Saints fight hard, but fall short in decider

MYRTLEFORD’S dream run in the North East Men’s Country Basketball League came to an end on Saturday night, downed 88-100 in the grand final by Benalla. The underdogs heading into the battle, Myrtleford wowed the largely Benalla-favouring crowd with an incredible first quarter of basketball, taking a four point advantage into the second term. Benalla fought back hard, led by Eric Miraflores (30 points for the match), and when Levi Young went down with an ankle injury midway through the game, the Saints were up against the wall, nine points down heading into the final quarter. Never ones to be deterred, Myrtleford surged back, but weren’t able to overcome Benalla, with Jalen Barker top scoring with 23 points. Coach Sam Gebauer said while the result wasn’t ideal, he was immensely proud of his team’s effort throughout the match and the season. “We’ve all had a bit of time to be upset about the loss, but ultimately, looking back on that game, those boys went out there and worked hard, but we were just outclassed on the day, outplayed on the day,” he said. “Benalla’s experience on that stage showed. “We’ve got guys who have played at the highest level, but we haven’t, as this specific group, been on that stage before, and Benalla’s done it for a couple of consecutive years now. “It shows, throughout the game they didn’t let the intensity of it, the heat of it, get the better of them. “I think at certain times we lost that composure, even if only for a few minutes, but that’s all Benalla needed to hit a couple big shots and steal back that momentum.” While the grand prize eluded the squad as a whole, some players were recognised for their exceptional seasons on the court. Jalen and Tyler Barker were named in the All Star Five for the North East Men’s conference, while Tyler was awarded a trophy for Defensive Player of the Year. Having stepped into the coaching role this year and taken the squad to the biggest match of the year, Gebauer said the Saints were definitely on the right track to take out the title very soon. “Walking in this season, coming off the back of a very successful season last season for this team, taking it that one step further and really gunning it with the big guys in the league, we have to remember there is a process to this,” he said. “A really exciting part about coaching this group was the fact that I knew that as a team they were capable, and still are capable, of amazing things. “It’s about finding the right offensive system and defensive structure, timing, chemistry, finding everything and getting it right just so we can utilise this group. “I genuinely believe with all my heart that this group still has what it takes to be an absolute powerhouse in this league for years to come. “ With the season done and dusted, and Christmas right around the corner, Gebauer and the Saints have earned some time off before preparations for next season begin. “I genuinely think if we retain the same or a similar group that we can make a run, and we will make a run and go all the way next season,” Gebauer said. “I just really want to thank the volunteers who put the work in to make this happen. “My assistant coach and MDBA president Kory (Batt), he went to hell and back to make sure this season went as smoothly as possible. “We sat in that stadium in Shepparton, which was essentially a Benalla home game, filled with Benalla (supporters), they had the Home locker room and bench, and we felt like an away team – to look into the crowd and see a good third of that crowd covered in red, it was unbelievable, they were so loud. “They were unreal all season, and a highlight of all of our seasons was getting to interact with those people.”

Saints fight hard, but fall short in decider

Gapsted Estate's future secured under new ownership

Smith, Thorn take out top awards in Saints best and fairest

Bright Twilight Tastings to showcase local flavours

Alpine Observer, Wednesday, 14 October, 2026

Most popular stories

Gapsted Estate's future secured under new ownership

Smith, Thorn take out top awards in Saints best and fairest

Bright Twilight Tastings to showcase local flavours

Alpine Observer, Wednesday, 14 October, 2026