Immediately after the outstanding women’s match that resulted in a 32-28 win to York, the men’s basketball teams took to the court. The pressure was on for York’s men to put in an equally outstanding performance, and while this nail-biter of a match did not finish in York’s favour, the team undoubtedly played a phenomenal game.
York’s starting five were Colin Hill, Dan Baark, George Rowland Andreas Boedt and Cameron Lange, who set the standard in the first quarter. Having achieved the game’s first basket within the opening 20 seconds, the team were up 9-2 after three minutes of play after a succession of free shots and successful lay-ups by Lange.
Lancaster were solid on the defence largely due to multiple players boasting heights of 6”6 or taller. These unmovable barriers continually blocked York’s shots on goal and with 18 seconds left of play in the first quarter, Lancaster pulled level after 10 minutes of ruthlessly chasing the leaders. At half time, the scores were level at 14-14.
After the break, York pulled ahead again after Karolis Kincius scored the opening basket of the second quarter. But this lead didn’t last long and with 1min 38sec played, Lancaster took the lead for the first time in the game.
York pulled it back moments later, but their winning streak had been marred, and from this point on the home team took the reins. With a minute to go and before the end of the second quarter, York’s Kincius was given two free shots which he scored with ease and shortly after, Lange slammed another through Lancaster’s hoop. But Lancaster gained another two points with 17 seconds left on the clock and York trailed 31-26 after 20 minutes of play.
At this stage, York had had more chances than the opposition, more possession and demonstrated more imaginative play. But Lancaster’s defensive strategies proved hard to beat and their constant precision – particularly on their free shots – allowed the home team to streak ahead. It wasn’t long before they’d increased their lead to 37-30. York were desperate to pull ahead once again, and in an attempt to intercept the ball, three York players brought down two of Lancaster’s, sliding around in a big scramble.
A phenomenal shot from the far left corner from Dan Baark meant York had almost caught up, then with two seconds remaining, York had the chance to equalise once again. Granted a backline pass, the ball was thrown to Rowland who was waiting at the top of the area, but the shot fell short and time sounded, 41-38 at the end of the third quarter.
Lancaster’s number seven ensured the home team flew out of the starting blocks, scoring a three pointer, unmarked, moments after the whistle sounded to signal the start of the final ten minutes. York launched a counter attack and managed to reduce the margin: 44-42 down before bringing it level, 45-45. The atmosphere was tense on the pitch, the crowds of Lancaster supporters frantic, and with just five minutes to go before the final whistle sounded, it was all to play for.
Baark successfully took two free shots after being fouled in the key and York edged ahead so the score read 49-50, but their advantage was short-lived. Lancaster retaliated with a successful lay-up, bringing the tally to 51-50, before delivering an impeccable three-pointer. York never gave up, and with one minute to go, and scores of 61-58, the away team were given two three throws.
The Lancaster crowds took it upon themselves to be as distracting as possible for Baark and, consequentially, he missed both. Lancaster launched one final counter-attack, scoring two more points before taking a time out before their two free shots with 17 seconds to go. With 2.4 seconds left on the clock, Lancaster scored one of their two free shots and secured victory, 64-58 in the men’s basketball. As the whistle blew for full time, the crowds erupted, Lancaster were victorious and York were devastated.
York’s captain Sam Bentley, commented: “It was such a great game to ending the season. Lancaster had one of the best seasons on record. Today’s result poses well for next year but it was such a disappointing loss”