Perth Phoenix Junior Men fielded a relatively young team in Season 2008/2009 and this was reflected in a number of inconsistent displays.  Whilst the team struggled in National League Division 1, the experience should stand them in good stead for next season.
 
Centre Ben Warrington played in all 21 games, scoring 398 points - for a team high average of 19.0 points per game (ppg).  Jamie Summerton (15.7ppg) and Daniel Ghamgosar (17.1 ppg) made significant contributions both in offence and defence.  Daniel’s season was curtailed due to a broken wrist and his leadership qualities were sorely missed.
 
Perhaps the highlight of the season was beating the Perth Senior Men in the basketballtayside and fife cup and then making it through to the semi finals.  Reaching the final of the Blitz Tournament was also a great achievement.

Season 2008/09 Junior Men Player Stats please click

Blitz Tournament 2009

Phoenix Junior Men were able to easily adapt to the different format and running clock used in this tournament to progress to the final. Along the way they had some significant victories, most notably Abertay University, who presented with a substantial team who have recently been vying with St. Andrews University to gain top spot in the Tayside and Fife Men’s League.
The Perth Juniors negotiated their five group games with a largely up-tempo style which paid dividends in these less fragmented games. Their opponents were unable to take advantage of timeouts to halt the momentum built up during some well executed plays and drives to the basket. The Perth youngsters dominated the ‘boards on both ends of the floor with Ben Warrington, Jamie Summerton and Daniel Ghamgosar keeping several redundant offenses alive by reclaiming possession. Many of the opponents presented a significant physical challenge which the young Perth team did not shirk as they attempted to take advantage of the “no free throw” rule. On several occasions Phoenix gained points and possession by drawing contact as they went to the basket. Outside shooting was a viable option during the early games as Pete MacDougall, Joel Fraser and Summerton forced the defenses to remain honest and thus creating inside opportunities.  Josh Dudley and Jordan Philpott spelled for their teammates - providing telling contributions and ensuring no loss of momentum. Cadet Liam Swanson contributed off the bench whilst not looking out of place and gaining some invaluable court time against varied opposition.
 
In the final the Perth Juniors met an Arbroath Musketeers team who had progressed unbeaten through their group. Undaunted by the relative experience of the Muskies team the Phoenix lads rushed out to a 12-2 lead by maintaining their fearless, high energy approach allied to a relentless work ethic under the basket. For the remainder of the first half the Muskies regrouped and pegged Perth back without being able to overcome the deficit - Craig Dakers and Scottish Rocks forward, Gareth Murray taking it upon themselves to ensure Arbroath stayed within touching distance. Some timely blocks on the aforementioned, ensured Phoenix finished the half 3 points ahead. The second half saw a refreshed Muskies side adopt a different view of their opponents. Several productive offences went unanswered to erase the deficit and create a seven point lead for Arbroath. Gareth Murray had several individual forays to the basket which proved difficult to counter. Despite this, Perth rallied to within one point with Ghamgosar proving the catalyst with some brave drives through a crowded lane, amidst opponents with a marked physical advantage. Unfortunately, a combination of fatigued outside shooting and a more resolute Arbroath defense of their basket and backboard meant the Phoenix scoring stalled. Several close range efforts were missed under intense defensive pressure from the Muskies. That the Arbroath men were able to capitalise at the other end was no disgrace to the young Perth team who bowed out of a thrilling final with a single figure deficit.