By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham’s Youth Men’s team is one step closer to premiership glory after getting over the top of Whittlesea by seven points in its qualifying final at Cardinia Life on Saturday.
The Warriors will now host Sunbury this Saturday evening with the winner set to go through to the grand final.
Coming into the game with the mental disadvantage, having lost to Whittlesea on the road during the home and away season, it was a strong start from the Warriors which set up the victory.
A 15-point halftime lead indicated an excellent preparation and sense of occasion for the five starters.
Star play-maker Michael Johns gave a lionhearted effort, playing 37 minutes for 21 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Jared Small also had a crucial say in proceedings, with 14 points and nine rebounds.
At the other end, Whittlesea’s Taj Pilapil’s potential influence was a source of concern for Braden Venning heading into the clash, and whilst he finished with 23 points, there were not enough contributors across the board for the visitors.
Whittlesea mounted a comeback in the third quarter, getting themselves within seven points at the final change.
Despite having the lead virtually from start to finish, it was a tense last two minutes for the Warriors as Whittlesea snuck to within within one point, before a Jared Small tip-in and Michael Johns layup extended the margin to five points.
That left Whittlesea with too much ground to make up late, needing to take too many risks and ultimately sending the big Pakenham crowd into raptures.
If the Warriors win, they will either face Whittlesea again in the grand final, or have a blockbuster bout with nemesis Keysborough.
The senior men will also be in action on Saturday night – against Altona away at 7.30pm – after their powerful season earned them the weekend off.
Like the Youth League, a win for the seniors would earn a grand final berth, against either Wallan or Gippsland.
