#SJC16
Years ago
2016 SA Junior Champs - Day 1 Games to Watch
Based on our predictions (which we already have no faith in), we're highlighting some games to watch. These will mostly be games we believe will have an impact on finals, Pool seeding in finals, Nationals/Classics qualifications and a few potential upsets. There are plenty of other match ups we considered listing for rivalry, historical or positional reasons but we could include over half the Tournament.
We would recommend anyone interested in seeing the best junior basketballers in SA giving their all for their club and team, under the pressure and intensity only a Tournament model can provide, to get out to their local stadium over the weekend.
Entry is Free for all spectators so there is no excuse!
Thursday night's games are spread out across Hillcrest, Marion, Morphett Vale, Pasadena, Port Adelaide, Titanium Security Arena & Wayville so there's certain to be a game close to you.
6:15pm Hillcrest 12 B R Centrals v North 2
Can North 2 carry over their success from Division 3 into this weekend against Division 2 sides. This game will be their test and show where North 2 are placed for the weekend.
6:15pm Morphett Vale 12 B R Southern v South
The form team of the competition vs the most unpredictable. Could be a close battle, could be a blow out. Either way the loser is unlikely to see finals action.
6:15pm Morphett Vale 12 B S Southern v Sturt
Always a close battle, if Southern hope to push for Finals they need an upset win but this might not be it.
6:15pm Port Adelaide 12 B R Sturt 1 v West
We're predicting these teams to finish 2nd and 3rd in the pool potentially making this game a Finals decider. The loser likely to need a win over the #1 seeded Centrals to force their way through.
7:00pm Titanium Security Arena 14 G S Eastern v Norwood
Can the Flames rekindle the form of a month ago and again get over the higher ranked Mavs? Or will Eastern recover in time to secure a successful start to a tough weekend in a very deep pool. #3 and #4 in a game which could end one team's chances at Finals, Classics and Nationals.
7:15pm Port Adelaide 14 G S Centrals v West
West have had an impressive start to Winter and even force their way into the Finals, Classics and Nationals contention. A loss for either side here would greatly dent their finals chances and require a perfect run for the rest of the round games.
8:15pm Adelaide Arena 16 B S Eastern v Forestville
A pool of lots of contenders we're interested to see if the Mavs are a serious threat. A win for either side would put them one step closer to a Top 4 finish.
8:15pm Titanium Security Arena 18 G S Eastern v West
An interrupted start to Winter for the Mavs including a Round 1 loss by the barest of margins to an impressive West. #2 v #3 in the Pool normally means the loser is out of finals contention. With the Eagles sliding the door would still be open for the loser of this one but it's a tough path to take relying on a win over a Forestville girls team.
8:30pm Morphett Vale 18 B S Norwood v Southern
Another deep pool of contenders the Tigers would be looking to reverse their frustrating loss last week by knocking of the Flames back down at Morphett Vale.
8:30pm Marion 18 B S South v Eastern
Like the 12 Boys game above, this may not be a finals decider but the Panthers have previously knocked of their more fancied opponents and would need a win to go anywhere near finals. Meanwhile the Mavs would be looking to start their finals campaign with a full strength line up and a big win.
9:15pm Hillcrest 18 B R North v Norwood 1
A deep pool which got even harder with the form on West Adelaide, and their win over #1 seed Forestville last week. We couldn't find a finals spot for either North or Norwood 1 but if either side is going to prove us wrong then they would need a win here.
9:30pm Adelaide Arena 18 G R North 2 v Western
A more settled rockets team then the one that played Western over a month ago and lost by just 6. The loser here could find themselves outside of Finals.
Let the fun begin and good luck to everyone!
