THE Port Macquarie Dolphins men’s and women’s senior teams have qualified for the State League Basketball Finals after finishing the season in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.
They now play their grand final qualifiers on Saturday, 23 August, on the Central Coast.
In the men’s division, Port Macquarie faces Moss Vale in the first semi with Tamworth taking on Sutherland in the second semi.
The winners will meet in the decider at 3pm the following day.
The Dolphins women’s side will take on Central Coast while Canberra clashes with Queanbeyan.
The successful teams will progress to Sunday’s championship match at 1pm.
The men’s line-up features a strong roster of youth and experience including US imports Jaylen Nixon and Sean McCurdy.
They’ve been well supported by young local players Blake Collins, Harry Bates, Zayn Galea, Logan Myers and Toby Harper in addition to experienced campaigners Caleb Prior, Ryley Rampling and co-captains Zac Campbell and Kobe Pattison.
This is the third consecutive appearance in the state finals for coach Nick Prior and the team.
The women’s side this season has been led by captain Tiffany Reynolds from Canada and Erin Ruby, who is a former NBL1 player from Hobart.
Both have missed recent matches while recovering from injury but are expected to be fit for the weekend.
Coached by Adon Bentley, the team also receives solid all-round contributions from several locals including Georgie Sallinger, Callie Gillard, Jasmine King and Cara McIlroy as part of a large squad of talented players.
It’s the first time the Dolphins women have advanced to this stage of the competition.
By Nik LIPOVAC
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