SEABL 2010 Discussion [Archive] - Ben Does Queensland Basketball

Districts

07-10-09, 15:02

MEDIA RELEASE

Palmer departs the Spartans

In a shock announcement yesterday Head Coach of the Brisbane Spartans , Bruce Palmer, advised that he will not be staying with the Spartans in the South East Australian Basketball League in 2010, preferring to move to the Knox Raiders where he will be involved in the development of the sport from juniors to seniors.

“This is a major blow to our program as Bruce has been great for us” offered General Manager, Allan Ladewig. “The problem for us is that we are a minnow in the sport of basketball compared to a Victorian power such as Knox. We wish Bruce every success. The team he leaves behind will be basically the same for 2010 and the base of juniors coming through is sound”.

Palmer in an interview stated “I want to thank Southern District Spartans for the vision and commitment to the best interests of elite players in South East Queensland through the bold move of joining the SEABL in 2007. Sadly, Basketball Queensland has to this time failed to support the Spartans effort to provide the SEABL competition as an elite pathway for our players development”.

“I have been honoured with the opportunity of coaching the Spartans Men in the 2007 and 2009 SEABL seasons and exceptionally proud of the achievements of the Spartans Men and Women programs in bringing deserved praise onto the Spartans from fellow interstate SEABL competitors”.

“While saddened to not continue with the Spartans, I am confident they will continue to provide exceptional player development through participation in SEABL and hope Basketball Queensland recognise’s and supports the Spartans and future Queensland Associations who seek alternative competition as part of their player, coach, referee and officials elite pathway”.

“I look forward to the challenge ahead in the Basketball Operations Manager and Director of Senior Coaching with Knox Basketball Inc. My heartfelt thanks to all the players, coaches and administrators that I have had the good fortune of serving with here in Queensland”.

Not to be seen as sitting on their hands the management of the Brisbane Spartans are moving quickly to replace Palmer and this years assistant coach Rodger Smith.

Smith, a former star with the Brisbane Bullets has the respect and knowledge to lead the Spartans and has been highly recommended by Palmer.

“While we want to fill the spot quickly we will follow our established formal process and ensure that next years team reflects our associations long term commitment, to producing local players” Charles Ellis, President offered.

The Spartans start pre-season trainings in two weeks with players from all over south east Queensland being invited to work under former Brisbane Bullets assistant coach, Peter Pendle in preparation for the 2010 SEABL season.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Unregistered

07-10-09, 15:41

That is a huge loss for both the Spartans and Qld. I guess he and the missus always wanted to go back to Melb so no real surprise.

Interesting that Knox just re-appointed Graham Longstaff to coach the Raiders.

So who is taking over? A bit hard to understand the release. Is Rodger doing it, or Peter, or are they advertising???

Three

07-10-09, 18:42

It seems there are quite a few teams that have 'enquired' about joining SEABL next year. Some from QBL, some from BigV.

You would think it would be in SEABL's (and Districs) best interest to include another team from above the top border to make the Districs trip a double header.

I'm not sure if it would help if that team was to come from Rocky as that would make it another plan ride.

Word is that they are chasing three. Districts, Rocky and BBI. Dont forget they are also after another one in Sydney and the go looks like being Penrith.

Unregistered

08-10-09, 21:56

Not a fan of Josh Jenkins. Not worth paying to bring down in my books.

Josh Knight (formerly Logan Thunder, think that was his name) is down there, and he had a ripper of a season receiving numerous wraps. Would be a handy player to have, although SEABL is a big step up from CABL or whatever it is that the South Aussies play.

Wat do u think J.J.'s weakness is. I seen hm a bit n I thought he was pretty good for only 19 or 20. Good size, like 200cm, strong and pretty quick. Can shoot a bit and i really athletic, dunked on Pirates twice. Maybe a good get by Summers for the 3 spot wit gun like Tragardh

Announcement

13-10-09, 08:50

MEDIA ALERT

12 October 2009

BASKETBALL AUSTRALIA CEO TO ANNOUNCE SEASON REVIEW OUTCOME

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock will tomorrow (Tuesday 13 October) announce the outcome of BA's comprehensive review of the timing of the National Basketball League and Women’s National Basketball League season timings at its corporate offices in Sydney.

As part of its on-going reform of basketball, BA has conducted an extensive review of the optimum positioning of the season to maximise commercial returns for the sport in the lead-up to the launch of the 2010 season.

Sengstock will brief media on the outcome of the review, and reveal the future positioning in the calendar of the NBL and WNBL seasons. The BA chief will also provide an update on the progress of the introduction of a new national development league which forms part of the national pathway to the NBL and WNBL.

Sengstock will be available for media one-on-one interviews following the briefing.

Media wishing to attend should contact Marc Howard at the Basketball Australia offices on the number below to confirm their participation. Parking is available on site by prior arrangement.

What: BA Media Conference on NBL/WNBL season timing review

Who: Larry Sengstock (Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer)

When: Tuesday 13 October – 11:00am

Where: BA Offices, Level 3, 256 Coward Street, Mascot, Sydney

Information

13-10-09, 12:03

BASKETBALL TO STAY A SUMMER SPORT

As part of the total review of the competitions across the country Basketball Australia (BA) committed to the completion of a review of the season timing of the National Basketball League (NBL) and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) seasons. The review, which included extensive stakeholder engagement, consideration of elite pathways and advice stemming from comprehensive commercial analysis of basketball by respected global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, identified the optimal positioning of the elite domestic season, which was presented to the BA Board for decision on 9 October 2009.

In order for Basketball, in particular the NBL and WNBL, to maximise its potential in terms of revenue and exposure and therefore become a long term sustainable and commercially viable product, the research shows that the key is to have a strong broadcast agreement.

The nature of sport in this country and the make up of the sport broadcast landscape has changed enormously since basketball first burst onto the scene in the 1980’s.

Basketball is in a position where it can take advantage of the real window of opportunity in terms of broadcast calendars to maximise its exposure and potential revenue.

It is for these reasons that the decision has been taken that the NBL and WNBL will continue to play in the summer period from September to March.

BA CEO Larry Sengstock said the clear recommendation of the review was that the current September – March window provides the best opportunity for basketball to maximise commercial return, extend media coverage and really entrench Basketball as a spectator sport in the summer period.

“We undertook an exhaustive analysis of the current season positioning, including going head-to-head with the winter football codes and also a July to mid-December window. Our steadfast focus is the commer%%%%%%ation of the sport and ultimately the compelling economics of building a strong broadcast partnership and embracing the partnership opportunities available which makes summer the best season to revitalise basketball’s position,” said Sengstock.

“We already have an established market position in summer and our games complement the broadcast window available to sports. This is a key factor as we look to change our commercial model to attract broadcast rights, similar to the football codes. Basketball is a great product for TV and we want to give the game every chance to succeed and grow in a season we can make our own.”

“There are some who would try to turn back the clock assuming that a move back to winter would guarantee the success of the 1980’s and ‘90’s. The reality is that we are now in a far more complex and competitive sporting marketplace. We are focused on moving forward, not looking back and the timing of the season needs to drive the best commercial outcome for the sport, with flow on benefits to our grass roots participation,” Sengstock added.

Sengstock said that the summer window establishes the position for the competition to allow BA to proceed with the development of the schedule for supporting leagues and competitions to complete the player development pathways from grass roots to elite.

The international season timing also dovetails neatly into the start of the domestic season and provides the perfect promotion and awareness for the elite domestic men’s and women’s competitions.

Sengstock also announced today that its Competitions Commission had been directed by the Board to develop a concept for an underpinning competition for both the NBL and WNBL.

For more information:

Marc Howard
Basketball Australia
Manager - Media Communications & Internet

Unregistered

13-10-09, 12:50

What a huge release / press conference just to announce that the NBL is staying in summer when what we are all really waiting for is some more info / directions regarding this:

Sengstock also announced today that its Competitions Commission had been directed by the Board to develop a concept for an underpinning competition for both the NBL and WNBL.

Agree

13-10-09, 13:16

What a huge release / press conference just to announce that the NBL is staying in summer when what we are all really waiting for is some more info / directions regarding this:

Would have to agree with your comments. A long way round to say nothing really. Everyone already knew that the NBL was not moving. Television coverage dictated that long ago. I wonder how much was spent to get to where common sense lived.

Where does that leave BBI and Rocky now given they have to make a move one way or the other by November 8th (BQ Meeting I think). My bet is that the scramble will start to see what can be salvaged from the confusion of those in control to make hard decisions.

14-10-09, 06:30

What a huge release / press conference just to announce that the NBL is staying in summer when what we are all really waiting for is some more info / directions regarding this:

So Rocky and Brisbane what are you doing.

Unregistered

14-10-09, 07:36

So Rocky and Brisbane what are you doing.

I am sure all the readers of Ben Does will be the first to know.

2 cents

15-10-09, 16:20

Allan

20-10-09, 09:54

well i was talking to Larry (larry sengstock) this morning he told me that he heard neither team is going to SEABL next season, Caps definitely and Rocky although they are thinking about it will prob not go this season either but are the most likely possibility out of the QBL teams..

but hey thats just Larry Sengstock he could be talkin smack cos we were pretty high at the time...

I fail to undertstand why this post is allowed to remain. We are talking about the man in charge of our sport. Great image sent to those who this man will be talking to trying to get them to take us seriously. Our sport has enough issues of credability without this nonsense.

Unregistered

23-10-09, 08:17

Word is after Mondays board meeting BBI to continue their SEABL bid.

Imagine

23-10-09, 09:43

Can you imagine how big the games will be when Brisbane play Spartans. I am guessing a sell out at both stadiums.
The sport needs some intense rivallry and what two better clubs to go at it.
Who will Brisbane be able to recruit to match the Spartans if they have the same team as last year.
2010 is starting to look a whole lot better.

Fantasy land

24-10-09, 10:46

Caps are staqying, considered the move, but considered a few things. Will be in QBL.

Unregistered

24-10-09, 17:11

I fail to undertstand why this post is allowed to remain. We are talking about the man in charge of our sport. Great image sent to those who this man will be talking to trying to get them to take us seriously. Our sport has enough issues of credability without this nonsense.

Seriously Allan? i fail to see your credibility as a logical thinking adult if you think that post could in some way affect our great games image, any other normal person could see the post was in jest and i'm sure the people who Larry will be talking to will hardly be trolling Bendoes looking for feedback. our sport has enough issues without fools like you getting on your high horse for no apparent reason.

so neither Rocky or BBi is heading south to SEABL???

Unregistered

25-10-09, 17:16

Seriously Allan? i fail to see your credibility as a logical thinking adult if you think that post could in some way affect our great games image, any other normal person could see the post was in jest and i'm sure the people who Larry will be talking to will hardly be trolling Bendoes looking for feedback. our sport has enough issues without fools like you getting on your high horse for no apparent reason.

so neither Rocky or BBi is heading south to SEABL???
And what record of achievement and long standing in the sport have you got to be telling Allan whats appropriate and reasonable in the field of professional sports administration?
You might not care if someone with a queer nom de plume came on here and alleged things about you but you can be assured with the anti-doping policy of the nations sports governing body any professional person of good standing such as Larry, would take such statements very seriously and could rightfully seek reparation and damages.
And since you seem to live in a disconnected world with your cyber mates I can assure you a number of very reasonable people have heard about it and are, like Allan, disgusted that the forum allowed and encouraged such an unprofessional blight on the sports CEO and Basketball in general.

Unregistered

27-10-09, 02:21

And what record of achievement and long standing in the sport have you got to be telling Allan whats appropriate and reasonable in the field of professional sports administration?
You might not care if someone with a queer nom de plume came on here and alleged things about you but you can be assured with the anti-doping policy of the nations sports governing body any professional person of good standing such as Larry, would take such statements very seriously and could rightfully seek reparation and damages.
And since you seem to live in a disconnected world with your cyber mates I can assure you a number of very reasonable people have heard about it and are, like Allan, disgusted that the forum allowed and encouraged such an unprofessional blight on the sports CEO and Basketball in general.

LOL WHAT A CROCK OF SH1T!

my cybermates an i profusely apologise for living in a logical humourous cynical world where old tosspots like yourself obviously have no idea an maybe no place.

And since you both seem to have no idea here's a hint if any sports governing bodies, journalists, legal representatives etc were serious before any efforts were wasted on an OBVIOUS joke they would be able trace the IP address back to the poster of the msg and realise thats its nigh impossible for Larry an I to have been chewing the fat or partaking in anything else for that matter.

