Cavaliers shoot lights out on their way to KBA men’s grand final victory over The Underdogs

Cavaliers coasted to a big grand final win in the Katanning Basketball Association men’s competition, easily defeating The Underdogs by 42 points on Tuesday night. After just one loss in the regular season, Cavaliers progressed straight into the men’s decider and were far too strong in the end. Cavaliers had a dream start by scoring the first 18 points and never looked back. Abdul Pickett ended the drought for The Underdogs but Cavaliers had all the answers and went into half-time with a commanding 26-point advantage. Early baskets from Jesse Dixon and Khallon Zilm stretched the margin to 30 and despite The Underdogs pulling the deficit back to 23 points that would be as close as they got. Dixon and Josh Pinney took control for the winners, as they side skipped clear once again. The margin reached 40 points after another Dixon field goal and then Pinney sealed the 67-25 triumph with the final basket. Dixon was superb in the grand final, top scoring with 21 points and was well supported by Pinney (17) and Zilm (12). Cavaliers also had strong contributions from Ricky Marris (7) and James Laurino (6). Pickett was a shining light in the losing affair, scoring 10 of The Underdogs points and Codie Mills-Durack added seven but they couldn’t contain their rivals on the defensive end. Zilm was named most valuable player in the grand final. The men’s competition fairest and best winner for the season was Caleb Keley from Lakers with The Underdogs’ William Roe runner-up. KBA president Lynley Keley said they were delighted with how well their first season went as an amalgamated junior and senior competition. “It was a wonderful season in pretty trying times. We played 12 rounds, plus finals, which was great.” Due to COVID the junior boys and sub-junior boys grand finals were not played with Blazers and Warriors winning the titles after finishing on top. Nathan Smith was sub-junior boys fairest and best and Kaziah Wallam best and fairest in the junior boys.