 49-46 defeat.
“I am extremely proud of the boys and the effort they put in over the weekend,” Parker said.
“To finish fourth in a tournament of this calibre is an outstanding achievement.
“We can now take some confidence into the remainder of the VJBL season knowing we can match it with the best teams.”
UNITED STRIKES GOLD IN BALLARAT
After losing their opening pool game to Nunawading, the Geelong United girls earned a spot in the quarter-finals after seeing off North Adelaide and Newcastle.
Despite a bright start, United couldn’t go the distance with the Sydney Comets, with the NSW team claiming a 67-56 victory.
A loss to Frankston on Sunday afternoon had United in the playoff for 7th against Manly-Warringah.
However, the interstate visitors claimed a 51-44 victory.
“It was a tough first-up game against Nunawading, and we lost Poppy Stevens with a knee injury,” Matthews said.
“We had solid wins over North Adelaide and Newcastle, but on day two, the rotation of only three on the bench became telling down the stretch against Frankston and Sydney Comets.
“We ran out of legs against Manly, who were the only team to beat eventual champions Forestville.
“A gutsy weekend by the girls playing through adversity.”
NATIONAL JUNIOR CLASSIC
UNDER 14 (1) BOYS
Saturday, June 10
- Pool Game – Geelong United 62 (M. Walker 29, L. Gommers 15) def. Nunawading Spectres 55
- Pool Game – Geelong United 60 (L. Gommers 29, A. Knight 10) def. South Adelaide Panthers 55
Sunday, June 11
- Pool Game – Geelong United 80 (L. Gommers 15, A. Knight 14, H. Isbister 12, C. Williams 12) def. NewcastleΒ Falcons 54
- Quarter Final – Geelong United 70 (L. Gommers 35, M. Walker 14, C. Williams 12) def. Forestville Eagles 63
- Semi-Final – Geelong United 47 (M. Walker 17, L. Gommers 15) lost to Eltham Wildcats 54
Monday, June 12
- 3rd-place playoff – Geelong United 46 (L. Gommers 17, M. Walker 16) lost to Melbourne Tigers 46
UNDER 16 (1) GIRLS
Saturday, June 10
- Pool Game – Geelong United 47 (M. Dawkins 18, L. Williams 9) lost to Nunawading Spectres 57
- Pool Game – Geelong United 70 (J. King 21, M. Dawkins 12) def. North Adelaide Rockets 52
- Pool Game – Geelong United 66 (M. Dawkins 20, L. Williams 13, J. King 10) def. NewcastleΒ Falcons 39
Sunday, June 11
- Quarter Final – Geelong United 56 (J. Button 12, K. Foster 10, M. Dawkins 10) lost to Sydney Comets 67
- Classification Game – Geelong United 60 (A. Balogun 17, M. Dawkins 14, J. Button) lost to Frankston 61
Monday, June 12
- 7th-place playoff – Geelong United 44 (J. King 17) lost to Manly-Warringah 51
