Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association: Trades end season with thrilling upset as final fixtures locked in

Trades’ top men’s side left it until the final moments, producing a fourth quarter surge to defeat Stateside 79-77 in a thrilling end to the last round of the Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association regular season. In men’s division one on Monday night, second placed Stateside led for much of the match and appeared in control heading into the final term, before Trades, already out of finals contention, lifted the tempo when it mattered most. Max De San Miguel pulled scores level, before Kelvin Yokwe showed outstanding composure under pressure, landing the winning points with only seconds remaining. Yokwe scored 10 points in the final eight minutes, with De San Miguel (21 points) and Joseph Iaria (15 points) also delivering key baskets late. Stateside were impressive throughout, with Tyrone Papertalk Jr (20 points) and Leon Jones Jnr (24 points) strong on both ends of the court, but Trades timed their run perfectly. Tuesday night showcased exactly why Pumas finished the men’s season as division one minor premiers, dismantling Olympians 125-68. Pumas were on top from the opening buzzer, building a 19-point lead after the first quarter and never easing off. Jarrad Mongoo was outstanding with 38 points, while Liam Hunt added 28 as the pair combined seamlessly. Even with the game well in hand, Pumas continued to apply pressure. Olympians showed resistance in patches, with Liam Bennett (19 points) and Shaedan Edwards (15 points) contributing solidly in a tough night. Chapman Valley secured their finals berth on Wednesday night with an 80-66 win over Hawks. Valley controlled the contest throughout and had depth to spare off the bench. Elliot Bennett and Russell Hurst were relentless in attack, combining for more than 40 points between them. Hawks battled hard and were again led by Levi Owen, who finished with 32 points, but Valley’s consistency proved decisive. In the first week of finals, Chapman Valley and Hawks face off in an elimination clash on Monday while Pumas and Stateside will go head-to-head in the qualifying final on Tuesday night. In women’s division one, Trades claimed a 49-42 victory over Stateside on Monday night. Stateside led early before Trades took control in the second quarter through strong scoring from Leisha Clarkson and Holly Baynes. Stateside mounted a late challenge, with Abbie McDonald and Shanelle Jetta piling on points in the final five minutes, but disciplined defensive work from Clarkson and Dayna Cooper ensured Trades held on. Clarkson top scored for Trades with 21 points, and McDonald for Stateside with 16 points. Olympians’ finals hopes were dashed on Tuesday night following an 84-50 loss to minor premiers Pumas, leaving Occys to finish the regular season in fifth place. Pumas led from the opening minute and aside from a spirited second quarter from Olympians were never seriously threatened. Tia Morgan was unstoppable for Pumas, scoring 36 points and setting up teammates Mikenna Schultz and Caitlin Wilson to reach double figures. Olympians continued to compete under pressure, with Sharnee Williamson finishing with 15 points, but Pumas once again underlined their premiership credentials heading into finals. The first round of finals will see Chapman Valley and Trades meet in a do-or-die clash on Monday night, and Pumas and Stateside battle it out in a qualifying clash on Tuesday night.