So you so called "reasonable" obviously over 50yr old people can be as disgusted as you like but maybe talk to your kids or even your grandkids, maybe read a jokebook, do something and get a clue that this being a public forum where people who love the game can come to discuss serious and NOT SO serious topics and if only factual serious posts were allowed then this site would be very quiet and quite boring.

maybe before you reply in ignorance take the time to read other posts about other people and even go onto other sports forums and read the comments/posts and i'm sure you will see how ridiculous you seem for taking this seriously.

and you ask what qualifications i have to be able to make these comments i think it's my degree in common sense and my PHD in humourous sarcasm hanging on the wall of my office over looking the ocean and if you would like to continue this conversation please call my secretary because i'm more then happy to oblige.

Your still an idiot

27-10-09, 06:55

LOL WHAT A CROCK OF SH1T!

my cybermates an i profusely apologise for living in a logical humourous cynical world where old tosspots like yourself obviously have no idea an maybe no place.

And since you both seem to have no idea here's a hint if any sports governing bodies, journalists, legal representatives etc were serious before any efforts were wasted on an OBVIOUS joke they would be able trace the IP address back to the poster of the msg and realise thats its nigh impossible for Larry an I to have been chewing the fat or partaking in anything else for that matter.

So you so called "reasonable" obviously over 50yr old people can be as disgusted as you like but maybe talk to your kids or even your grandkids, maybe read a jokebook, do something and get a clue that this being a public forum where people who love the game can come to discuss serious and NOT SO serious topics and if only factual serious posts were allowed then this site would be very quiet and quite boring.

maybe before you reply in ignorance take the time to read other posts about other people and even go onto other sports forums and read the comments/posts and i'm sure you will see how ridiculous you seem for taking this seriously.

and you ask what qualifications i have to be able to make these comments i think it's my degree in common sense and my PHD in humourous sarcasm hanging on the wall of my office over looking the ocean and if you would like to continue this conversation please call my secretary because i'm more then happy to oblige.

Five guys with great intentions a few weeks ago thought (I said thought) they were doing a tribute to the Jackson Five. One person took offence (he was under 50) and Australia was branded as a racist nation around the world. It may be you having a joke but when you elect to make it public you expose your brand of humour to those that it offends. Making jokes about the head of Australian Basketball makes us all look silly. Remember perceptions count in your modern world. You are a silly little wanna be who who I agree is the geatest joke of all.

stil an idiot

27-10-09, 16:15

your comparing a joke posted on a a small topic of a website visited by mainly queensland basketballers which offended a a bunch of old guys with their heads in the clouds and no sense...

to an obviously stupid segment on a nationally televised show which gained international ridicule because a production crew of simpletons couldn't see that it would offend not only a small minority of Australia but anyone with half a brain around the world, they would also know that Australia is a racist nation no-one needed a bunch of doctors dressed as golliwogs to know that...

but great comparasion i liken it to comparing hurricane katrina to last sunday when i left my sprinkler on for too long...

so going along with your line of thought (and yes i said thought) i guess the artist who draws the silly cartoons for the papers depicting our politicians in all sorts of manners in a form of humour should stop making jokes about our pollies as they are the leaders of our country and it makes us look silly???

i do see your point though and i apoligise that you and your friends are too anally retentive to understand the difference between the real world and the upper echelons of BQ...if ANYONE other than you and the merry band of old fools got the perception that i was SERIOULSLY trying to give the perception I had sat down with Larry Sengstock and got out a bowl and had a great time talking about basketball, i'll walk barefoot to Melbourne an appear on Hey Hey it's Saturday and apologise to Larry to BA and to BQ for bringing the game into disrepute...

and your right i am a little wanna be, i am a "little" country boy just doing his "little" things with country basketball and i "wanna be" able to post a silly joke without gettin into a ridiculous debate with an idiot...

Canberra gets serious

29-10-09, 14:36

Canberra Cannons return
26.10.09

Basketball ACT CEO Mark Cartwright has announced that the Canberra Cannons would make a return to the local basketball landscape.

Basketball ACT has agreed in principle to allow Canberra Cannons Pty Ltd to operate the existing Canberra Gunners program in the South East Australia Basketball League (SEABL). The arrangement will result in the Canberra Gunners being renamed as the Canberra Cannons to participate in the 2010 SEABL competition.

The change of identity and governance is not linked with any expectation for the team to be entered into the NBL in the short term. The goal for the new Canberra Cannons, under the guidance of General Manager Terry Ryan, is to increase the profile of men’s basketball in the Canberra community and to gain a strong supporter base behind the team.

Key principles of the arrangement include:

· Canberra Cannons Pty Ltd to operate the SEABL license on behalf of Basketball ACT

The Canberra Gunners to be renamed and rebranded as the Canberra Cannons
The new Canberra Cannons to play their home games out of the AIS Arena
The Canberra Cannons to maintain a high level of local playing talent and to continue to be a critical part of the local basketball pathway
The Canberra Cannons will work closely with Basketball ACT to ensure a strong linkage between the Cannons and the broader basketball community

Mark Cartwright:

“This is an exciting day for basketball in the ACT. The Canberra Cannons departed suddenly in 2003 and the Canberra community has missed them. The Canberra Gunners have proudly taken the mantle of Canberra’s #1 male basketball team and have represented the Canberra community with distinction in their absence, however with this announcement we feel as though we are getting the best of both worlds”.

“The Cannons were one of Canberra’s most successful sporting teams and I am very supportive of the Cannons name being attached with basketball in the ACT once again”.

Terry Ryan (Managing Director, Canberra Cannons):

“We welcome the opportunity to restart the Cannons and build on the Gunners organisation and achievements over the previous years. Canberra basketball and the Cannons have a long tradition of developing local players and that’s a path we are committed to following. Our plan is to build a highly competitive team that plays an exciting brand of team basketball. We have an excellent core of local players from the Gunners and will add to that where necessary.”

The Cannons were a real part of the Canberra community and we want to bring some of that spirit back. A critical element in re-establishing the Cannons is developing a sustainable financial model. Our model is based on attracting sponsors and a wide membership base and the response to date has been very encouraging. We will promote the Cannons through both the existing basketball community and hope to attract new followers through school and junior programs. The AIS Arena is an excellent home for the new Cannons and much of our focus will be on increasing attendance at home games and delivering value to corporate supporters.”

Over the coming weeks, Basketball ACT and the Canberra Cannons will finalise the agreement between the parties with an intention of the Board of Basketball ACT signing off at a Board meeting on 23 December.By Basketball ACT

Unregistered

07-11-09, 15:43

Have heard QABL losing Gladstone shooter Daniel Siminac, Bundaberg guard Kyle Kiernan and Townsville Heat and Crocodiles reserve forward Josh Jenkins to the SEABL. All, have been told, to Mount Gambier Pioneers, the only South Australian team in the SEABL.

Unregistered

09-11-09, 23:08

Siminac just had surgery and is out for next season

Kyle is negoitations with Bundy coach so will stay there

so leaves only Josh that heads down....

Unregistered

10-11-09, 00:39

Siminac just had surgery and is out for next season

Kyle is negoitations with Bundy coach so will stay there

so leaves only Josh that heads down....

kyle is done with bundy and headin to mt gambier to play for summers

good luck to summers, wish him all the best he has a great opportunity.

2 cents

10-11-09, 09:17

Kyle leaving Bundy, thought his boy would of hooked him up for sure, the deal in Mt Gambier cant be that good although maybe he's just looking for something new...

Summers was making alot of offers who else did he snag from QBL, heard he went after trig, cook, naslo, hanson, kingma etc etc... plus a few of his old bundy boys...

Cannan signs

10-11-09, 15:32

MEDIA RELEASE

After coming so close in 2009 the Brisbane Spartans are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the 2010 “Crazy Johns” South East Australian Basketball League Championship.

With a new marketing strategy being put into place with the ability to ensure members know every detail about the teams through the new electronic registration system, Southern Districts is leading the way for the sport of basketball in Brisbane since the decline of the Brisbane Bullets.

“We knew three years ago when we made the decision to play at the higher level this was going to be a hard road competing against the power houses of basketball such as Knox, Hobart and Geelong but we are committed to getting our house in order so we can plan long term rather then trying to do it all at once. The Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans proved that we in Brisbane can do it but we need to make sure we are here for the long term rather then the short term” stated General Manager, Allan Ladewig. “We need to make sure that we are the best off the court as we strive to be the best on the court”

As part of the in house preparation the Association has moved to become Queensland’s first paperless basketball stadium with the new electronic scores board already proving popular.

A new direction in referee development and a renewed focus on the juniors will see the Association move into the future with even a USA tour planned in 2010 for the under 18 age groups.

On the court they are also starting to move with the new men’s coaching staff to be announced early next week. After losing head coach, Bruce Palmer, in the off season they have moved quickly to sign key players plus recruit other local talents who have been identified as having the ability to play at the higher level.

First player signed of course was the 2009 most valuable player, Ash Cannan, who made it clear to everyone that he wanted to return to finish what the team started.

Other key players that are expected to sign this week will be Captain, Matt Edmonds and club stalwart Jeff Morton as too Greg Vanderjagt.

“We will be talking to Drew Williamson who has made it clear he wants to return as well as Thalo, Tyson, Simon, Andy, Peni and Nash”. Ladewig offered.

“The biggest problem we will have is making sure we do not have more then three restricted players on our roster. We would love to have Chris Goulding back but he is playing so well in the NBL we fear he will need a rest at the end of this NBL season”.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au phone 3398 2790
email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Unregistered

10-11-09, 18:32

Boss Playa

10-11-09, 19:09

Just received a text from a mate in Mount Gambier, Crocodiles development player Josh Jenkins was announced as a Mount Gambier Pioneers signing on the local news. A good signing by the team and by Summerville. Kid is really athletic and exciting.

He'd want to do better than the paltry 7 & 4 he put up here. Think he'll be a big bust but I really hope he proves me wrong.

Unregistered

10-11-09, 21:41

Kid can play, NBL teams don't recruit junk, (mostly )

2 cents

12-11-09, 09:42

if the kid can play he sure didn't show it this season???

he's got good size an athletic ability for ball which is maybe what they were hoping to mould into a great player...

i know the nbl doesn't usually recruit junk but they have recruited guys like Joyce junior, Broom and Jenkins...

but good luck to him down in Gambier, apparently Summers is an A-hole of a coach but he gets you going which is maybe what jenkins needs to get better...

Unregistered

12-11-09, 20:47

Yeah the kid needs a spark, I think it'd be easy to get bored and stagnant in Townsville's ABA program. The town doesn't care about it, the coaches put little effort in and the team is thrown together and expected to win well. I know speaking to Tovey he said he did not enjoy his time with that team and was glad when he went to University Games.

Correct me if I am wrong but the dude is 20, decent hoopers cannot be expected to be stars in the ABA let alone the NBL until much older. I think the only exception is the kid from Mackay who is with Crocodiles team too

Districts

13-11-09, 13:46

MEDIA RELEASE

The Arrow Caravan & Towbar Brisbane Spartans men’s team just got a whole lot better with the announcement that Rodger Smith would be heading up the South East Australian Basketball League program in 2010.

Smith, a product of the Victorian junior program with Shepparton, was a huge part of the National Basketball League programs of both Brisbane Bullets and the Gold Coast Rollers.

A high leaping guard Smith, famous for his tough nose to nose defence, was a great favourite of the basketball fans as was his smile and work ethic both on and off the court.

As part of his apprenticeship Smith worked under the great Bruce Palmer as assistant coach in 2009 and has also been working with players in the local Wednesday night competition at Auchenflower.

“I am excited about coaching at this level” Smith offered. “The Spartans have been the bench mark of excellence in the southern part of Queensland for so long and the move to SEABL is just going to give so many up and coming Queenslanders a chance to prove themselves on the bigger stage. Anyone who does not respect the program need only look at how many banners the club has hanging from the rafters”.

Club President, Charles Ellis stated “Getting Rodger involved is one of the best things we have done for a long time. His commitment to excellence and the junior program will ensure we have many players getting a chance to stand up”.

