Penguin’s quest for back-to-back men’s State League titles are well on track after sending a powerful message to unbeaten Glenorchy.
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In a traditional all North-West semi-final, the Blues were never headed amid a 101-76 win over Wynyard at Elphin Sports Centre.
But the club suffered a blow to its celebrations when the Blues lost to Glenorchy 83-65 in its women’s clash for a place in Sunday’s decider.
Penguin’s despair was Glenorchy’s joy, as the Spartans remained unscathed on Saturday and will appear in both statewide grand finals.
But it was the Blues that delivered the most complete performance that could well concern the 8-0 Spartans.
The defending champions never trailed since the opening five minutes, increasing their lead over the quarters.
The firepower proved too much for Wynyard, with their coastal rivals spreading the load over five shooters in the pursuit for three figures.
Teenager Reyne Smith and Launceston-raised Joe Chilcott topped the Blues scorers with 20 points each.
Zac White shot 18 points, Cameron Brown 16 and Jaylen Beveridge 15 for the win.
Whereas the Wildcats relied on Kobe Jackson with 23 points and Launceston 16-year-old Jackson Lowe with 22. Junior state regular Tre Armstrong added 12.
Glenorchy disposed of Clarence United Cubs 79-61 in the other men’s semi bout.
The title favourites drew out to a 30-point lead by half time before a resurgent Clarence fought back, adding 40 second-half points in a loss.
Tirivanhu Masunda led the way with 26 points, Jack Stanwix scored 18 and Boyd Heather 14 for Glenorchy.
Elijah Pawson had 17 points, Matthew Young 15, Izach Collins 14 and Samuel Youl 12 for a gallant Cubs.
Glenorchy pulled away to hold out Penguin’s women 83-65.
Just up by 10 points at three quarter-time, the Spartans fired a further 29 points.
Sarah O'Neill scored a game-high 26 points and Kate Berry hit 25.
Breanna Russell shot 22 points and former Tornadoes guard Bec Abel added 14.
And Sharna Thompson slammed a season-high 45 points to lead Hobart Phoenix to a 79-71 victory against Kingborough-Huon Kings.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
