NSW Metro claim double national U18 championships

U18 AJC Men's competition

In a dramatic finish to the 2012 U18 AJC men’s competition, the NSW Metro team clinched back-to-back titles by defeated Victoria Metro by just one point, 56-55 in the final game of the tournament.

In a low-scoring, defensive-oriented contest, the VICs took an early 13-9 lead after one quarter, extending that by another point to lead 32-27 at the half.

They call the third quarter the championship quarter for a reason, and NSW Metro lifted in this term, outscoring the VICs 18-9 to take a four point lead into the final term.

VIC Metro fought hard in the last quarter but could not get over the top of their opponent, NSW Metro sealing the National title.

For NSW Metro, Mirko Djeric showed why he is a star of the future dropping 18 points, while Nicholas Duncan also had 18 points to go with 18 rebounds.

For Victoria Metro, Dante Exum finished with 24 points, while Jack Purchase added 11 points. [Box Score]

 
U18 AJC Women's competition

NSW Metro capped off a dominant performance at the 2012 U18 AJC tournament, the women’s team, defeating Queensland South in the Grand Final, 65-52 to take home first place.

NSW Metro dominated the first half of the game, opening up a big 19-8 quarter time lead before extending that to 36-15.

A last-quarter fight-back by the Queensland South team saw them get back into the game, but the damage was done, and the NSW Metro made it a national title in the men’s and women’s competition.

For NSW Metro, Vanessa Panousis dominated with 27 points, while Kalani Purcell finished with 15 points for Queensland South. [Box Score]