Phoenix, Spartans toasting triumphs

HOBART Phoenix and Glenorchy Spartans are the toast of the Tasmania Senior Basketball League after winning their respective grand finals at the Kingborough Sports Centre.

The TSBL women’s grand final saw Phoenix take on the Southern Wolves.

The game started competitively as both sides traded buckets before the reigning premiers Phoenix extended their lead to nine at quarter time.

Southern Wolves played a much better second however still trailed by the main break.

Hobart Phoenix extended its lead quickly with a 16-0 run in the opening minutes of the third term to virtually seal the result.

Despite being outscored in the final term 25-16 by the Wolves, Hobart Phoenix won comfortably 95-68.

Hobart Phoenix’s Sharna Thompson (top inset) finished with a best-on-court performance 38 points with assistance from Alex Finlayson and Emma Waller, both scoring 14 points.

The TSBL men’s grand final saw the Glenorchy Spartans take on the Grenadiers.

In a tight contest from start to finish, the Spartans finished the first term with a three-point lead, before extending it to 11 at the half.

Grenadiers were able to dig deep and bring the game back within two points heading into the final quarter, despite foul trouble to team captain Matt Young.

Glenorchy Spartans composed themselves to extend their lead before a late rush from the Grenadiers had the near 500-strong crowd on edge.

The Spartans were able to hold on and take their second straight premiership 75-73, led by 27 points from Jack Stanwix (bottom inset), 16 from Phoenix Robey, and 12 from Liam Smith. term, 14 at