Smith will now start the process of recruiting his coaching staff and setting a time table for tryouts. The Association has been fielding numerous enquiries from players wanting to join the program in 2010 from young and talented State League players across Queensland.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au phone 3398 2790
email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Unregistered

13-11-09, 22:55

Correct me if I am wrong but the dude is 20, decent hoopers cannot be expected to be stars in the ABA let alone the NBL until much older. I think the only exception is the kid from Mackay who is with Crocodiles team too[/QUOTE]

there have been a few under 21s players have done well in QBL, Blanchfield, Meehl, Teys, Williams etc but looking through the youth player of the year awards it's mainly guards so i guess the fwds/centres take awhile to mature an develop into the players they should be...

Unregistered

14-11-09, 06:59

...but looking through the youth player of the year awards it's mainly guards so i guess the fwds/centres take awhile to mature an develop into the players they should be...

No, the fwds/centres are just waiting for the guards to mature so they realize that there is more to winning than just pounding the crap out of the ball and shooting threes....

Lloyd Returns home

16-11-09, 15:23

MEDIA RELEASE

Only one week after signing former Brisbane Bullet, Rodger Smith, as the head coach for the 2010 South East Australian season the Spartans have cleaned up with the signing of local legend, Scott Lloyd as the assistant coach.

Lloyd who played all his junior basketball at Southern Districts has been one of the greatest players in Queensland Basketball until his recent retirement.

As a junior he captained the first ever Spartans under 18 boys team to a State Championship, that had such greats as Shane Nancarrow and Damien Anderson in the team.

Throughout his senior years he was named to numerous Queensland Basketball “All Star Teams”, winning playing awards over his fourteen year senior playing career. He also was a member of several teams that won the State Championship.

“Scott’s knowledge and experience will go a long way to assisting us as we start to make the transition in returning to a local player focus with some promising juniors coming through to the senior ranks. He coached the under 18 boys team which won second division this year in Toowoomba and is heavily involved in our new junior development programs” offered Allan Ladewig, General Manager, of Southern Districts.

Lloyd also was a member of the Brisbane Bullets in the great years prior to a back injury, which restricted his career. Not to let that stop him in his later years he has won many awards in coaching. Recently he was also involved in assisting the Gladstone State League program make take step up to semi-professionalism when he was a player coach with the men’s program and Head Coach of the women’s program.

“This is great for me” Lloyd stated. “I get to return to my junior club where my family and friends are still very active. My kids are here and the juniors have so much talent it is amazing. I always knew I would return and if the Saturday under eights and tens are the future then we at Spartans have a very bright future. I am looking forward to working with Rodger Smith as what he has forgotten more about basketball then most people will never learn. The team playing in the South East Australian Basketball Leagues is also a bonus as it is just a small step short of the National Basketball League and the club came so close last year to being the Champions”.

The Spartans will start training early December for the 2010 season with players being invited from the State League. Players interested in trying out should contact the office on 398 2790.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Unregistered

22-11-09, 17:17

Cannot wait to see those Lady Spartans back on the court.. Roll on SEABL.......

Unregistered

22-11-09, 17:28

Cannot wait to see those Lady Spartans back on the court.. Roll on SEABL.......

yeah its a shame that larrys new underpinning league wont include any women. where are the lady spartans going to play when seabl becomes underpinning league??

Boss Playa

22-11-09, 17:31

The Mt Gambier Pioneers pres has a high opinion of his club's new signing in this radio interview ....

http://blogs.abc.net.au/sa/2009/09/the-pioneers-new-coach.html

Sure

22-11-09, 19:58

yeah its a shame that larrys new underpinning league wont include any women. where are the lady spartans going to play when seabl becomes underpinning league??

To say that BA wil not have a womens competition I trust is wrong. The new structure is for the entire sport not just the men. BA would get bombarded if they did not have a greater plan for the women as well as the men.
Lady Spartans are the real deal and will be aoround for a very long time.

Unregistered

22-11-09, 22:58

New League

23-11-09, 05:26

Nobody knows what the heck the new league will look like. Hell I don't even think that Larry knows. But from what has been released so far to the state leagues it has been said that the new underpinning league is for the NBL only, meaning no women.

I agree there would be questions if the women were left out, but think of the logistics of trying to underpin two leagues with totally different teams. Some clubs may have the money and staff to do it, but most clubs would do what Logan does and just pick one.

There have also been questions regarding imports, or whether the new league should be U23 only, or when it should be run, etc. Many questions, few answers.

The new League wil not be about under 23 trust me. That is what the states are supposed to be focusing on. The underpinning NBL League will have men and women as it is also about the WNBL. Spatans men will underpin either Blaze (most likley) or Bullets and the Lady spartans at this stage Townsville and Logan.

Under 23 was never in the discussions. It is not up to Larry. He will be directed by those above who need the bigger associations on board to make this work. The states talk tough but in reality it is something they will not control.

Lady Spartans

24-11-09, 13:15

SEABL 2010 – Lady Spartans

Seabl pre-season will commence Tuesday 31st November @ 5.30pm with the second session on Thursday 2nd December. All players welcome. Please bring joggers/towel.

Players wanting to play in the second team which will compete in another competition playing on week-ends in 2010 also should attend.

SDBAL will be sending teams to compete at Easter in the SEABL "D" League in Melbourne.

For further information call team manager on 0409 479 466.

Unregistered

26-11-09, 10:47

The Mt Gambier Pioneers pres has a high opinion of his club's new signing in this radio interview ....

http://blogs.abc.net.au/sa/2009/09/the-pioneers-new-coach.html

Looks like a long road ahead for Summers. Other players are starting to move on:

Tariq Naqqash has gone to the Hume City Broncos and Jason Sedlock is moving to Sydney.

Also, while following your link above I came across this article (http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/local/news/general/i-was-just-airing-my-penis-not-flashing/1687116.aspx) in the BorderMail which I just had to share. :D

Unregistered

26-11-09, 13:54

geez thanks for giving us 6 month old information, tariq went back to melbourne as soon as last season finsihed and sedlock moved to nsw 6 months ago to become a pilot

Unregistered

29-11-09, 20:16

[QUOTE=Unregistered;22673]Nobody knows what the heck the new league will look like. Hell I don't even think that Larry knows.

be careful talking about Larry we dont want anyone to get offended :)

good job Lloydy good to see him back in the Spartans ranks

Districts

30-11-09, 14:39

Southern Districts will be entering teams in the D Laegue tournament planned for March 6,7,8 2010.

The Tournament is for both Men & Women and is open to all member clubs to participate. Eligibility is for players 23 and under as at 30th September 2010. Clubs may apply to the Office for exemption to these rules as per By Law 5.6. All teams are responsible for their own travel costs.

Depending on the number of entries, it is envisaged that all teams would play no more than two games per day.

Players inetrested in getting involved in the program must contact the office on www.sdbal@bigpond.net.au

We are inviting players from all associations as the squad will play a huge part of the development of the Spartans and Lady Spartans in SEABL. We especially want to hear from under 20 age group players.

Allan

Ash to Fire

07-12-09, 13:39

CANNAN TO FIRE OVERSEAS

Southern Districts Spartans basketball player Ash Cannan has been recognised for his great season in the South East Australian Basketball League by being invited to tour Qatar in 2010.

The tour will start on the 18th February when the team will depart to Dohar where they will play the Qatar National team in a series through to the 25th February.

“This is great recognition of the level we are playing at here at Southern Districts with a player chosen to compete at the International level” offered, Charles Ellis, President Southern Districts.

“Ash was one of the reasons we finished second in 2009 and he has already signed for next year so we are very excited for him being chosen for the tour”.

Cannan who moved from Victoria in 2009 to play with the Spartans has proved a huge success both on and off the court at the Clem Jones Centre.

With former Brisbane Bullet and new coach in place, Rodger Smith, the Spartans are expected to again be a front contender in the SEABL, considered by many to be Australia’s Premier Winter Basketball League.

General Manager, Allan Ladewig stated “While we are expecting great things from the men we are also looking for our women’s team, the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans, to set the standard with some new signings about to be announced. Donna and her girls proved to everyone that we in Queensland can play and the winning of the Championship was testament to the efforts of both the coaching staff and players’.

The Southern Districts Basketball Association starts to wind up this week but in the back room the planning for the juniors and seniors is on in earnest for 2010 with new programs and a greater focus on the social players.

The biggest news in the junior ranks is the selection of a male and female team to compete in a Victorian competition in March next year. This to be followed by a USA junior tour in November.

Anyone looking to get involved needs only to contact the Association on 3398 2790 or through the website www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au

ENDS email sdbal@bigpond.net.au Phone 3398 2790

New Draw

08-12-09, 16:35

Looking at new EABL draw the Spartans will have it tough in 2010.

Unregistered

08-12-09, 18:25

Where can the average joe see the new draw ?

Miners moving

09-12-09, 13:54

The Ballarat Basketball Club today announced that Wes Davidson Real Estate have come together in a partnership with the Club, which will see the team be known as the Wes Davidson Real Estate Miners.

Club President, Nick Grylewicz, in announcing the naming rights of the Miners for the 2010 season said that the Club was extremely pleased to be able to have secured an outstanding community supporter such as Wes Davidson Real Estate as naming rights sponsor.

Mr. Grylewicz said that the Miners were one of the highest profile sporting teams in the State of Victoria and along with the Lady Miners are the only sporting teams in Ballarat competing in a National Competition on a weekly basis and it was important to have the support of such a major business in Wes Davidson Real Estate.

Mr. Grylewicz emphasised the fact that basketball in Ballarat attracts many thousands of visitors to the City each year, which in turn has an economic impact of millions of dollars being spent each year in Ballarat as a direct result of the promotion of the sport and that the Wes Davidson Real Estate Miners were an important ingredient in the continued promotion of the City of Ballarat.

Wes Davidson Real Estate was established in 1993 and is now recognised as one of Western Victoria's most progressive, innovative, and successful real estate companies spe^^^^^^ing in residential sales and property management with offices located in Ballarat, Ararat & Horsham.

Company founder and Director Wes Davidson was excited about the partnership saying: ”Sport is an integral part of our communities, and Basketball involves many families at various levels of competition. The Miners provide a goal and pathway for developing players from this region to play at national level and we welcome the opportunity to support that. “

The Naming rights comes at the end of a very good period for the club after securing the services of Guy Molly as head coach for the next three season, along with the recent signing of former NBL Guard Daniel Joyce for the Gold coast Blaze.

Wes went on to say, “The club has set itself some definitive targets moving forward, and the appointment of Guy is evidence of the direction the club is actually taking. We are pleased to be part of this”

Hobart In

09-12-09, 13:57

Written by Richard Mitchell

Saturday, 07 November 2009

The Hobart Chargers Basketball Club is pleased to announce that the club will enter a team in the 2010 SEABL womens competition.

Over 12 months ago a group of people saw the need to have womens team from Hobart representing Hobart alongside the men. The group has been working in conjunction with the existing Chargers Board and it is with great excitement that we now get to where we will have both a mens and womens team representing Hobart in SEABL, Australia’s Premier Winter Basketball League.

Steve Old, President if the Hobart Chargers paid tribute to the womens group for the work the have done over the past year to bring to fruition the Lady Chargers. The Chargers now provide a pathway for both male and female basketball players to aspire to the NBL , WNBL, the Boomers and Opal Australian teams.

The team will be known as the Hobart Lady Chargers.

The Hobart Lady Chargers are very pleased to announce BETASPORT as the naming rights sponsor for the club in its foundation season in 2010. This is a two year deal.

Today as we launch the Lady Chargers Program, it is essential that we have strong corporate and community support and securing BETASPORT as the major sponsor will significantly assist the club in its drive to become a competitive team in the strong SEABL competition. In this challenging economic climate, sporting teams are finding it difficult to attract strong financial backing which is vital to ensure a sustainable and entertaining product for the fans.

The creation of the Chargers’ women’s basketball program creates a pathway for juniors to strive for and an opportunity for established players to compete in the SEABL competition. Support such as the BETASPORT sponsorship is so important for basketball and for women’s sport in general.

The partnership of the men’s and women’s program under the succesful Hobart Chargers brand is a great concept that will become a reality as season 2010 rolls around. Community support and engagement will be key to the success of the new women’s team and seeing young women develop to become members of the Chargers squad will be a key focus for the coaches and administration, as part of the focus on junior development. The BETASPORT sponsorship will help make this vision a reality and provide a team which Southern Tasmania can be proud to support.

TOTE Tasmania CEO Craig Coleman said the two-year BETASPORT sponsorship agreement with the BETASPORT Hobart Chargers was the latest naming rights partnership the sports betting business had signed with a Tasmanian sport.

