Canobolas Rural Technology High School boys’ basketball coach Carmen Dederer says her side can be extremely proud of its effort to finish the NSW Combined High Schools knockout in fourth place.
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In the school’s first appearance in the final four of the state in 30 years, Canobolas went down to Sydney Boys’ High 63-45 in the semi-final before losing to Killarney Heights 56-49 in the third-place play-off.
In both high-pressure clashes, lapses in the third quarter allowed the opposition to take control of the games.
Normally, NSW All Schools representative Matt Gray would have been the stand-out, but teammates Ben and James Gogala were immense in both games.
While Lachlan Baker, Owen Burgess, Harry Betts, Cody Wright, Jayden Zegzula and year 8 gun Jayden Baker all shone against the best players in the state.
“All the boys lifted and played really well,” Dederer said.
“They're not used to the level of intensity that the city players play, week-in week-out, but they managed to do so for the majority of the two games.”
“Ben and James played exceptionally well … really helping to take the pressure off Matt.
“All the boys contributed to all games and held their own.”
Gray was awarded the play-off most valuable player award.
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
