The Hawke's Bay 2nd division team are in the final of the SAS Sport Continental Basketball League.
They beat the Waikato Pistons 84-74 on Saturday in Napier with former IMS Payroll Hawks point guard Aidan Daly playing a pivotal role.
The visitors had a formidable line up, including Tall Black trialist in 2m Dyson King and New Zealand Junior Olympic representative Kiri Rainaiwha but the Theo Tait-coached Bay prevailed with tough defence and balanced scoring.
Daly ensured that the defence was relentless and the speed advantage was maintained throughout the game. He also scored at critical times, adding 15 points and creating opportunities for other players with 11 assists.
Bay's Matt Wilson was an animal on the boards and proved unstoppable at the post with a double-double 15 points and 14 rebounds to claim the unofficial player of the day. Napier Boys' High School pupil Wilfred Dickson showed some great touches and was effective on the offensive boards, flicking missed shots back to the guards. He also got a double-double 18pts and 11 rebounds.