“We are obviously very pleased to be able to align our sports betting business with women’s basketball,” he said.

Mr Coleman said BETASPORT’S interstate competitors were aggressively marketing their respective businesses in Tasmania across a range of mediums.

“It is obviously very important that we promote our brand and our business in our home state,” he said.

“While advertising is one way to achieve this, these types of partnerships provide the perfect vehicle for us to get our name into the community, especially the sporting community.”

Mr Coleman said TOTE Tasmania and BETASPORT was keen to continue to work with local sporting organisations to invest in Tasmanian sport.

New Draw

09-12-09, 15:58

Where can the average joe see the new draw ?

9 December 2009

2010 SEABL SEASON FIXTURE RELEASED

The 2010 SEABL draw was released to clubs today and the 30th year of SEABL competition will kick start on Friday 12th March, 2010 with the Australian Institute of Sport hosting the Geelong Supercats at the AIS Training Hall. 11 SEABL Men games will be played over the first week with reigning SEABL Champions Knox Raiders likely to unveil their championship banner against local rivals Nunawading.

All 16 Men’s teams will participate in a 27 game season, playing all but two teams home and away. Due to the increasing demands and requirements bought on by the introduction of the World U17 Championships the AIS will play a limited number of SEABL games on an alternating home or away basis. Results of the games played will still count towards finals qualifications but the AIS will not be eligible for participation in the finals series.

The AIS recognize and appreciate the significant role that SEABL plays in providing the AIS with much needed competition opportunities. SEABL are committed to ensuring AIS remains a participant in Australia’s Premier Winter Basketball League.

The SEABL Women’s competition commences a week later on March 19 with Albury/Wodonga Lady Bandits hosting the Sandringham Sabres. Hobart Lady Chargers join the competition in 2010 and will commence their SEABL campaign with a road double against Frankston and Dandenong.

The reigning SEABL Women Champions Brisbane Lady Spartans hit the road for the first four weeks of the season due to venue unavailability. A double road trip to Victoria with matches against Kilsyth and Nunawading will kickstart their back to back championship campaign. Brisbane will be able to unveil their championship banner at their first home game on 17th April against Grand Final opponent Knox Raiders.

The regular season for both the men’s and women’s competition is scheduled to be completed on Sunday 1st August and the SEABL Finals Series will commence the following weekend. The top four teams of the men’s Conference will participate in the SEABL Finals Series. The SEABL Conference Grand Finals are scheduled for the weekend 21-23 August with the respective Men’s Conference winners moving on to a SEABL Championship game the following week at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre.

With a 12 team conference, the SEABL women will move to a six team final series played over four weekends, culminating with the Championship game played on Saturday 28th August in conjunction with the Men.

Following the successful introduction of the Crazy John’s D League in 2009, 2010 will see the introduction of the Bendigo Young Lady Braves to even the competition to eight men’s and women’s teams. With the six biggest associations in Victoria the D League will showcase Victoria’s young talent.

2009 Men Champions Sandringham Sabres kick start their season with a clash against the Bendigo Young Braves on Saturday 10th April. Reigning D League Women Champions Nunawading Spectres play on the road in Ballarat to start the season, and will unveil their Championship banner the following week against local rivals Frankston Blues.

Click here for SEABL Men

Click here for SEABL Women

Click here for D League Men

Click here for D League Women

Unregistered

16-12-09, 10:15

What's going to happen with the other assistants that's districts had last year? Dylan is a great young coach coming through the ranks, I would imagine they would want him still in the program?

MEDIA RELEASE

Only one week after signing former Brisbane Bullet, Rodger Smith, as the head coach for the 2010 South East Australian season the Spartans have cleaned up with the signing of local legend, Scott Lloyd as the assistant coach.

Lloyd who played all his junior basketball at Southern Districts has been one of the greatest players in Queensland Basketball until his recent retirement.

As a junior he captained the first ever Spartans under 18 boys team to a State Championship, that had such greats as Shane Nancarrow and Damien Anderson in the team.

Throughout his senior years he was named to numerous Queensland Basketball “All Star Teams”, winning playing awards over his fourteen year senior playing career. He also was a member of several teams that won the State Championship.

“Scott’s knowledge and experience will go a long way to assisting us as we start to make the transition in returning to a local player focus with some promising juniors coming through to the senior ranks. He coached the under 18 boys team which won second division this year in Toowoomba and is heavily involved in our new junior development programs” offered Allan Ladewig, General Manager, of Southern Districts.

Lloyd also was a member of the Brisbane Bullets in the great years prior to a back injury, which restricted his career. Not to let that stop him in his later years he has won many awards in coaching. Recently he was also involved in assisting the Gladstone State League program make take step up to semi-professionalism when he was a player coach with the men’s program and Head Coach of the women’s program.

“This is great for me” Lloyd stated. “I get to return to my junior club where my family and friends are still very active. My kids are here and the juniors have so much talent it is amazing. I always knew I would return and if the Saturday under eights and tens are the future then we at Spartans have a very bright future. I am looking forward to working with Rodger Smith as what he has forgotten more about basketball then most people will never learn. The team playing in the South East Australian Basketball Leagues is also a bonus as it is just a small step short of the National Basketball League and the club came so close last year to being the Champions”.

The Spartans will start training early December for the 2010 season with players being invited from the State League. Players interested in trying out should contact the office on 398 2790.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

My guess

16-12-09, 17:05

Maybe he needs to talk to the Head Coach. That is who appoints assistant coaching staff.

Supporters Group

16-12-09, 17:15

The Spartans are looking to bring back the infamous "Pig Pen" in 2010. If you are over 18 and want to be a part of this supporters group please contact the office on www.sdbal@bigpond.net.au In 2010 we will be issuing a special dess shirt to this group and they will have sole use of the balcony with cheap drinks etc.

We are also looking for a junior supporters squad who will be given priority seating with access to the players after games. They will also have a special supporters shirt and will receive other benefits such as entry to competitions through the season. If you want to be aprt of this also contact the office on email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Plesae make sure you tell us which group you are interseted in being part of.

Unregistered

07-01-10, 19:54

Considering he played social ball on a thursday night there for the last 6 months and coached bundy in a game there a few years ago i would say your answer is no, so let it go

Unregistered

07-01-10, 21:39

in a blow for the spartans, i just heard big joe will not be returning as he has been instructed by the blaze hyrachy that he has to run the gold coast qabl program. if this is true, spratans will be hurting big time in my opinion.

Training / tryouts start

11-01-10, 13:34

New look Spartans start training tonight under new mentor Rodger Smith.

Anyone who wants to tryout is invited.

Training starts at 7pm and players should come in the swimming pool entrance.

This start will be followed by additional tryouts next Tuesday (19th) and Thursday (21st) nights where a squad will be named.

Brisbane

22-01-10, 05:37

Districts seem to have most of Brisbanes QBL team at training. Smith has then running hard. Will be interesting to see who joins them from NBL ranks.

Congrats Ash

28-01-10, 11:35

SEABL-SELECT TEAM TRAVELLING TO QATAR

Basketball Australia is pleased to announce the athletes selected to play in a two-game ‘friendly’ series against the Qatar National Team in February.

Following a request in late 2009, Basketball Australia has organized a team to travel to Doha, Qatar to assist the preparation of the Qatar Men’s Basketball Team for competition in Asia later this year by way of the two-game series and coaching clinics.

With the Australia’s own National Men’s Team, the Boomers, already committed to an extensive program this year as preparation for the 2010 FIBA World Championship, the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) was able to accept the challenge of preparing a team in the short time frame.

SEABL appointed 2009 East Conference Coach of the Year Bruce Palmer and 2009 South Conference Coach of the Year Bill Runchey to lead a group of SEABL players chosen from a selection trial held at Frankston from January 16-17.

The team features former National Basketball League players Cameron Rigby, who played with the Canberra Cannons, Hunter Pirates, Wollongong Hawks and West Sydney Razorbacks, and his former Cannons teammate and Brisbane Bullet Mick Hill. Simon Conn, Daniel Dillon and Ash Cannon also had stints in the NBL, suiting up with the South Dragons and Dillon was named the 2009 SEABL South Men Australian Youth Player of the Year while Cannon was named in the 2009 All SEABL East Men Team. Also included are CJ Massingale, MVP of the Championship game and member of the All SEABL East Men Team, and two members of the All SEABL South Men Team, Rob Kampman and Andrew Harms.

The players depart Australia on February 19 for the games to be played on February 22 and 24 in Doha.

Basketball Australia General Manager, High Performance Wayne Carroll said the series is a first step in establishing a relationship with Qatar Basketball.

“Qatar is an important player in the development of basketball in Asia and Australia is very keen to forge a strong relationship with Qatar in the future,” He said.

“This series of games is an important step in that process and we are very happy that SEABL has been able to assemble a strong playing group at short notice. Qatar is a Middle East transport hub location that could provide Basketball Australia with enormous benefits to our extensive travel schedule over the next few years and we looking for this relationship to be strengthened through the benefits we can provide Qatar Basketball.”

LIVESTATS of the games will be available on the SEABL website.

SEABL Team for Qatar Series
Player Name / SEABL Club

Cameron Bairstow / AIS
Ash Cannon / Brisbane Spartans
Sean Carroll / Knox Raiders
Simon Conn / Sandringham Sabres
Daniel Dillon / Sandringham Sabres
Andrew Harms / Frankston Blues
Mick Hill / Knox Raiders
Rob Kampman / Frankston Blues
CJ Massingale / Knox Raiders
Jason Reardon / Geelong Supercats
Cameron Rigby / Knox Raiders

For more information please contact:
Kimberley Lewis
Basketball Australia
T: 02 9469 7236
M: 0419 448 375
E: kimberley.lewis@basketball.net.au
W: www.basketball.net.au

The Dark side

03-02-10, 14:40

Kristen Veal joins Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans
Things could not be going any better at the Clem Jones Youth Centre in Carina, where the SEABL Women’s Championship team the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans have been busy in the off season preparing to defend the 2009 National Championship.
The signing of Women’s National League Logan Thunder star Kristen Veal is a huge bonus to a fairy tale 2009 season which saw the Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartans finish first in the National competition.
“Kristen is a great leader and Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartan” offered Head Coach Donna Rinaldi. “Her leadership extends beyond game-time and can be seen on and off the court as well. Her expertise and relaxed approach will help guide the younger players in performing above their experience. I am so glad we were able to attract her to the program”.
A former WNBA player with the Phoenix Mercury, Kristen was the youngest player to play in that league. In the 2003/04 season, she was named a WNBL Ambassador and was a member of the WNBL All-Star Five. Originally an AIS player, Kristen averaged 8.6 points and 3.6 assists for the 2006/07 season.
“We really wanted someone who had the same community based commitments as we did and Kristen was everything we were looking for” said General Manager, Allan Ladewig. “She plays hard and never ever gives in. She wants to work within our junior program and will be a great asset to that program. Young female athletes who aspire to be the best can now watch one of the best in the business on a weekly basis”.
“The recruitment of Kristen to our community was made possible by the support of many and especially the Carina Leagues Club who do so much for local sporting and social groups” Ladewig added.

“I wanted to stay in Queensland, and when Southern Districts contacted me to play it was like the stars aligning. I wanted to play in the SEABL competition and stay in Queensland where I am fulfilling my new career path. I am looking forward to being part of the team.” offered Kristen.

The Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartans commenced training four weeks ago in preparation for SEABL which kicks off in March 2010. Season tickets and sponsorship packages are available now.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au email sdbal@bigond.net.au
Phone 3398 2790

Unregistered

03-02-10, 16:02

who else is playing for the Lady Spartans this season?

Golden Opal

08-02-10, 12:53

Opal returns to defend Gold in 2010

Australian Opal, Emma Randall, this week, committed to re-sign with the Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartans, on her return from playing in Europe. Randall had made it clear to everyone prior to her departure, at seasons end. that she wanted to return to defend the SEABL Women’s Crown.

“Randall is the perfect fit for us. She understands her role within the team and inspires the younger team members. Emma was a key player last season and she helped our women’s team improve so much that we were confident of causing the upset in the grand final” offered Head Coach, Donna Rinaldi. “The combination of Randall and our newest signing WNBL Logan Thunder Captain Kristen Veal will be a powerful combination”.

The re-signing of Randall was only made possible by the support of many and especially the Carina Leagues Club who do so much for local sporting and social groups” General Manager Allan Ladewig added.

