Home

NBL1 West 2022: South West Slammers men’s team win in overtime for club legend James Fitch

Headshot of Justin Fris
Justin FrisBunbury Herald
Buay Tuach muscles his way to the basket against the Eagles.
Camera IconBuay Tuach muscles his way to the basket against the Eagles. Credit: Jon Gellweiler

Throughout his 315-game career with the South West Slammers, James Fitch always found a way to make plays when a game was on the line.

Fitch, who averaged more than 30 points per game during his SBL (NBL1 West) career, was officially nicknamed “the money man” — after famously having a dollar sign shaved into the side of his head prior to a play-off game.

Sure enough, Fitch made a clutch play that night to win the game. This story, along with countless others, was recalled last Saturday night at the Eaton Recreation Centre, as his singlet was officially retired in front of family and friends.

Prior to the Slammers’ 109-95 overtime win over the East Perth Eagles, Fitch spoke from the heart about what the tribute meant to him.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“We had the singlet retired when I stopped playing back in 2002, but it is great to see it up on that wall,” he said.

“For me though, this achievement does not happen without that beautiful woman (Fitch’s wife Tania) sitting in the grandstand over there.

“And it also would not happen without all of you guys (Fitch’s former teammates) standing at the bar down there. I want to thank you guys — I love you like brothers and always will.”

Fitch also spoke about his desire for the club to create an “Slammers honour night”, where a former Slammers player or volunteer could be recognised at the final home game of each season.

On the court, there was an element of Fitch’s ferocity in Slammers import Buay Tuach, who hurled down a series of monster slam dunks, much to the delight of the massive crowd.

Despite all of their hustle at both ends of the floor, the home side found themselves staring down the barrel of defeat inside the final 25 seconds of regulation, after the Eagles scooted out to a 89-83 lead.

However with so much raw emotion inside the building, the Slammers were not to be denied.

Off an ensuing time-out, Slammers point guard Cory Richardson launched a massive three-point shot from deep, which kick-started a chain reaction of positivity for the home side.

Tuach was then fouled with six seconds left and was able to sink all three of his attempts from the free-throw line, which tied the game.

Once in overtime, the Eagles were never able to find their mojo offensively, with the Slammers comprehensively outplaying them during an imposing 19-5 offensive run.

The Slammers will end their NBL1 West campaign away to the Mandurah Magic on Friday night.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails