24 August 2022
This Grand Final Series is going to be a blockbuster event. The best two teams of the competition have both swept their Semi-Final series to meet each other at the big dance.
The teams are very difficult to split, finishing 1 & 2 on the ladder, splitting their two regular season matches and both teams having MVP candidates.
It has been the consistency of the entire team that has held Gippsland United in good stead throughout the year. The team chemistry and understanding of roles has been on show, especially through the last few rounds and semi-finals. The defensive rotations last week were just outstanding and the same effort and hustle will be a must if they are to win this week.
Brandon Armstrong has undoubtedly been the League MVP. His leadership and contribution on and off the court in Gippsland United’s foundation year has been irreplaceable. He is completely locked in to bring home the title. Working seamlessly with Ben Barlow, the two guards provide the 1-2 punch on both ends of the floor. B1 & B2 can score anywhere on the floor and their smothering defense and ability to generate steals & deflections sets the tone for the team.
Joe Davis is an absolute beast. Average 25p & 9 rebounds he is going to be a huge influence in the result of the game. Scott McKenzie will have a put a lot of planning with his defensive schemes to try and reduce Joe’s impact.
Gippsland United has tremendous depth and the return of Billy Hughes from injury has provided a great spark, along with Jordan Gooiker. Bench scoring was the difference in the regular season games. In Game 1 – Gippsland United won by 9 points and bench scoring differential was 31-5. However in Game 2 where Pakenham won by 5 points, the differential was 36-22. Those entire 22 points were scored by Alistair Parker who missed Game 1.
We with all the best to Scott McKenzie & the team. GO UNITED!
PREDICTION: Gippsland Untied 2-1 (3 game series)
Game 1: Saturday 27th @ Pakenham
Game 2: Saturday 3rd September @ GRISS
Game 3: Sunday 4th September @ GRISS (if required)
HEAD TO HEAD:
The two teams split the games played during the season.
Round 10: Gippsland United 89 def. Pakenham 80
Top Performers: B. Armstrong (GU) 17p, J. Davis (Pak) 29p
Round 12: Pakenham 111 def. Gippsland United 106
Top Performers: J. Davis (Pak) 36p, B. Barlow (GU) 31p
GIPPSLAND UNITED | PAKENHAM WARRIORS | |
Stephen O’Brien 10p, 7r, 2a | VS | Joe Davis 25p, 9r, 2a |
Brandon Armstrong 20p, 7r, 5a, 4st | VS | Josh Dow 15p, 6r, 3a |
Ben Barlow 12p, 4r, 2a, 2st | VS | Ned Weideman 15p, 5r, 3a |
Billy Hughes 14p, 4r, 2a | VS | Alistair Parker 13p, 7r, 1a |
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