“I have been playing in Europe and I was keen to return to Queensland and take up my role again with the Lady Spartans. They are a quality outfit that is well managed. I really enjoyed my time there and the championship success of 2009” said Randall.

The Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartans are looking to remain one of Queensland’s most successful women’s sporting programs through the signing of Randall. After dominating the Queensland State Basketball League for over a decade, prior to making the successful jump to the South East Australian Basketball League three years ago the Lady Spartans are becoming one of the power houses of Australian women’s sport.

Southern Districts President, Charles Ellis when speaking at a recent meeting said “We are proud of what we are doing here at Southern Districts, at the Clem Jones Youth Centre. Both the men and women’s programs compete against the likes of Victorian powerhouse the Knox Raiders who have over 14,000 members and still we find a way to win”.

“It is really a great sign of respect by others that the likes of Knox have recruited three players for the 2010 season from our program. On a positive note it is great for our sport that so many of our juniors are being exposed and encouraged to move to the likes of Knox as they see a pathway to the NBL and WNBL”.

The South East Australian Basketball League will kick off in March 2010. Season tickets and VIP sponsorship packages are still available.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au phone 3398 2790
email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

2 cents

09-02-10, 08:59

so after all the smoke has cleared who did Summers pick up other then Jenkins, most of the other names that were on the list have been mentioned in QBL teams now???

Qatar

11-02-10, 14:57

After two days of slogging out in the tryouts, a physically spent Ash Cannan could scarcely believe it when he was told he would be suiting up for Australia against Qatar.

“I was stoked. I knew it was going to be tough to make the team given the other guys there who were trying out for a spot.”

“Opportunities like this are amazing” he said after Basketball Australia announced an 11-man SEABL squad to tour the Arab Emirate.

“It has always been a dream and a goal since I picked up a ball, it’s a massive honour”

SEABL’s best players were invited to the tryout court in February and have reacted with a strong sense of national pride after being told they will wear the green and gold when they suit up against Qatar in a two match series later this month.

“Anytime you have a chance to represent your country in any form is an honour and a privilege” said Frankston’s Andrew Harms.

“It felt good. I’ve put a couple of good years in the SEABL, working hard and had some pretty good results on the court so it’s nice to get rewarded” added Harm’s teammate Rob Kampman.

The SEABL All Star side has 6 players who played in the last year’s men’s final with four from Knox and two from Frankston. Sandringham also has two players named, with one each from Geelong, the AIS, and Brisbane.

Why SEABL?

With the Boomers side already committed to their preparation for the 2010 World Championships Basketball Australia asked SEABL put together the team for the “friendly” against the 28th FIBA ranked nation.

BA’s General Manager High Performance, Wayne Carroll said the SEABL tour will provide a unique opportunity for the SEABL squad to play on the international stage.

“Qatar is looking to develop basketball in Asia and we are keen to help them do that.”

“We have good basketball talent, with a range of players, with a plan to put “heat” on the ball defensively, which has been the hallmark of Australian teams” the NBL Hall of Famer added.

SEABL’s 2009 Conference Coaches of the Year, Bruce Palmer and Bill Runchey will lead the squad that was selected after February’s tryouts.

“Where we lack a depth of size, we have a good blend of position players and good quickness and speed.” Palmer said.

Our Interior players are solid; Simon Conn, Cameron Bairstow and Cameron Rigby, Ash Cannon with Rob Kampman will be smaller than what we are expecting from the front line of Qatar, but because each can play facing the basket from 20 feet, we feel we can get a lot of offensive productivity.

Mick Hill, C.J. Massingale, Daniel Dillon and Jason Reardon are, in my opinion, NBL calibre players and very capable in the low-post, very productive making plays off the dribble and reliable perimeter shooters.

“You could put anyone of these guys in the NBL this year and they could be playing minutes on any roster. There is no weak link which will make us tough to beat.”

“This truly is one of the highlights of my career” reacted Geelong Supercat Jason Reardon when told of his selection. Reardon’s selection also brings the added value of having previously faced Qatar.

What will Qatar bring to the court?

“Last time they were very tall and athletic. Their speed up and down the court was their biggest strength”.

Fresh from splitting a two game goodwill series against the Philippines, Qatar will use the SEABL All Star games as a tune up ahead of its Asian Games campaign, which is to be held in China later this year.

But Palmer remains unruffled about the strength, speed and size of his opponent.

We have three hard-fast defensive rules. We will be strong on relating to defending the low-post, back screens and on-ball screens.

“We are satisfied with our defensive transition and … felt we covered the ball and sprinted our lanes and match-up well enough.”

“It matters little to us what strength our opponent may or may not have. We will focus on us and compete with relentless persistence.

“We have all the pieces to make a great team, and that is also the biggest challenge. If we can put all those pieces together then I think we will be successful.” said Ash Cannan.

The Pride and the Passion

For most however, this experience will last much longer the 80 minutes on court.

“It’s something I’ll look back on when I’ve stopped playing with great pride. I think Mum and Dad will love to brag that their son played for Australia” said Cannan proudly.

As did Jason Reardon: “I just hope we are able to keep the uniform so I can show the grandchildren one day, “It is something that nobody will ever take from me”

Game one will be played in Doha on February 21, Game Two on February 23.

For live match stats head to seabl.com.au

The SEABL Select Team: Cameron Bairstow (AIS), Ash Cannan (Brisbane), Sean Carroll (Knox), Simon Conn (Sandringham), Daniel Dillon (Sandringham), Andrew Harms (Frankston), Mick Hill (Knox), Rob Kampman (Frankston), CJ Massingale (Knox), Jason Reardon (Geelong), Cam Rigby (Knox) Coach: Bruce Palmer Assistant Coach: Bill Runchey

Cat: Frontpage News, SEABL News, AIS, Brisbane, Frankston, Geelong, Knox, Sandringham
<- Back to: SEABL 09

Townsville boy

19-02-10, 13:01

DOWDELL RETURNS TO SEABL WITH NW TASMANIA THUNDER
05.02.10 08:59

By Chloe Hope (The Advocate Newspaper)

Photo Courtesy of Townsville Crocodiles

The Imports have started rolling in for the Tall Timbers Thunder. The first is Townsville Crocodiles Jeff Dowdell.

The 205cm, 22 year old forward will finish his season with Townsville in the NBL before he comes to join the Thunder.

Thunder coach Phil Thomas said Dowdell would play mainly the four spot instead of a three-four cross like he did with Townsville because his side needed the height.

Thomas said Dowdell’s previous experience and success in the SEABL was an important factor.

“It’s a very different league, much closer and more physical …. there won’t be a transition period”.

Dowdell will come match-fit and ready to complement the Thunder’s powerful back court.

“The advantage is he’s not an unknown, as American imports are”, he said.

He could be a fortnight away if the Crocs bomb out of finals contention but it is more likely to be the end of the month as the team looks to make the play-offs at least.

Dowdell was an AIS basketball scholarship holder before he played in the SEABL for Albury, where he averaged 24.8 points per game and 8.6 rebounds.

He also played for the Perth Wildcats and picked up their most improved player gong before starting with the Crocodiles this season.

Despite his young age, Dowdell is an experience basketballer who will provide the height the Thunder needs.

Thomas said Michael Rowlands had been coming along well the last couple of weeks and would add a strong inside presence for the team, but securing Dowdell made the club’s planning easier.

He said he was also working on another recruit or two.

Cannan co-captain

22-02-10, 14:01

MEDIA RELEASE
21 February 2010

CANNAN & RIGBY NAMED AUSTRALIAN CO-CAPTAIN

Ash Cannan and Cam Rigby have been voted by their team mates to co-captain the Australian Team in the upcoming two game series against Qatar. Head Coach Bruce Palmer announced the appointment after the team’s second practice session together on Saturday morning.

“It was an absolute honour to make the team, but to be selected by my peers to captain the team is just amazing” said Ash Cannan

Cannan has been working hard since mid January to have his body ready for the tough international series. All 11 players are currently in a pre season phase with their SEABL club but have put in the extra hours on the training track to be ready for the two game trip.

Rigby was injured during the try-outs for the team, and has worked to make sure his body is injury free and ready for the rigors of two tough international games. Cam has been visiting a Chiropractor and having Personal Training sessions daily to strengthen his back.

Rigby is an experienced player with NBL experience and has a strong performance history in the SEABL, having one numerous SEABL Championships. Cannan was an All SEABL East Men team member in 2009, helping guide his Brisbane Spartans to the Minor Premiership.

Knox Raiders forward Cam Rigby said “Its not every day you get to represent your country, but to be able to tell my family and friends I captained the team, is something I will always cherish”.

Both players were surprised with the selection, but are determined to lead the team to victory.

The Australian team arrived in Qatar on Friday morning and have had three tough training sessions to date.

“The sessions so far have been tough and demanding, but Coach Palmer is keen to have us boys in shape for our first game on Monday night”, said Cam Rigby.

One of the major goals of the first few training sessions is to see the team gel together as they had never played together as a team until arriving in Qatar. The players have been working hard at developing a game plan that will trouble the Qatar National Team.

The Australian SEABL select team play game one 6pm on Monday night (2am Tuesday 23rd Australian EST).

For Further Information

Mark Quinn

SEABL

markq@seabl.com.au

SEABL win game 1

23-02-10, 07:53

AUSTRALIA SCORE VICTORY IN GAME 1

Australia’s SEABL Select Team has shown no mercy in their first game in Doha against Qatar tonight, winning by 14 points to clinch game one of the two game series.

Australia led by 5pts at half time and was not threatened in the second half despite a late charge by Qatar in the final quarter.

2008 SEABL MVP CJ Massingale scored 20 points to lead Australia while Sandringham Sabres Simon Conn came off the bench to record 18pts and 6rebs.

Knox Raiders fifth year import CJ Massingale tallied 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting to go with 3 rebounds in 22 minutes of play and was the catalyst in the Australians 16-12 first quarter. Massingale scored nine of his teams 11 points mid way through the first team, after the Australians started slowly and were behind 1-4 after three minutes of play.

Simon Conn played 17mins, but was superb in the third quarter, helping Australia to a comfortable 20pt lead at the end of the third quarter. Conn played a short 4min spurt in the third term and produced 10pts@100% and 2rebs.

Australia’s head coach Bruce Palmer was satisfied with his team’s performance and happy to secure the first game in the series.

“Considering the lack of training the team has had together, I was very impressed how they played together as a team,” Palmer said.

“Tonight our defence was exceptional, the winning margin wasn’t as big, but we played tough at the defensive end and achieved our goals we set at the start of the match”.

Australia limited Qatar to less than 20pts in each quarter and stole the game with a 30-15 third quarter.

Harms, Massingale, Kampman, Cannan and young 19 year old from the Australian Institute of Sport Cameron Bairstow started for Australia and despite a slow start, grabbed the lead at the five minute mark, and held on for the remainder of the game to secure the win.

To see highlights click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLPPZhbYZ7M

To see boxscore click http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/6845/01/50/12/46Igx5OdSuOTk/

Quarter by quarter:
1. AUS 16 QAT 12
H. AUS 36 QAT 31 (20-19)
3. AUS 66 QAT 46 (30-15)
F. AUS 79 QAT 69 (13-19)

AUSTRALIA 79 (CJ Massingale 20, Simon Conn 18, Rob Kampman 10) bt
QATAR 65 (Mansour Atif 13, Bradley Jensen 11, Erfan Ali 9)
at Al Gharrafa Sports Club in Doha, QATAR

Australia leads Series 1-0

Game Two – Wednesday 24th February 6pm (Thursday 25th Feb 2am AEST)

Tipping Competition

11-03-10, 10:51

MEDIA RELEASE

10 March, 2010

SEABL TIPPING RETURNS FOR ANOTHER YEAR

SEABL has once again launched the web-based basketball tipping competition for Season 2010, commencing with the round one match between Australian Institute of Sport and the Geelong Supercats this Friday night at the AIS Training Hall.

Since introducing the tipping competition in 2005, the popularity has increased each season, and the competition has been highly contested.

Using Round Won software, tipsters are required to select the winner of every SEABL game throughout the regular season, which encompasses both the SEABL men’s and women’s Championship competitions. D League games will not be included.

Major Prize is still to be confirmed but will advise in the next few weeks.

The tipping competition can be accessed by visiting www.seabl.sportstipping.com.au or by selecting the tipping link on the SEABL website at www.seabl.com.au.

