The young Blacktown team, which is based at the Kevin Betts Stadium Mt Druitt, subsequently defeated the Grafton Vikings 79-72 in the semi-finals, to progress to the grand final and a clash with the Ryde Bulls.

Whilst many basketball fans expected the Storm to overcome the Bulls, given the respective win-loss ratio of both teams during the regular season, it would unfortunately be the youngsters from Ryde who would triumph on the biggest day of the year, winning 76-60 to deny the Storm a debut premiership win.

Whilst the Storm may not have won the premiership title at their first attempt, club official Rob Bradshaw is confident his young team has the potential to dominate the age group for the next three years.

"I'm really excited about this group" said Bradshaw.

"The majority of the players are just eighteen years of age, which means they will be able to play Youth League for another three years".

"There's a great mix of talent already and we have a batch of talented players waiting in the wings, ready to take over as the older players step up to a higher level".

Two of the Storm's best players were subsequently recognised in the yearly awards, voted upon by rival coaches.

Mark Deriviere and Daniel Garland were both selected in the "All-Star Five", whilst Deriviere was also selected as the "Rookie of the Year".

YL SEMI-FINAL: Blacktown Storm 79 (Daniel Garland 22 points, 10 boards, 4 assists; Mark Deriviere 18 points; Francis Barquez 13 points, 5 assists, 4 steals; Tim Garland 9 points; Goch Kot 8 points, 10 boards; Will Bradshaw 7 points; Steve Trikillis 2) def Grafton Vikings 72

YL GRAND FINAL: Ryde Bulls 76 def Blacktown Storm 60 (Francis Barquez 18 points, Will Bradshaw 12, Tim Garland 9, Steve Trikillis 6, Goch Kot 6, Daniel Garland 6, Mark Deriviere 3)