In a first-half blitz that Merrilees described as their best of the season, the Wolves charged to a 32-point half-time lead, a buffer that ensured Wodonga would finish on top of the ladder and earn itself a home final with a 83-43 victory.

The win also booked the Wolves successive clashes against the Warriors, with Wangaratta to return to the leisure centre next Saturday night to face the red-hot Wolves in week-one of the finals.

Despite crushing their North East rivals yesterday, Merrilees said the Wolves could not afford to be complacent going into their semi-final clash.

“No doubt they’ll do their homework this week,” Merrilees said.

“It will be a different game.

“Wangaratta may feel some trepidation about what lies in front of them but there is certainly no room for complacency.

“We’ll just go about our business and do what we’ve been doing.”

While he was doing his best to ensure his side didn’t get ahead of itself, Merrilees conceded the Wolves would be confident going into the match on the back of yesterday’s result.

“We started like a house on fire,” he said.

“We played really, really well in the first half.

“We were all over them and didn’t let them get started.

“That first half was the best half of basketball we’ve played for the year.”

Heath Ohlin top scored for the Wolves with a game-high 27 points, while guard Jack Duck chipped in with 21 of his own.

Zack Leitch led the way for the Warriors, scoring 16 points in an otherwise disappointing performance from Wangaratta.

The Lady Wolves had the bye this weekend, and will also play at home after finishing on top of the table.

The Lady Wolves host Maryborough at the Leisure Centre on Saturday night.