ABA 2024-25: Sonics stirring overtime win to claim back-to-back men’s A-grade titles over gallant North Albany

Sonics claimed back-to-back titles in the Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade competition, snatching title glory to end North Albany’s bid for a fairytale finish in a thrilling overtime result. The Kangas were looking strong in their grand final debut on Friday night, holding the lead for nearly the entire game with zippy and agile execution and strong scoring spread. However Sonics hit the last four points in regular time, forcing the decider into overtime, before streaking away to claim a five-point win and secure their third men’s A-grade premiership since joining the competition in 2020-21. As fouls became an issue for the Kangas, Sonics were sent to the line regularly in overtime and held their nerve to win 64-59. Kayden Collins hit five points in overtime while grand final most valuable player David Arthur Jr also played a strong role in the come-from-behind win. Arthur Jr was outstanding with a game-high 24 points, including three from long range, and has played in all three of Sonics’ title victories. The Kangas bid for a maiden title was hampered by the fact tall Drew Willcocks, Kobi Keen and Ethan Richards all fouled out of the game. Sonics coach David Arthur Sr said he knew it would be a close game between the two young teams but admitted overtime was a surprise. “We haven’t beaten them all season, so we knew it was going to be tough in the grand final just to get over the wire,” he said. “There was some hairy moments in there. “We had a couple of steals late in that last overtime, which saved us a little bit and the boys composed themselves pretty well. “They’ve been here before, so they expected it to go to the wire.” Elentorio shrugged off a slow start to get back to his best and finished with 16 points while Riley Robertson was busy throughout with 12 points. Sonics began the game rattled by the Kangas early lead and appeared thrown off their rhythm in the face of the skilful and confident opposition, allowing easy turnovers and missing crucial shots. Making three out of their seven attempts at shots from behind the arc, a red-hot Beauden East was supported by dynamic duo Willcocks and Calum Dixon, whose slick play ensured the Kangas lead. Despite losing a shoe for a moment, Richards broke the Sonics defensive line a number of times with smart offensive play. However combined forces of stoic Arthur Jr and flashy Elentorio brought Sonics back within reach, trailing by three points at half time. Robertson’s free throw two minutes into the second levelled scores but the Kangas had the answers through baskets from Calum Dixon, Willcocks and Richards. Sonics would not give in however and were relentless in their pursuit, putting their bodies on the line and barrelling through to eventually down a gallant Kangas outfit. The Kangas stormed into the grand final on the back of seven straight wins in a superb second season in the competition but coach Jason Dixon admitted his side lost their finesse in the final moments. “It’s been a bit of a problem in the last few weeks,” Jason Dixon said. “We haven’t been able to close out games as well as we would have normally and it popped up again tonight. “We had three players fouled off, and the foul count was quite high against us but that’s just how it goes sometimes.” In a losing affair Beauden East was superb, hitting four triples to lead the way with 19 points while Kangas teammates Nathan Lillicrap (11 points), Willcocks (10) and Richards (9) also tried valiantly. BOX SCORE North Albany 59 (Beauden East 19, Nathan Lillicrap 11, Drew Willcocks 10, Ethan Richards 9, Calum Dixon 8, Kobi Keen 2) def by Sonics 64 (David Arthur Jr 24, Mark Elentorio 16, Riley Robertson 12, Kayden Collins 7, Mason Tion 3, Dillan Gadean 2)

ABA 2024-25: Sonics stirring overtime win to claim back-to-back men’s A-grade titles over gallant North Albany

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