THE ECHUCA Pirates’ ship has been docked for season 2020/21.
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On Saturday night, the Pirates’ season was ended in the Country Basketball League north-west men’s competition by the Maryborough Blazers by just two points.
In a hard-fought contest, Tyler Phillips led the way for the Pirates with 22 points, 12 of which came from deep.
He was well supported by former US college basketballer Staci Richardson, who scored 15 of his own.
The Pirates found themselves at risk of losing their most important players late in the game due to foul trouble with Phillips, Richardson, Liam Tenace and Regan Smith all finishing with four fouls.
Despite the result, Pirates coach Leo Tenace said he was proud of what his team had been able to achieve.
“There was an even contribution from the starting five to the guys who came off the bench,” he said.
“Maryborough had been convincingly beating teams by more than 20 before the finals so we knew it was always going to be a tough test.
“Our guys should keep their heads up.”
Despite the shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tenace said he and his players never took the opportunity to take to the court for granted.
“Our motto all season has been to go out and enjoy ourselves,” he said.
“It was great to be involved in community sport again and getting back to team bonding, which is something we all missed last year.
“Now a lot of the guys will go away and play other sports and I hope they enjoy it after a year away.”
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