After an electrifying start to the NBL1 South 2023 Finals, basketball fans are eagerly anticipating the action-packed Week 2 matchups.

Four teams have advanced to the semi-finals, and the stakes are higher than ever as they battle it out for a spot in the coveted Preliminary Finals next week, culminating in the Championship game on Sat 12^th August 8pm at The State Basketball Centre.

Let's delve into the upcoming games and the key storylines that will shape Week 2.

Semi-Final 1: Frankston Blues vs. Diamond Valley Eagles

Day and Time: Saturday, 7:30 pm

Venue: Dreamstreet Lending Arena

In the first semi-final, the Frankston Blues will face off against the Diamond Valley Eagles. The Blues, who finished in second place in the regular season, had an intense qualifying final clash with the Mount Gambier Pioneers, going down in a dramatic overtime loss.

Led by the dynamic duo of Brad Newley and Daniel Trist, the Blues' will aim to see their offense look to dominate once again. Newley's scoring prowess, coupled with Trist's inside presence, has proven to be a formidable combination. Add Lucas Barker's playmaking abilities to the mix, and the Blues have a well-rounded team that can challenge any opponent.

However, they must be wary of the Eagles' resilience after their road win against the Nunawading Spectres in the elimination final. The Eagles, led by Ngor Manyang and BJ Symons, displayed exceptional teamwork and determination in their previous victory. Manyang's scoring and Symons' all-around contributions make the Eagles a formidable force. However, last week it was Desmond Owili's energy off the bench that carried the Eagles over the line.

Can Diamond Valley carry the momentum into the semi-final and upset the Blues' championship aspirations?

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Semi-Final 2: Knox Raiders vs. Eltham Wildcats (Kayo Game of the Week)

Day and Time: Saturday, 8:00 pm

Venue: State Basketball Centre

In the second semi-final, the top-seeded Knox Raiders will take on the fifth seeded Eltham Wildcats. The Raiders, who dominated the regular season with their impressive roster, faced a tough challenge in the qualifying final against the Sandringham Sabres. However the brilliance of Ke'Jhan Feagin and Wayne Stewart Jr. ultimately wasn't enough to secure a crucial win.

Feagin's scoring ability and Stewart's rebounding prowess make them a formidable duo on both ends of the floor. With support from the likes of Deng Acouth and Mason Peatling, the Raiders are a force to be reckoned with.

But the Wildcats are no pushovers, having scored an emphatic elimination final win over the Waverley Falcons. The Wildcats, led by Angus Glover and Sam Short, displayed exceptional shooting and defensive tenacity in their previous game. Josh Sykes, Sam Whelan, Callum Dalton and Owen Foxwell's contributions make the Wildcats a well-balanced team.

Can they continue their hot streak and topple the formidable Raiders to advance to the Preliminary Final?

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As the NBL1 South 2023 Finals intensify, basketball fans are in for a thrilling Week 2.

With the four teams showcasing their best talents, the semi-finals promise to be action-packed and full of surprises, who will prevail and secure their spot in next week's Preliminary Final?

The journey to the NBL1 South championship is reaching its climax, and fans won't want to miss a single moment of the excitement.