The Heat finished third in the Southern Conference with an impressive 10-6 record and should’ve ranked higher after dropping their first two games by the slimmest of margins.

Wagga’s mid-year resurgence saw them climb into the top two before two losses in their final three games condemned them to an elimination final showdown with Central Coast at ‘The Incinerator’ – a game the Heat clinched 97-87.

Bankstown then ended Wagga’s playoff run in last week’s qualifying final – a convincing 99-61 result – but credit must go to the Heat after one of their most promising seasons in recent memory.

Basketball reporter Lachlan Grey breaks down the numbers and takes a look at the highs and lows of Wagga’s charge into the Waratah League finals.

Regular season conference placing – 3^rd

Games won – 10

Games lost – 6

Points for – 1282

Points against – 1201

Average points for (per game) – 80.13

Average points against (per game) – 75.06

Leading point scorer – Zac Maloney (364)

Highest score for – 106 (v Springwood Scorchers)

Highest score against – 98 (v Lithgow Lazers)

The Heat opened their season with a flourish after signing US import Connell Crossland but failed to translate their enthusiasm into points during the first two weeks of competition.

A tight opening round loss to Bankstown clipped their wings before Canberra sprung an upset to leave Wagga on the rocks at 0-2.

The Heat got back on track against arch-rivals Shoalhaven the following week and made it 2-2 after dominating Springwood at “The Incinerator”.

Title favourites Sutherland put an end to Wagga’s winning streak in round five with a 31-point thrashing but the Heat weren’t to be denied, posting two more wins over Dubbo and Queanbeyan to clinch fifth position.

A 14-point loss to Lithgow the following week sent them sliding back down to sixth on the ladder – and it was exactly the reality check required.

From there, the Heat racked up five consecutive wins over the likes of Bankstown and Canberra to rocket up the table into second place behind Sutherland.

The Sharks again proved a class above during their round 17 rematch, securing the minor premiership with a 21-point win and pushing Wagga back into third place.

A strong showing against Queanbeyan got the Heat back on track before Lithgow edged them in the final regular season game.

Season placing – beaten qualifying finalists

Games won – 1 (elimination final v Central Coast Crusaders)

Games lost – 1 (qualifying final v Bankstown Bruins)

Points for – 158 

Points against – 186

Average points for (per game) – 79.00

Average points against (per game) – 93.00

Leading point scorer – Zac Maloney (47)

Highest score for – 97 (v Central Coast Crusaders)

Highest score against – 99 (v Bankstown Bruins)

The Heat shot out of the blocks in the elimination final against Central Coast and never gave up the lead in front of a vocal home crowd.

A strong opening quarter from Scott Hare ensured Wagga started on the front foot before Joshua McPherson and Connell Crossland dictated terms around half time.

A sluggish third quarter almost cost the Heat as Central Coast worked their way back into the contest and the lead evaporated midway through the final term.

It took a late rally from Jacob Edwards, Jaydan Oliver and Zac Maloney to keep the title dream alive as Wagga eventually ran out 97-87 victors.

However, backing up for the qualifying final proved a bridge too far for the Heat as Bankstown ran rampant on their home court, handing the visitors a 99-61 belting to end their premiership hopes.

In short, there’s plenty to like about Wagga’s future on the basketball court.

Inconsistencies and on-court discipline are areas that may get a look in during the off season but the Heat have enough potential and raw talent to give the competition a shake in 2019.