Much like the Wollongong Hawks with their 'Cinderella Story', the Perth Wildcats have their own. It's not a fairytale and its a adaptation of a more modern story.The Perth story isn't as publicised and romanticised as the Wollongong fairytale but the message is just as important. Sung to the beat of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', I give to you 'Harmie and his Wildcat Factory'

The National Basketball League Grand Final series is under way, with the Perth Wildcats running away in the final quarter from the Wollongong Hawks for a 75-64 victory in game one.  American imports Kevin Lisch and Shawn Redhage led the way for the Cats with 15 points each, while the Hawks got a huge game out of rookie swingman Tim Coenraad with 16 points.

Game two will be back in Hawks territory on Tuesday, with the boys from the 'Gong likely to have a huge home court advantage, which has carried them all season. They will be looking to get more from the likes of Cameron "Trigger" Tragardh who grabbed nine rebounds, but was held to five points on 2/8 shooting from the field.

[boxscore] [match report] [Daniel Eade's season preview]

[watch the Grand Final episode of Inside the Game TV]

With the NBL Finals in full swing and the New Zealand Breakers missing out, for the first time in Tony Ronaldson's illustrious career, the boys from across the ditch had other things to concentrate on. Table tennis. Super-heavyweight table tennis. According to the Breakers' youtube feed: "Each season the Team has a running Table Tennis ladder. On February 23rd it was time for playoffs - CJ Bruton (2008-09 champion) versus Rookie Tom Abercrombie. The winner would see Judd Flavell in the finals."

Editor's Note: Here is another entertaining NBL piece from Haggard of Can't Buy a Basket. You should be checking out their site on a regular basis as the NBL Grand Final series progresses.

There has been a lot of talk about Wollongong and their ‘Cinderella Story' this year. A lot of the basketball nation would love to see this come true and see the Hawks crowned NBL Royalty this season (Bevo is sickened by that very idea). I must say I travelled to the ‘Gong a few months ago. My most vivid memory of that place is the fact that my baby girl (now 8 months old) ate sweet potato at a café there.

Though for this to work we need to look at the real world and see how their real life counterparts fit the stories plot.

The following roles will be played by:-

Cinderella: The Wollongong Hawks

The Prince: The NBL

Step Mother: Perth Wildcats

The Step Sisters: Townsville Crocs & Gold Coast Blaze

Fairy Godmother: The referees

For our international visitors, I should point out that not all Australians can play the didgeridoo, contrary to popular belief. Luke Schenscher, the seven-footer and former Chicago Bull/Portland Trail Blazer/Georgia Tech big man, is one who has the talent to play it.

What is a didgeridoo? An Australian Aboriginal instrument, which produces some pretty impressive noises when blown into the right way!

Big Schensch is part of the NBL Grand Final series that tips off this week as his Perth Wildcats take on the Wollongong Hawks. The video below also breaks the news that the big fella is going to shave his beautiful flowing ginger locks for charity -- a noble gesture. If you want to donate to the cause, you can do so here.