After the conclusion of a superb 2022/23 season between all 5 Juniors clubs, we headed straight to the Playoffs at the end of April. This is the first time the Juniors have had a Playoffs under the DBA, which added to the wonder and excitement of the events.
Spread over 2 weekends and 2 venues, the weekend of 22nd/23rd April would conclude the U18s and U16s at Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester. The following weekend, 29th/30th the U14s and U12s would meet at Bournemouth Collegiate School.
U18s
The U18s got the Playoffs underway, first up was the only semi-final between Seahawks and Piranhas. These teams shared a 1-1 in the season, with the wins only by a few points a time, so we were set for an interesting match. However with injury issues coming into the Playoffs, Piranhas having 7 players and only 5 of which at full health, the strength of the Seahawks skills and full bench proved to be too much as they took the game 51-35.
On to the U18s final; Bandits vs Seahawks. These teams also shared a 1-1 in the regular season but Bandits having won the league, had home court advantage. This didn't seem to be a factor as the game was nip and tuck all the way to the final seconds. Championship calibre came to the front though with 8 seconds to go with the ball in Bandits hands at 58-57, the Seahawks couldn't get the ball or the tactical foul called. Bandits passed and passed until the clock ran out preserving the score. Bandits win the U18s Playoffs 58-57!
League & Playoff Champs = Bandits
U16s
Roll on to Sunday 23rd April, now it was the eagerly awaited U16s Playoffs. A booming crowd with music to boot, first up was the Play-in between Evolution and Seahawks. Although Seahawks came in 2-0 in the regular season, this was by a total of 3 points across both games! Tied at 45-45 with 8seconds to go, Evolution grabbed a put back basket to take it to 47-45. With 0.5 secs left Seahawks shot came up just short to send the Evo into the Final.
Next up, Bandits vs Evolution. Bandits had a 2-0 coming to the Playoffs over Evolution. Although the last game in the season was a big win, the first was by just 4 points. This semi-final was anyone's guess. It was a great game but Bandits won 58-48 to secure a Finals spot.
The next semi-final should have been between Piranhas and Storm. However due to a 'calendar malfunction' Storm did not arrive, meaning Piranhas had a bye through to the Finals. Coming in to the Playoffs, these teams shared a 1-1 in the season with both games being won by a fair margin. Again, it was anyone's guess as to who may win this Finals. This game was one for the ages; great offence, great defence, and tactical moves by both coaches. Piranhas had the lead most of the way but the gaps closed and extended several times. However with 'Finals MVP' Michael from Piranhas having a great run late in the game, the lead preserved and Piranhas brought it home. Piranhas win the U16s Playoffs 65-48!
League Champs = Bandits
Playoff Champs = Piranhas
U14s
Having a week to recover, the Juniors made their way over to BCS in Southbourne for the U14s and U12s Playoffs. First up, were the U14s and Seahawks vs Bandits. The Seahawks had a 2-0 coming into the Playoffs with high scores each time so expectations were high. Seahawks didn't faulter the entire game, responding to whatever Bandits changed in their strategy. The score line doesn't do the effort from Bandits any justice but the final score was Seahawks 59, Bandits 16.
Next up with Piranhas vs Bridport. Although Piranhas had a 2-0 going into the Playoffs against Evolution, the last game was won by just 4 points. As expected it was nip and tuck all the way but with Piranhas just having the edge most the game. This one could have gone either way as there was lots of energy from both teams for interceptions, lose balls and put backs. But it was Piranhas who clung on to take the game. Final score: Piranhas 69, Evo 60.
Coming into the Playoffs, Seahawks were very much the favourite against Piranhas winning 2-0 in the regular season by some margin. In this Finals game however, it was much more even, with tied scores at the end of each of the first 3 quarters. With Seahawks getting into foul trouble near the end of the 4th, Piranhas were able to convert several foul shots off team fouls, combining this with a couple of clutch 3 pointers, meant an exciting finish. Piranhas win the U14s Playoffs 71-61!
League Champs = Storm
Playoff Champs = Piranhas
U12s
Sunday 30th was the final day of Playoffs back at BCS. First up; Bandits vs Seahawks. Although Bandits had a 2-0 coming into the Playoffs against Seahawks, one of the those games was won by just 1 point; the closest margin of any team against the yet unbeaten Bandits U12s. It was an exciting semi-final, with Bandits taking early control up by as much as 14, before Seahawks pulled it back to just 2pts. But the Bandits controlled the final minutes to take the game. Final score: Seahawks 39, Bandits 46
In the next semi-final, Piranhas against Evolution shared 1-1 coming into the Playoffs. A massive height disparity coupled with shots not falling was something that troubled Piranhas in their last regular season game against Evo so, would they respond this time? Although a great effort was put up, closing within the forth quarter, Evo used their height and played brilliantly to earn a deserved win for their first Playoffs finals appearance as a club. Final score: Evolution 50, Piranhas 40.
Onto the Finals. With a 2-0 coming into the Playoffs, the wins weren't massive from Bandits against Evolution in those meetings. An exciting final this was set to be and it was. With some very class plays, good shot selection, gritty lose balls and excellent use of the floor space, these young players looked above their years in how collected and composed they were. However it was the league champs Bandits who came through in the end to take victory. Bandits win the U12s Playoffs 48-24!
League & Playoff Champs = Bandits
We look forward to seeing many of these players again next season.
