Launceston Lightning will look to next year to build on its new beginning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The hastily-cobbled association side was no match for State League title favourites Penguin Blues in the 78-58 semi-final game on Saturday.
“So when you’ve got about 90 per cent of your team can’t even drive a car yet to make the final four is a great achievement – thanks to spirited leadership by Ty Stewart, who is obviously a bit older,” Lightning coach Darren Best said.
“It was the average age of our group compared to theirs and number of games played. That was only our seventh game together and the majority of them play all the time in the NWBU.”
The established Blues lineup had too much firepower and strength under the boards, scoring plenty of points off Lightning turnovers.
Penguin firmed to victory in the third quarter on the back of a 21-10 run, just as the home side’s shots wouldn’t go down amid crucial stages at Elphin Sports Centre.
In the other men’s semi final, Somerset Heat also comprehensively advanced to Sunday’s final in a 84-56 win over Hobart Moonah.
The women’s decider has set up an exciting clash between Penguin Blues and Kingborough-Huon.
Penguin just squeezed past BTAS High Performance in a thrilling 67-62 victory.
Kingborough-Huon’s win went down to the wire, defeating crosstown rivals Hobart Phoenix 63-61.