MOSS VALE must be one of the most competitive wooden spooners in State League’s history.
They had a good squad with depth, they had a former NBL player, a couple of gun rookies, a few imports from Illawarra and some committed locals.
They also had an enthusiastic coaching set up, a raft of sponsors and a dedicated troop of supporters who braved the cold to support the green and whites.
But unfortunately they seemed to have forgotten how to win.
After last year’s breakthrough season, the Magic were confident of making the playoffs for the second year in a row.
With four of the five teams in their division earning a playoffs berth, the Magic had to come anywhere but fifth.
Unfortunately they came fifth.
In five of their eight losses the Magic were run down in the final quarter to be pipped by only a couple of baskets.
They would play like champions in the first half and fall away in the second.
Saturday night’s must-win game against Wagga Wagga Heat was no different.
Moss Vale played their best half of the year to lead 45-32 at the main break. They lead by up to 20-points in the third quarter before the wheels fell off.
The Heat nailed four three-pointers in a row while Moss Vale missed several easy lay-ups and free throws and lost 71-67.
Magic coach Kevin Campbell said it was the story of the season.
He said Moss Vale only scored 13 of 32 free throws and failed to put the result of the match beyond doubt.
But regardless of the result and the competition ladder, the Magic have been competitive all season and are now a force in the State League.
“I spoke to a couple of players from other teams and they said it has been one of the most competitive seasons for years,”Campbell said.
“They no longer come to Moss Vale knowing it'll be easy competition points so that's a credit to what we have been working on.”
Campbell said it was time to start thinking about next season.
“We haven't really talked about it but I'd like to think we'll still continue in the league,” he said.
In good news for the team, it appears they will breakeven financially this season after a big effort to increase sponsorship.