Dobson has breakout as Buccs finish season off with loss and win

The Geraldton Buccaneers finished the first-ever NBL1 West season with a solid win against a team with play-off ambitions, bringing to a close a disrupted and injury-hit campaign that nonetheless had positives.

The Buccs lost 103-42 to Willetton Tigers last Friday night in the first game of their double-header away trip, but were able to play kingmakers on Saturday night with a 100-94 victory over a full-strength Joondalup Wolves team with play-offs on the line.

Coach Dayle Joseph said after a year marked by the loss of at least six senior players because of injuries or departures, cyclone Seroja, and disrupted schedules due to lockdown, a young core group had stood up and showed they had what it took to be the basis of a team for seasons to come.

“I think it’s pretty important from the year we’ve just had to try and get some things in place really early to build a team around the young guys who are going to be the backbone of our squad over the years,” he said.

“We didn’t win a championship or anything this year but we earned a little bit of respect and showed what they can achieve with a bit of grit and determination. (The win) was awesome, a good way to finish. They (Joondalup) had to win to stay in contention, so they had a bit to play for.”

Joseph said 16-year-old Tom Dobson had a “breakout game” that was probably his best of the season, while fellow youngsters Harry Evans and Robert Griechen had gained valuable experience against strong sides.

Dobson played more than 31 minutes of court time against Joondalup and scored 11 points, making half of his field-goal attempts and shooting over 40 per cent from three-point range. He also grabbed two rebounds and two assists.

Will Galvin, another breakout player this season, had the most court time of anyone in the side and was immense at both ends.

He made all his field goal and three-pointer attempts on the way to scoring seven points, while grabbing eight rebounds in defence and getting two assists.

New signings Brandon Holloway and Elijah Barbour each had over 35 minutes on court with Barbour top scoring with 30 points and Holloway getting 24.