Benalla’s Lachlan Kego stars for Gators in grand final triumph

By Jay Bryce

Aug 22, 2023

Doing the honours: Lachlan Kego helps cut down the net. Photo by Megan Fisher

Benalla native Lachlan Kego came up big for the Shepparton Gators victorious title clash against RMIT, stacking up 14 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.

Benalla local was stellar on both sides of the ball, protecting the rim without fouling and constantly cleaning up his teammates’ missed shots.

Kego has been a revelation in Josh Waight’s side, transcending all expectations in the second-half of the season as he kept RMIT big man Louse Agon to seven points on two shots made from eight.

Image 1 of 7
Rising above: Gators' Derek Murphy with a lay-up. Photo by Megan Fisher

Image 2 of 7
Down but not out: Gators' Derek Murphy hits the floor. Photo by Megan Fisher

Image 3 of 7
Air duel: Gators' Lachlan Kego competes in the air. Photo by Megan Fisher

Image 4 of 7
On the attack: Gators' Derek Murphy. Photo by Megan Fisher

Image 5 of 7
Soft touch: Gators' Derek Murphy. Photo by Megan Fisher

Image 6 of 7
Baller: Gators' Derek Murphy. Photo by Megan Fisher

Image 7 of 7
At full stretch: Gators' Lachlan Kego. Photo by Megan Fisher

Detroit native Derek Murphy secured the grand final MVP as the forward tallied up 21 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

Murphy said with the stakes this high, he needed to be aggressive and take more shots.

He took 21, including three threes, a shot he had shied away from due to his poor percentages in the past.

The Detroit native even hit a step-back three, slaying his season demons where he struggled from range.

MVP: Gators’ star import Derek Murphy claimed MVP honours on Saturday. Photo by Megan Fisher

“I had to get in my bag,” Murphy said.

“I told you, I didn’t come here to waste my time.”

Murphy had one of a few ridiculous and-ones, flying in for an offensive rebound off a missed jump shot by converting the ball mid-air, throwing it in before he fell behind the backboard, picking up the two points and the foul.

Murphy contained RMIT’s second scoring option Daniel Steen to 14 points on six shots made of 15.

Through Shepparton’s two finals games (both against RMIT) Murphy put up a combined 36 points, 35 rebounds and seven assists.

Kego put a combined 29 points, 23 rebounds and three blocks.

About as good a Shaq and Kobe impression you’ll find.