Vastly different teams Denmark Magpies and Sonics to square off in enthralling ABA men’s A-grade decider

Sonics are confident their shooting game can fire on the big stage and lift them to a second men’s A-grade premiership in three seasons on Friday night. In their first season of competing in the Albany Basketball Association’s top grade Sonics claimed a fairytale title before a COVID-shortened 2021-22 season ended their hopes of successive flags. After a terrific regular season and then a 10-point win over Denmark Magpies in the qualifying final, Sonics find themselves in a second grand final in three years. The Magpies won through Tuesday night’s preliminary final to set up a showdown on centre court for the 2022-23 title. A potent team from outside the arc, Sonics hit only two three pointers in the 48-38 win over the Magpies. David Arthur Jr is the competition’s leading scorer with 251 points and 42 three pointers and looms as a key to Sonics’ premiership hopes. Other offensive threats Drew Willcocks and Calum Dixon will play important roles for Sonics while Tyreice Brown caught fire in the qualifying final win with 19 points. Sonics coach David Arthur Sr said his team was ready for the challenge and they will be at full strength for the clash. “We have given ourselves a chance,” Arthur Sr said. “All year the top four have been good but I think if we shoot well and run the ball we should be alright. “Denmark are big and strong but we are quick and can shoot. “We have to play our game and if we do that we can win.” Sonics won the first two encounters between the pair this season, a 12-point victory in round five and then a nine-point triumph in round 10, before Magpies hit back with a 45-37 result in round 15. Magpies will be hoping to utilise their size and strength inside, after a dominant preliminary final display from their talls. Reagan Hutchinson and Gus Brampton have been vital in attack for the Magpies this season and Jackson Shaw is fresh off a 22-point effort in the preliminary final. Magpies’ Luke Wilson said his side would have to be at their best to win their first men’s A-grade title. “I think we’ve only beaten them once or twice in a couple of years,” Wilson said. “We’ll have a full squad and we are feeling very confident coming into the grand final. “We have the right mix of team and need to really use our bodies inside. “They shoot the ball well no doubt and we need to stick to the big man game. “We are two very opposite teams in terms of style.” The men’s grand final will start at 8pm on Friday.