Allen's Magic feat

Added 9 May 2012

IT might be in its infancy but the Big V basketball rivalry between Camberwell and Hawthorn has the makings of a good one.

With the neighbouring clubs meeting in Division 1 this season, the battle for local supremacy has been heated; the Dragons claimed victory in their first meeting but, on Sunday, Hawthorn hit back in incredible fashion.

The match at Carey Grammar’s basketball centre in Bulleen, Camberwell’s home court, delivered a finish for the highlight reel.

Camberwell led early, before a big second-quarter effort from the Magic helped them to a nine-point lead at the half.

Kevin Anstey was doing everything he could to pull the Dragons back into the match, from inside the arc and beyond, but his team trailed by six at the final break.

But the Dragons kept coming and, as the clock wound down, the teams traded baskets and the lead.

Trailing by two points, the Dragons found the tying basket and the clock stopped with just 0.6 of a second left.

After the Magic called a time-out to advance the ball to their end, the Dragons sagged in on the key, expecting a tip-in, which allowed Hawthorn captain Jay Allen to perform his own feat of magic.

Allen cut from the far side of the court, popped out up top, then caught the ball, jumped, turned and shot in the one motion.

He found nothing but net.

The Camberwell bench protested, but the shot was ruled good and Hawthorn won 87-84.

Hawthorn coach Glenn Rees said the play had been simple: get the ball to Allen.

“He’s the finisher we use on most occasions,” Rees said.

“He just turned and put the ball in the air. From my angle, I could see as soon as it left his hand it was in. Those close games aren’t good for coaches, but they’re great spectacles.”

Allen’s game-winning three-pointer gave him 24 points for the game, tied with Zac Natoli as his team’s top-scorer.

Anstey almost single-handedly kept the Dragons in the contest, finishing with 36 points and 12 rebounds.

His brother, Dragons coach Chris, said the rivalry between the two clubs was developing into something great for the community.

“They’re a very good team. They hit a very tough shot at the buzzer and deserved to win,” the former NBA and Melbourne Tigers star said.

“I’m thrilled with the way the rivalry is developing already.

“What they’ve had in the divisions above us is something we aspire to be.

“Camberwell, traditionally, hasn’t been able to match the stronger clubs. We certainly think we can get a lot better.”

Article courtesy of Progress Leader.

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