Saints Heat were too strong for Exies Acmy in the 12 Boys A division semi-final, coming out on top 53-29. Harrison Ingram led a well balanced attack for Saints Heat with 12 points, whilst Lachlan Charleson kept grinding all game, finishing with 11 for Exies.
Saints got scoring underway with a well-designed out of bounds play, resulting in an easy basket. Thomas Deruiter quickly responded, getting Exies on the board. Saints began the game in a full court press, leaving Exies rattled and struggling to get the ball past half way initially and resulting in more easy baskets for Saints Heat. Harrison Ingram played a big role in the dominating first half for Saints Heat, as he scored 6 straight points and helped open up a double-digit lead.
Exies began to hit their stride and quickly scored 8 points of their own in a 3-minute period to get the deficit back to 5. Although Saints Heat quickly scored back-to-back baskets to end the half with a solid 24-14 lead.
Saints Heat started the second half the same way they finished the first. They were able to score 6 quick points which forced Exies to call a timeout and reconsider their strategy. Exies were able to pin the margin back to 11 but this was as close as they could get, as a well-balanced Saints Heat side eventually put their foot on the accelerator and run away with a comfortable 53-29 victory.
Harrison Ingram did a great job of controlling his team by both scoring and facilitating, encouraging his teammates to get involved. Saints Heat effort was faultless all game as players were still diving on the ground for loose balls in the dying minutes of the game, despite the score line. It is this kind of effort that has contributed to their current undefeated season and putting them in a great position going into next week’s Grand Final against Phoenix.