FIVE Tamworth Thunderbolt junior basketball sides made Northern Junior League Division finals in Coffs Harbour on the weekend but only the Scott Ward-coached Under 18 men delivered a NJL title.

And the talented young side did it in style, beating Lismore by 26 points, 105-79, to win its NJL and earn a berth in the second round of the State

Championships.

They now go to Sutherland in two weeks’ time to play in the eight-team playoff series.

Winning in Sutherland earns the side a berth in the four-team State Championships playoffs, Ward said.

He was delighted with his side’s display in Sunday’s NJL final.

“We’ve played them four times this season for two wins and two losses,” he said.

“Three of those games were decided by four points or less.

“But in the final we played aggressive defence and had some easy scoring

opportunities.”

The side started extremely well, leading by 10 points after four minutes and by 30-11 at the quarter break.

“The boys were aggressive in defence and didn’t allow Lismore any chance,” Ward said.

“It was an extremely good team effort.”

Brodie Calvert was named MVP of the final “but everyone contributed”, Ward said of a team skippered by Andrew James.

A number of the side also trained with the senior State League Thunderbolt men throughout the season, with Ben Monckton and Nick Kay also playing a number of games for the John Ireland-coached side.

Ward said Calvert and Lachlan Malcolm were unlucky not to make NSW Country as well.

“And just three of the team are unavailable next year,” he said.

“Only Ben, Andrew and Lachlan are too old.

“The rest are all bottom age.”

He said the final eight in the State was a good achievement for the side and he was confident of success at the second round of the State Championships in Sutherland in a fortnight.

“At this stage we don’t know who we play but one of the teams there will be The Entrance.

“We’ve played them five times this year in various tournaments and, while we haven’t beaten them, we’re right there with them.”

Ward said State selectors would also be at Sutherland where his young players have the chance to impress.

The Thunderbolt Under 18 women lost to Coffs in their final.

Trailing by nine points with two minutes left, they levelled it up with 11 seconds to play but then had to watch as Coffs’ free throws killed their chances.

The Under 16 men and Under 14 women also made finals but lost to Coffs Harbour teams as well.

THUNDERBOLT UNDER 18 MEN: Andrew James (capt), Sam Connell, Daniel Kempster, Ben Monckton, Aaron Balderston, Justin Leehy, Nick Kay, Simon Sinclair, Lachlan Malcolm. Coach Scott Ward.