Registration is FREE and the SEABL tipping competition is open to everyone. The SEABL encourage all clubs, administrators, players and supporters to get behind the competition, where fans can closely follow the progress of their favourite team, and be in the running for a fantastic major prize.

For more Information
Mark Quinn

SEABL

League Manager

(03) 9521 9545

Game previews

11-03-10, 11:47

MEDIA RELEASE

11 March 2010

SEABL MEN MID WEEK GAME PREVIEWS

Week 1 – Game of the Round

Bendigo v Ballarat (Bendigo Stadium 8pm)

The 2010 SEABL Men’s Season kicks off with a blockbuster game at the Bendigo Stadium when arch rivals the Symes Motors Bendigo Braves take on the Wes Davidson Ballarat Miners for The Advertiser / Courier Cup.

With Goldfields bragging rights on the line both teams will want to commence the season on a winning note.

Both Clubs reacted savagely to below par on court performances last year and appointed new Coaches to lead the teams for the 2010 season. With a CV including NBL, Australian Junior, State Junior Head Coaching positions the Wes Davidson Miners appointed Guy Molloy to the Head Coaching role and recruited Austin Paey graduate Drake Reed to partner returning Jamal Brown in the Import spots along with an influx of newcomers to a line up which is barely recognizable to last years group.

Joining Reed are newcomers Tariq Naqqash (Mt.Gambier), Daniel Joyce (Gold Coast NBL), Jared Scoines (West Sydney NBL) Sam Borner (Ballarat Nuggets) and Ryan Barnes (Melbourne Tigers Jnrs).

Apart from Brown, Adam McSwain, Matt Johnston and Nathan Cavanagh are the only returning players.

Paul Tudorovic also returns to the Miners as Assistant Coach. His experience and League knowledge will be a valuable asset and his appointment rounds out a formidable Coaching Staff.

Multi Championship winning player and arguably one of the Braves favourite sons, Ben Harvey, was appointed to replace Wayne Larkins. The appointment of Harvey has reignited the passion within the community and a sell-out crowd is expected to see the Braves first game under the tutelage of the rookie coach.

Unlike the Miners, the Braves line up has remained quite stable with Ivan McFarlin (SKK Kotwica, Poland) and Luke Meyer (Geraldton, WA State League) replacing the departing Matt Trannon and Keith Davis who have both returned to the US.

Returning to the Braves fold after playing 149 games between 1999 and 2004 is former dual league and National ABA MVP Ricky Daniels. Daniels left the Braves in 2004 following a difference of opinion with the then Coach Larkins. Daniels played the 2006 - 2007 with the Miners and a desire to be “back home” and “play in front of his three sons” has been a driving force to his comeback.

New Braves Coach Ben Harvey likens the clash between the two Clubs as similar to when Collingwood play Carlton in the AFL.

With the quality of imports arriving to the League this year elevating the strength of the Competition, there will be great pressure on the Australian content of teams to produce and many games will be decided by the depth of Australian talent within their respective clubs.

The Braves have accumulated 1191 games between them compared to 425 games in the young Miners line up

At this stage of the respective teams preparations, the Braves look more settled and it could boil down to whether the experienced line up with the rookie coach has more to prove on the night than the rookie team with the experienced coach.

Prediction – Braves by 9

In other games

Friday March 12

7.00pm AIS Training Hall AIS v Geelong

With Ismail Muhammed returning, and the signing of new import J’Nathan Bullock the Supercats should be too strong for the young AIS team.

8.00pm Hobart Hobart v Kilsyth

A huge cleanout in the off season sees a new look Kilsyth take on the Chargers. Chuck Long and new import Brendan Polk plus the huge home court advantage could tip the scales Hobart’s way

Saturday March 13

7.00pm Dandenong Dandenong v Brisbane

Vince Inglima will partner new signing Luke Fitzgerald in the import spots and along with prized off season recruit Lucas Walker will be striving to get the Rangers off to a good start. Brisbane has once again assembled a quality lineup with Tyson Demos and Greg Vanderjagt returning with the likelihood of Boomers squad member Adam Gibson returning to the SEABL. A tough game to pick, but Rangers in a close one.

8.00 pm Belconnen Canberra v Geelong

With the loss of Jon Holden to retirement the Gunners will again rely on the experience of Todorovski and Baird to guide the Gunners through the year. 2nd game for Geelong but they should have too many guns for Canberra.

7.30pm Devonport NW Tasmania v Kilsyth

Phil Thomas returns to the Thunder as coach after an 8 years absence. With big changes to their lineup and the loss of Sam Armstrong to retirement it is difficult to predict what the Thunder will bring to the table. At this stage Dowdell will not be playing this week and this should see the Cobras over the line.

7.30pm Albury Albury/Wodonga v AIS

The young students are on the road after a tough game against Geelong the previous night. Albury/Wodonga has reshaped their line up and has two new imports to complement a local line up apart from Daniel Briglia (Knox). Albury/Wodonga’s favourite son, Nick Payne returns to the Bandits lineup and if he remains injury free through the season, the Bandits will surprise a few teams this year.

7.30pm Frankston Frankston v Mt Gambier

This Game will be live streamed by Court Live. Court Live are offering the first weeks game for free to all viewers. Just log on to www.seabl.com.au and follow the Court Live link.

We are all hoping the loss of Dave Gruber will not give Frankston too many Blues. Chaz Briggs returns to the League and he will give the Blues a new look with his ability to play inside and out. Mt Gambier is another team that have had a complete makeover. At this stage they are only playing with one import and this could be the deciding factor down the stretch. Kampman to get Frankston over the line.

8.00pm Knox Knox v Nunawading

Reigning Champions Knox will unveil their 2009 Championship Banner prior to this game. They come up against a much more competitive Nunawading program. With a full off season to prepare his team Coach Craig Simpson has put together a strong squad. With Tom Greer returning after a big NBL season and the signings of Import Mathew Hall and Australians Gerard Leonard and Chris Cameron to complement the new line up, Nunawading could cause a scare. Knox will need to be on their game to get this one.

Sunday March 14

1.30pm Ballarat Ballarat v Mt.Gambier

Both teams on their second game for the weekend, but with Ballarat playing their first Home game will want to show their fans that they are back and will be contenders. Mt Gambier has a lot of depth in their group this year and they will need this to get over the line. Ballarat in a tired one.

2.30pm Nunawading Nunawading v Brisbane

First home game for the Spectres. Travel and fatigue could be a factor for the Spartans. New Spartans Coach Rodger Smith will be keen to split the road trip. Will be a good game with Gibson, Demos and Vanderjaagt up against McDonald, Leonard and Greer. Matt Hall could be the X Factor. Nunawading to win at home.

Spartans Double

15-03-10, 12:52

Spartans Double

Spartans Open 2010 Campaign in Style

The Arrow Caravans & Towbars Brisbane Spartans have opened their 2010 South East Australian Basketball League campaign in fine style with two road wins against powerhouse Victorian Clubs the Dandenong Rangers and the Nunawading Spectres over the weekend.

On Saturday night, the new look Spartans team, under former Brisbane Bullet legend, Rodger Smith, defeated the Rangers 97 – 89 with National Basketball League superstar, Adam Gibson leading the way with 26 points and 10 assists. He was backed up well by home town favourite, big man Greg Vanderjagt, with 24 points and 12 rebounds with the captain, Ash Cannan proving he will again be a power in the league with 21 points and 14 rebounds.

The Spartans enjoyed a slender 6-point lead at the first break but the Rangers pulled back to lock the scores at 46 a piece at the main break. It was a tight affair in the second half with the Spartans just having the edge at the final buzzer.

The following afternoon the Spartans travelled to Nunawading, a team that also boasts numerous former and current NBL players lead by Melbourne Tigers Tommy Greer and former Singapore Slingers players Chris Cameron and Shane Mc Donald.

However, it was the class of point guard Adam Gibson that once again shone through to lead the Spartans to a nail biting 3-point win, 69 – 66 with 24 points and 6 rebounds with Ash Cannan once again, consistent with 19 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.

Former Spartans junior Alex Cox returned with a solid weekend with a combined 15 points, 9 assists in 42 minutes of playing time over the two games. Spartans head coach, Rodger Smith, returned to playing action with 19 minutes of court time over the weekend.

“I am over the moon with the weekend’s results,” Smith said. “It’s always tougher to win on the road and these wins will certainly count for something towards the business end of the season.”

“With our first six games on the road, these two were exceptionally important to get, so I’m very happy with the boys,” he concluded.

With the two road wins, the Spartans have already sent the warning signs out, and with Perth Wildcat NBL Championship winner Drew Williamson still to be added to the puzzle, the Spartans will only go from strength to strength.

Southern Districts compete in what is considered Australia’s “Premier Winter Basketball League:” the South East Australian Basketball Leagues against teams from Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria and the ACT. They are Queensland’s only team within the competition and are considered to be holding the fort, at senior level, as far as basketball goes while Brisbane waits for the return to the NBL through the Brisbane Bullets.

The Southern Districts Basketball Association is also home to the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans who are currently the SEABL National Champions after defeating the Knox Raiders in 2009.

On the junior front the young Spartans are also proving very successful by having eight of a possible 14 teams contesting the Queensland South Junior Grand Finals this Saturday at Auchenflower.

“We are so proud of what the club has accomplished over the week-end” stated Charles Ellis, President. “Our junior volunteers and coaching staff have worked so hard to make this possible and with the new programs that we open up after Easter it will only get stronger and better. Thanks to all those people behind the scenes’.

The Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans will enjoy this weekend off before hitting the road once again to Canberra and Kilsyth the following weekend. First home game for the Spartans and Lady Spartans is Saturday the 17th April with reserved seating now available from the office.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au Phone 3398 2790 email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Boss Playa

16-03-10, 01:49

Former QBL star Josh Jenkins tore it up for Coach Somerville's Mt Gambier Pioneers on their double to open up the SEABL season:

Game 1 v Frankston - 5 points and 1 board

game 2 v Ballarat - 3 points, a board and a steal

FYI the Pioneers went 1-1.

Future Bright

21-03-10, 08:14

Junior Spartans three-peat

In a come from behind finish the Southern Districts Basketball Association juniors have won South Queensland’s most prestigious junior award the “Harold Peacock Shield” for a record third year straight.

After entering the very last day of competition the junior Spartans were placed third in overall ranking conducted by Basketball Queensland. Strong wins in the under 12 and 16 girls and under 16 boys saw them leap frog both Maroochydore and Logan who were favourites to win in 2010.

“This is testament to the program we now have on offer for every age group” offered Spartans President, Charles Ellis. “We work so hard in the off season to make sure every player at Carina has a pathway, if they want it to highest level’.

The Spartans not resting on the record breaking three-peat, prior to the wins on Saturday, had already released three new programs aimed at ensuring the junior program will continue to grow and develop.

Allan Ladewig, General Manager stated “We have recruited the best coaching staff possible with Peter Pendle the former Brisbane Bullet Assistant coach heading up our “Underpinning Program”, the “Little Bounders” and the very popular “Shooters Program”. “This with some of the best junior coaching staff in Queensland with Larry O’Bree, Ray Axam, Bec Dudic, Bec Stephens, Mathew Beggs and Penny Bairstow working so hard in the domestic and representative programs ensures our players are sound in fundamentals while still having fun”.

“To ensure that players also have a pathway after juniors the Association has elected to send a junior men’s team to the USA in December where we are pretty confident that at least 4 players will get a chance at a college in 2011. We will also be attending Port Macquarie in January 2011 for the Pacific Slam, which we won in 2010 in under 17 boys with a very young team”.

The Spartans have also announced that they have USA “Super coach”, Jason Wright, returning in April to work with players. “Jason is the best USA coach I have ever worked with and he brings so much to our club’ Ladewig added.

