Battle of the young Buccs in men’s grand final as Pumas aim to roar in both senior basketball deciders

It’s a clash of the young Buccs as Pumas take to the court against Olympians in men’s basketball for the third time in two weeks with grand final glory at stake this time.

The Geraldton Amateur Basketball division one men’s final will feature no fewer than five players with experience on the Fenix Geraldton Buccaneers’ roster in a showcase of top-level local talent.

Olympians have a massive string in their bow in Johny Narkle.

Narkle’s presence on the court can’t be overestimated after the 203cm swingman switched codes from WAFL side Subiaco’s reserves.

His talent has drawn praise from the State Basketball League and Binar Sports Indigenous group.

Coupled with his height and huge wingspan, his ability to handle the ball in traffic, attack the rim and drain buckets from outside the three-point line can seriously damage opponents.

He’s also been dependable — only Brad Roworth with 17 matches and JP Kumeroa with 16 have played more games this season.

With his ability in the two-three role as a shooting guard and small forward, he has an eye-watering 396 points for the season at 26.4 points per game, including 79 three-pointers.

None in the side are slouches.

Liam Bennet has just under 20 points a game and is on 178 for the season, while Roworth has 220 points at 13 a game, and there is talent throughout the rest of the squad.

Richie Bartlett is a potential wildcard, managing 134 points in the 10 matches he’s been available.

For Pumas, Flynn Dillon is an unsung hero.

He is the best performer for club on the scoreboard with 282 points at 17.6 a game.

Then it’s the Buccs trio of Will Galvin and teenagers Tom Dobson and Harry Evans.

Galvin has 252 points at 15.8 a game while Dobson has 245 points at 16.3 a game and Evans has 232 at 14.5.

With Clayton Parfitt, another player on the Buccs roster, Jadyen Crowe, Toby Gerreyn and more, they have a quality squad.

Pumas will also play in the women’s grand final but Stateside go in as favourites.

The Scorpions were minor premiers and took the direct route to the final so will have had more rest.