Blogg, Sabres advance to NBL1 South Grand Final

Melbourne United Development Player Campbell Blogg has helped lead the Sandringham Sabres through to an NBL1 South Grand Final appearance following a win over Diamond Valley on Saturday night.

The Sabres set the tone early, opening up a 40-22 lead to close the opening term and from there, Blogg said it was just a fun game to be a part of.

“Diamond Valley proved that they deserved to be in that prelim so we knew we couldn’t take them lightly,” he told MU Media.

“We came out in that first quarter, had 40 points, and the game was just fun from there. We were flowing, everyone was getting involved and the energy was great at home.”

Blogg, who is a Sandringham local and grew up playing junior basketball for the Sabres, said winning a NBL1 Championship for this club would mean the world to him and the community he’s grown up in.

“For the community it means everything,” he continued.

“Our fans are the best in the league and we’re going to try and do it for them. We came up short last year in the prelim so we’re even more hungry to get it done this weekend.”

The 19-year-old put together an impressive showing on Saturday night, tallying 19 points, three rebounds and three assists in the 21-point win.

Having spent the last few months working tirelessly at Hoop City with his United teammates, he credited the extra work he’s put in throughout MU’s preseason as a reason why he has been able to perform in the biggest moments for Sandringham.

“It’s definitely helped this postseason run.

“This preseason has helped me immensely in the short amount of time we’ve been together. I’m continuing to learn and grow my game from the guys we have on this team and our coaches.

“I’ve learnt so much from all the guys on our team, and now with guys like Chris, Delly, Flynn and Shea away on World Cup duties, I’ve had to step up at training and have more responsibility.”

Blogg and the Sabres will face the Knox Raiders in the Conference Championship Game on Saturday 12 August at State Basketball Centre.

NBL1 South - Saturday 5 August:

Sandringham Sabres 107 def Diamond Valley Eagles 86 

Blogg: 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal in 30 minutes.