Parents wanting to get their children involved should contact the Association, which is based at the Clem Jones Youth Centre in Carina, prior to Easter as the new junior season and all development programs start immediately after the school holidays.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketbball.net.au phone 3398 2790
Email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Week 2 results

23-03-10, 13:34

FRIDAY 19th MARCH
ALBURY/WODONGA 90 (Gabbidon 25, Briglia 22)
def
BALLARAT 85 (Naqqash 23, Reed 17)
**OVERTIME**
Tariq Naqqash scored an off balance three point buzzer beater to send the game into overtime, but the Bandits remained poised throughout and grabbed another confidence boosting home court victory. .
MVP – Ryan Bright (Albury/Wodonga)
BENDIGO 89 (Meyer 29, McFarlain 23)
def
GEELONG 80 (Bullock 18, Cox 17)
Bendigo continued their impressive early season form with another dominating performance. Bendigo dominated the second quarter outscoring the Supercats by 16pts to grab a 49-34 half time lead. Braves Imports McFarlin and Meyer once again produced quality individual performances to help their team secure the win.
MVP – Luke Meyer (Bendigo)
MT GAMBIER 82 (Jeffree 19, Rice 16)
Lost to
HOBART 91 (Banovic 26, Polk 23)
With import Brendan Polk dominating inside the paint and Chargers veteran Mark Banovic connecting on eight three pointers the Chargers had no issues scoring points. Their defence wasn’t as good and this enabled the Pioneers to stay in touch throughout the match and hold the lead for 20mins of the game. But with the game on the line the Chargers veterans stepped up and sealed the game.
MVP – Brendan Polk (Hobart)
SATURDAY 20th MARCH
GEELONG 82 (Muhammad 25, Reardon 20)
Lost to
HOBART 92 (Banovic 30, Long 23)
Mark Banovic produced another high scoring game at the Arena to guide the Chargers to victory. Hobart grabbed the lead late in the first quarter and slowly increased the lead throughout the match. Geelong dominated inside the paint scoring 40pts, but shot a poor 19% from behind the arc..
MVP – Chuck Long (Hobart)
CANBERRA 58 (Miller 12, Todorovski 75)
Lost to
SANDRINGHAM 75 (Conn 22, Dillon 16)
Sandringham led for the entire match and never looked like losing. Sabres Conn and Garlepp dominated inside the paint due to the absence of Gunners Glenn Baird.
MVP – Simon Conn (Sandringham)
BALLARAT 84 (Reed 36, Brown 24)
def
NW TASMANIA 77 (Dowdell 24, Martin 14)
The Miners took an early lead of 5 points at the first break. However the the Thunder clawed back in the second quarter to be within one point at the main break. But the Miners two imports Reed (36pts and 8rebs) and Brown (24pts and 17rebs) produced the goods under the basket and the Miners held on to win a very high class game of basketball.
MVP – Drake Reed (Ballarat)
FRANKSTON 80 (Harms 15, Kampman 14)
def
DANDENONG 78 (Fitzgerald 17, Walker 14)
Frankston guard Andrew Harms scored a buzzer beating three pointer to steal the victory from Dandenong. The lead changed 13 times throughout the match and the Rangers looked the better team on the night but could seal the win in the dying minutes of the game..
MVP – Rob Kampman (Frankston)
KNOX 66 (Rigby 20, Massingale 14)
Lost to
KILSYTH 70 (Lockett 27, Lang 18)
Quincy Henderson showed why he was voted Best Defensive player last year as he smothered Raiders import CJ Massingale at every chance. Henderson restricted Massingale to only 14pts, and the Raiders struggled to find another avenue to score late in the game. Costly turnovers and silly fouls in the second half cost the Raiders as frustration set in and the Cobras took full advantage and sealed the come from behind victory..
MVP – Fernandez Lockett (Kilsyth)
SUNDAY 21st MARCH
AIS 71 (Drmic 18, Bairstow 10)
Lost to
SANDRINGHAM 88 (Conn 28, Garlepp 15, Dillon 15)
AIS stayed in touch of the Sabres until late in the game when Sandringham went on a scoring spree to open the fourth quarter and establish a comfortable 11pt advantage. Sandringham outscored AIS 24-10 in the final quarter to clinch the clean sweep in Canberra.
MVP – Simon Conn (Sandringham)
NUNAWADING 63 (Cameron 17, Hall 15)
Lost to
BENDIGO 91 (Tanner 20, Meyer 13, Novak 13)
A devastating 29-8 third quarter by the Braves blew the game apart and any chance of the Spectres securing the victory. Braves coach Ben Harvey was satisfied with his teams defence.
MVP – Adam Tanner (Bendigo)
DANDENONG 80 (Fitzgerald 19, Inglima 17)
Lost to
NW TASMANIA 87 (Martin 21, Gary 20, Armstrong 20)
Dandenong lost their third game by less than 9pts after a disappointing final term. The Rangers were leading 71-70 with five minutes remaining but could not close out the game and the Thunder snatched the victory. NW Tasmania was behind for the entire game and only lead for the final two minutes of the game.
MVP – Shawntes Gary (NW Tasmania)
KILSYTH 76 (Lang 16, O’Hea 14)
def
ALBURY/WODONGA 47 (Payne 11, Bright 10)
Kilsyth ended the Bandits winning streak with a sensational team effort. The Bandits were completely outplayed in the second quarter as the Cobras skipped out to a 42-19 lead after limiting Albury/Wodonga to only nine points for the quarter.
MVP – Tim Lang (Kilsyth)
“Australia’s

Southern Utah

25-03-10, 14:10

The Southern Districts Spartans are proud to announce they will be playing Southern Utah on Thursday 13th May at 7:30pm at the Clem Jones Youth Centre.

While final details are far from formalised the game will be a great exhibition of basketball.

Unregistered

26-03-10, 13:12

Isn't this the team Damon Heuir is with? Perhaps they will play in Townsville also then?

Unregistered

26-03-10, 16:20

Yes Damon and Matt Massey are both on this team.

Massey is a Brisbane local as well.

Boss Playa

28-03-10, 02:54

Lady Spartans

29-03-10, 13:25

Lady Spartans split the road

After playing the first games of the season, the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans returned from the road with a 1 – 1 record suffering a first game loss against the determined Kilsyth Cobras.
On Saturday night the Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartans travelled to Kilsyth where they were to compete with the Cobras new outfit who have recruited well in the off season with key signings of 6’4 Ellie Manou and Australian squad member Deanna Smith. Kilsyth jumped the Lady Spartans and in the first quarter and continued with in the second quarter going into the half with a 24 point lead with the Lady Spartans shooting at a poor 23%.
The third quarter was much the same as the previous two however the Lady Spartans were now starting to compete at both ends of the floor even though it wasn’t’ reflecting on the score board. With 6 minutes to go in the game the Lady Spartans were still down by 24 points.
New captain Kate Willey worked hard in containing Smith and Pryor and Holly Smith were working hard on Manou with the newest recruit, New Zealand international, Nat Purcell starting to factor in the game and the Lady Spartans started to build momentum.

An energised Karli Currie added a much needed spark and run and the Lady Spartans continued to add pressure and started to make inroads into the lead. With 40 seconds to go the margin was back to 5 points. It was a case of too little too late as the Lady Spartans ran out of time and lost by 7.
The following day Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans travelled to Nunawading with both teams suffering a loss on Saturday night they were on a even scale.
The Lady Spartans played aggressive from the start with Kate Willey leading the way. Nunawading have a star studded line-up of big names including dual Australian Squad Members Tolo and Wilson.
Kate Willey again controlled the offence shotting at 89% and scoring her career high of 28 points. Natalie Purcell who has natural quickness guarded Wilson and contained her to only 6 points and also nailed 25 points. Pryor, Stephens and Smith kept Tolo to 6 points for the game.
With the margin of 8 points down at half time the Carina Leagues club Brisbane Lady Spartans depth was tested, Jeffress played valuable minutes in the last quarter when Currie was fouled out, the team stayed composed and won by 10 under their pressure defence.
“We played controlled tempo from start to finish” Head Coach, Donna Rinaldi said. “I am extremely happy with the week-end results “she added.
The Lady Spartans play the first home game on Saturday 17th April against the Knox Raiders at 6pm.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au Phone 3398 2790
Email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Spartans win

29-03-10, 13:26

Spartans surge to 4 – 0 Start

The Arrow Caravans & Towbars Brisbane Spartans have kept their perfect start to the 2010 SEABL season in tact with another two road wins against the Canberra Gunners and the Kilsyth Cobras on the weekend.

In Canberra after a slow start in the first quarter, the Spartans took a slender 3 point lead into the main break on the back of four 3 point bombs. However it was an all round team effort with five Spartans reaching double figure points in the 82 – 69 win.

Lead by big man Greg Vanderjagt with 19 points and 16 rebounds, his frontcourt partner, Ash Cannan ably chimed in with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Alex Cox added 14 points including 4 – 9 three pointers and returning Perth Wildcats Championship player Drew Williamson made his 2010 debut with 13 points, which also included 4 – 9 three pointers.

The following morning the Spartans travelled to Melbourne to take on the Kilsyth Cobras in what is fast becoming known in the Leagues as the “Doomsday Double”.

The Cobras burst out of the blocks to take an 11-point lead in the first quarter and out rebounded the Spartans 11 – 5, however the sleeping giant awoke in the second quarter pouring in 27 points to take a 1-point lead into the half time break.

This was achieved through the efforts of local legend, Jeff Morton, who played a great defensive role on the Kilsyth imports. A quiet achiever Morton is fast becoming a great role player in the new look Spartans.

The defensive intensity continued in the third quarter with the Spartans enjoying an 8-point lead at the end of three quarters to take the 86 – 81 win.

Superstar point guard Adam Gibson lead with 30 points and 6 assists with both Spartans big men Vanderjagt and Cannan continuing their fine form from the weekend with 16 points each and 9 and 4 rebounds respectively.

“As always, it’s great to get road wins, there’s no doubt about that,” Spartans head coach Rodger Smith said. “After next weekends Easter bye, we’ve got another road double to Tasmania so it doesn’t get any easier and we’ll take what we can,” he added.

The Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartans have begun their title defence splitting their opening round losing to Kilsyth Lady Cobras 55 – 62 however bounced back to defeat the Nunawading Lady Specters 71 – 61.

Both Spartans men and women first home game will be on Saturday 17 April against archrivals Knox Raiders.

ENDS www.sdspartans,basketball.net.au phone 3398 2790 email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Week Three Results

29-03-10, 16:14

HOBART 76 (Polk 24, Long 21)
def
BENDIGO 72 (Meyer 21, Tanner 14)
After opening up a six-point advantage with three minutes left it looked like Bendigo were going to secure the win. However, Chuck Long stood tall when it mattered to drag the home side off the canvas, nailing a huge three pointer with 58 seconds on the clock to tie the scores. In the next passage of play coach Anthony Stewart stripped the ball from Bendigo, with it eventually falling into Tiri Masunda's hands. The nippy point guard drained a long two pointer to put the Chargers up before some great defensive pressure stifled the Braves' last foray forward.
MVP – Chuck Long (Hobart)
CANBERRA 69 (Todorovski 16, Baird 12)
Lost to
BRISBANE 82 (Vanderjagt 19, Cannan 15)
Canberra dominated the first quarter, but the Spartans found their groove in the second quarter, grabbing the lead early with a sensational 14-8 opening five minutes of the second quarter. Brisbane held on to secure another road victory.
MVP – Greg Vanderjagt (Brisbane)
SATURDAY 27th MARCH
GEELONG 98 (Bullock 33, Cox 21)
def
MT GAMBIER 85 (Rice 29, Tipton 21)
Geelong started slowly, losing the first quarter 23-30. If Supercats import J’Nathan Bullock’s nine point first quarter was impressive, then his second was something else. He scored 14 points on 6-6 shooting, including a three, which helped turn a seven point deficit into a nine point lead at half-time. Called into the starting line-up following the departure of Reardon, Cox produced his most telling performance of the season so far, finishing with 21 points.
MVP – J’Nathan Bullock (Geelong)
DANDENONG 76 (Fitzgerald 25, Walker 16)
Lost to
BALLARAT 81 (Joyce 17, Reed 16)
**OVERTIME**
Dandenong have lost another heart stopper after leading 59-53 with five minutes remaining in regulation. Jamal Brown leveled the game for Ballarat with 30secs remaining, and Dwayne Campbell’s shot with only seconds remaining rimmed out to send the game into overtime. Miners Tariq Naqqash opened overtime with three consecutive three pointers to give Ballarat an edge and they held on to secure the victory.
MVP – Luke Fitzgerald (Dandenong)
NW TASMANIA 87 (Gary 36, Martin 20)
Lost to
BENDIGO 103 (McFarlin 25, Meyer 25)
Ben Armstrong was playing his 350th SEABL game before a capacity crowd of 1000 people. The North-West Thunder seemed on target to reward Armstrong when it led by as much as 20-points in the first quarter. But the Bendigo Braves showed their height and class pegging back the Thunder to win. After withstanding the Thunder's opening quarter onslaught Bendigo fought back through McFarlin and Meyer to hit the front late in the third quarter. NW Tasmania Import Shawntes Gary provided a sensational play of shooting and general court play to finish with a game high 36 pts despite being sidelined for a few minutes in the final term with a cut eye.
MVP – Ivan McFarlin (Bendigo)
SANDRINGHAM 84 (Garlepp 17, Dillon 17)
Lost to
NUNAWADING 85 (McDonald 21, Hall 19)
Sandringham thought they had the game all sewn up leading 80-64 with four mins remaining. Spectres coach Craig Simpson subbed in Tom Greer, he scored 12 straight points and the Spectres were able to snatch the victory as the Sabres were unable to score in the last minute of the game.
MVP – Shane McDonald (Nunawading)
KILSYTH 81 (O’Hea 23, Lang 18)
Lost to
BRISBANE 86 (Gibson 30, Vanderjagt 16, Cannan 16)
Kilsyth started the game well to establish a 26-15 first quarter lead, but struggled to score in the second term. The Cobras shot a poor 25% from the field and let the Spartans back into the game. Cobras offensive woes continued in the 3rd quarter with another poor shooting performance, giving the Spartans a 67-59 lead. Cobras improved in the final term but were unable to close the margin.
MVP – Adam Gibson (Brisbane)
KNOX 104 (Massingale 45, Hill 14)
def
FRANKSTON 78 (Briggs 25, Kampman 13)
Knox shot the ball at 48%, outrebounded the Blues 47-42 and committed less turnovers which all helped the Raiders secure their first victory for 2010. Raiders Massingale scored 24 of his teams 38 opening quarter points to set up the victory. Frankston guard Andrew Harms was kept scoreless for the entire game.
MVP – CJ Massingale (Knox)
SUNDAY 28th MARCH
NUNAWADING 83 (Greer 19, Hall 19)
def
DANDENONG 73 (Witherden 16, Walker 16)
After a disappointing result the previous night, Dandenong started the game desperate to record a victory. Nunawading had other ideas as Greer, McDonald and Hall dominated the game as the Spectres won each quarter and held the lead 30 of the games 40 minutes.
MVP – Tom Greer (Nunawading)
FRANKSTON 63 (Briggs 15, Harms 12)
Lost to
SANDRINGHAM 95 (Conn 21, Garlepp 18)
Sandringham was determined to clinch the victory against cross town rivals Frankston after a disappointing finish the previous night. The Sabres shot at 56% from the field and won each quarter to completely dominate the game. Frankston struggled on offence all game with import Chaz Briggs the only player to shoot above 40%.
MVP – Simon Conn (Sandringham)
“Australia’s

