Today at the State Basketball Centre, our senior 1st team attempted qualification in the Victorian College Championships.

After a fairly good start to the day leading Box Hill 2nd team at the half, the size of the Box Hill team led them to a victory in the short 24 minute games.

Bouncing back from the 13 point Loss, Hallam knew they needed to now win out the remainder of their games to earn a spot in the finals for the day and play Box Hill 2 again. We got the win against Box Hill 3 by 15 points in the following game.

The third game was a lesson to all of the boys to learn for future tournaments. We took the St Joseph’s FTG challenge as a light one and reminiscent of 2017 SSV, were defeated by a team that on paper our players had more experience however did not work half as hard as the opposition. Giving up a 20 point deficit in the first half, this was the final margin also.

In a game that was a confidence bounce back, Cody Fredrickson slammed down two double handed dunks and the boys picked apart Box Hill 4 by 18 points.

Finally the game came down to us vs Rowville 2. Looking at their win list for the day this was set to be a challenge. The HBA boys played the brand of basketball they have been coached and trained to do so and led by 20+ points Dominic Baldan inspired the HBA boys to a great 10 point win.

At the same time on the court next to us, Box Hill 2 drew with St Joseph’s leaving us 3rd for the tournament and wrapped up a good day of basketball.