Stateside go back-to-back as Charlotte Kennedy and Shanelle Jetta help shoot down Olympians’ dreams

Stateside are back-to-back Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association champions after a dominant grand final performance as Charlotte Kennedy and Shanelle Jetta helped break Olympians’ resistance in Friday’s night grand final. Both teams said the final would be decided on defence and it was certainly on show early as scoring was at a premium for both. The defence was strong for both sides, with multiple turnovers and steals as they probed each other’s weaknesses. It took until the three-minute mark until the first points were on the board as Sophie Maines worked her way to the rim and hit a nice lay-up to open the scoring. It didn’t exactly open the floodgates but it allowed them to get on a 6-0 run before Abbie McDonald got Stateside’s first points. Stateside had more of the ball but Olympians were getting better looks at the basket as the teams traded precious few baskets, with defence continuing to rule. Olympians looked jittery with their ball control at times as unforced errors allowed Stateside to slowly close up. They hit the front for the first time after eight minutes but the lead changed hands throughout the rest of the half. Charlotte Kennedy was Scorpions’ best, able to work her way into space more often than anyone. Olympians won their qualifier through an outstanding shooting performance but in the final their shots weren’t dropping so easily. They were able to keep in touch thanks to their strong work rate and offending rebounding which helped them take a 28-26 lead into the half. McDonald had picked up four fouls in the opening half to leave her on the bench to start the second half but Olympians couldn’t break away. The game was tense, with both teams knowing a run for either side could decide it. Shanelle Jetta, who had just come, on hit a three and then another followed by a third and suddenly Stateside led by 10 points. It was the turning point in the match as now the Scorpions could control the game Their shooting picked up across the board and Olympians’ heads started to drop just that little bit. Jetta could not miss while McDonald managed to keep herself out of any further trouble to end with 18 points. With a 15-point gap and Kylie MacDonald fouled out, Olympians could not find a way back into the match. Charlotte Kennedy was named MVP for her 18 points while also taking out player of the year and most points for the season. “I’m stoked. Such a good feeling, I think our shooting was the difference; Shanelle just shot the lights out and got us that gap,” she said. “There weren’t too many nerves coming in and it’s a great feeling to get MVP.” When asked if Stateside could eye a historic three-peat she replied: “Surely.” Olympians coach Coby Ryan conceded Stateside were just too good on the night. “Congratulations to Stateside, you guys did the running for most of the season,” he said. “We had some great battles but you guys deserve the win.”