DANDENONG 56 (Terdich 14, Downie 13)
Lost to
BALLARAT 57 (Ashby 19, Jarry 16)
Rangers Alison Downie missed a free throw with four seconds remaining which would have sent the game into overtime. Ballarat trailed for the majority of the match but grabbed the lead early into the last quarter and outscored the Lady Rangers 22-19 in the final term to steal the win and keep Dandenong winless in 2010.
MVP – Karen Ashby (Ballarat)
KILSYTH 62 (Smith 19, Manou 19)
def
BRISBANE 55 (Smith 18, Purcell 13, Pryor 13)
Despite being outscored 7-24 in the final term, the Lady Cobras had established a sizeable lead to hold on and secure another victory. Kilsyth dominated the game from within the paint as Smith, Moffatt and Manou consistently kept the scoreboard ticking in the first half.
MVP – Ellie Manou (Kilsyth)
KNOX 81 (Denson 20, Tan 12)
def
FRANKSTON 65 (Dombkins 35, Main 10)
Despite 35pts from Mikaela Dombkins, the Knox Raiders held on to secure their first win for 2010. Frankston were able to stay with the Raiders for the first two quarters thanks largely to the efforts of Dombkins. Frankston were outscored 20-8 in the third quarter which was the deciding factor in the game as the Lady Blues outscored the Raiders in the final term, but was unable to bridge the gap built by a poor third quarter.
MVP – Mikaela Dombkins (Frankston)
SANDRINGHAM 74 (Camino 22, Francis 15)
def
NUNAWADING 56 (Tolo 13, Wilson 12)
Nunawading started the game strongly advancing to a 27-11 first quarter lead, but the offence production soon disappeared. Sandringham took full advantage of the Spectres poor shooting in the second and third terms to grab the lead and dominate the match. Camino and Francis was again did most of the damage for the Sabres.
MVP – Renee Camino (Sandringham)
LAUNCESTON 76 (Glaubitz 20, Cambage 17)
def
ALBURY/WODONGA 41 (Wallbutton 9, Edmondson 8)
The Lady Bandits had a game they wish to forget as they shot at a dismal 21% from the field, committed a disappointing 29 turnovers for the game and was outrebounded 35-51. Tornadoes coach Rick Whylie was able to rest his starting five after Launceston established a 41-11 half time lead.
MVP – Desi Glaubitz (Launceston)
SUNDAY 21st MARCH
FRANKSTON 58 (Dombkins 30, Lovelace 12)
Lost to
SANDRINGHAM 80 (Camino 19, Francis 14)
Frankston recorded a disappointing 8pts in the final term handing the Sabres a comfortable victory. Frankston were competitive in the game up until three quarter time as they were only successful on two shot attempts to the Sabres eight in the final term. Dombkins was outstanding for the Blues scoring 30pts against her former club.
MVP – Mikaela Dombkins (Frankston)
NUNAWADING 61 (Wilson 19, McCann 14)
Lost to
BRISBANE 71 (Willey 28, Purcell 25)
Despite leading the game for only 28mins, the Lady Spartans were in full control for the entire game. Spartans guard Kate Willey was outstanding, scoring 28pts@89%, missing just one shot for the entire game. Nunawading struggled to contain the dynamo point guard and sit second bottom after three games.
MVP – Kate Willey (Brisbane)
HOBART 53 (Price 16, Berry 10)
Lost to
ALBURY/WODONGA 74 (Wallbutton 26, Edmondson 17)
Hobart trailed 32-35 at half time but the Lady Bandits came out a more determined team in the second half and pressured the Lady Chargers into costly turnovers and poor shooting. Albury/Wodonga ran out comfortable winners as Lisa Wallbutton stepped up her productivity to finish the game with 26pts and a season best 25rebs.
MVP – Lisa Wallbutton (Albury/Wodonga)

Unregistered

01-04-10, 07:28

For some it may be joyous, but for others quite a sad day, the unexpected and sudden depature of Allan Ladewig from basketball altogether due to illness and recent hospitalisation. Certainly a huge whole will be left at Southern Districts, which shall have to be filled by a courageous, pigheaded, opinionated, thick skinned person. Good Luck Allan and best wishes for the future.

sick

01-04-10, 07:47

Heard he was back in hospital but did not realise it was so serious.

Unregistered

01-04-10, 08:42

That's hilarious. Check the date of the post!!!!!!!

Unregistered

01-04-10, 12:17

Heard he was back in hospital but did not realise it was so serious.

Saw him on Tuesday Night looked terrible.

Mr bEn

01-04-10, 12:53

Is that the best we get on April Fools?

Last year's District to QABL post stirred the nest well!

And who can forget the Gold Coast Bully reporting that Kevin Freeman would be playing for Spartans after reading an April fools gag on this board ..... HAHAHA!

Unregistered

03-04-10, 01:26

Josh 'the next big thing' Jenkins had a blinder for Gambier tonight in their 98-85 loss against Geelong tonight.

A whopping 5 minutes of playing time, with nothing but a foul to show for his troubles.

Shoulda stayed in the tropics - what a waste.

Give it a rest I reckon pal, twice u have had a cheap shot at this kid, did he steal your missus or something

Boss Playa

04-04-10, 15:38

Give it a rest I reckon pal, twice u have had a cheap shot at this kid, did he steal your missus or something

Not a cheap shot when it's fact. People were talking him up, and I said he wouldn't rate - simply proving my point :)

Great that he's playing basketball, but a shame he's travelled all that way to collect splinters. I do hope the club didn't shell out many $$$ for him otherwise they'd be wasting it on somebody better who could be perforing on the court.

Trying

05-04-10, 18:04

Not a cheap shot when it's fact. People were talking him up, and I said he wouldn't rate - simply proving my point :)

Great that he's playing basketball, but a shame he's travelled all that way to collect splinters. I do hope the club didn't shell out many $$$ for him otherwise they'd be wasting it on somebody better who could be perforing on the court.

At least he is having a go at the higher level.

While we are at it the word is on the street that Townsville are having almost a complete clear out of coaching staff at NBL level. Word is a southerner will join the ranks.

Word is also that the QBL teams are lining up to get application in to alternate competition as they see the direction that is being set by those in control. The QBL could go up in a Blaze on Capital Hill if they were not set in a solid Rock. hahahaha Interesting times ahead.

Unregistered

05-04-10, 22:03

Word is also that the QBL teams are lining up to get application in to alternate competition as they see the direction that is being set by those in control. The QBL could go up in a Blaze on Capital Hill if they were not set in a solid Rock. hahahaha Interesting times ahead.

If you mean an Alternate Queensland comp, NOT run by BQ, then hell yeah...!!!

Or are you saying they are joining SEABL, or the new dev league when/if it goes ahead..?

Knox

12-04-10, 17:24

GRAND FINAL REPLAY

Victorian powerhouse, Knox Raiders, travel to Brisbane this Saturday night to play the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans and the Arrow caravan & Towbar Spartans in a replay of both last years grand finals.

Doors open 5pm for ladies game with men starting at 7:30pm.

With at least 12 current NBL and WNBL players on show the games will be a great showcase of basketball.

The Association will also be paying homage to the juniors.

Saturday

16-04-10, 12:52

SATURDAY SEABL SEASON STARTS

A reminder that the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans and Arrow caravan & Towbar Spartans play the first home game of the season this Saturday night at the Rowland Cowan Stadium in Carina.

Both teams are playing Knox Raiders in replays of the South East Australian Basketball League grand final series last year.

Doors open at 5pm to the general public.

Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans versus Knox Raiders 6pm

Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans versus Knox 7:30pm

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au Phone 3398 2790
email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Spartans down

19-04-10, 13:07

SPARTANS DOWN

In a replay from last years grand final the Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans were again defeated by the Knox Raider in front of a full house on Saturday night at the Rowland Cowan Stadium in Carina.

Right from the first tap the Raiders, through Lester Strong, were way to big for the Spartans who were missing former “Boomer” big man, Greg Vanderjagt. The inside outside game of Knox forcing the Spartans into early foul trouble.

Head Coach, Rodger Smith when speaking after the game offered “The Knox Raiders are a quality outfit and they know how to attack another teams weaknesses. Ash Cannan was himself, and was supported by Jeff Morton well but in the end we were just too small”.

“I have to take my hat of to our guards though, who never gave up and the fans, who are fast becoming the loudest in the league”. “We will win this week as we owe our supporters a better effort”.

In what is fast becoming the premier guard crew in the South East Australian Basketball League, Australian Boomer squad member, Adam Gibson, returned to the Spartans this week along with Tyson Demos with great efforts from Simon Taylor and Alex Cox.

At half time the score was still only 4 points different at 53 to 56 but the foul count came into play in the third term where the Raiders jumped to a 14 point lead at three quarter time, eventually running out winners 102 to 86.

This Saturday night the Spartans take on another Victorian powerhouse in the Frankston Blues at 7:30pm with Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans taking centre stage at 6pm.

“After the huge first night crowd we had this week we are expecting and looking forward to a great night of basketball. The Lady Spartans can move to top of the ladder and the men are expecting to be at full strength for the first time this year’ offered Charles Ellis, President of Southern Districts. “I am told by our staff that we will have a mystery guest who is sure to get the supporters going”.

Doors open for both games at 5pm.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au Phone 3398 2790 email sdbal@bigpond.net.au
Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans

A dominant defensive performance from the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans has resulted in a comfortable 19 point defeat of fellow 2009 South East Australian Basketball League Grand Finalists, the Knox Lady Raiders.

The Lady Raiders started the Grand Final rematch in a rush racing out to a quick 4-0 lead following jump shots from import Amy Denson and former Lady Spartan Cassie Smith, however the Lady Spartans defensive intensity forced the Raiders to commit eight turnovers as the Lady Spartans took a 21-9 lead into the first break.

The opening of the second stanza saw the Raiders mount an 8-0 run, only to see a 3 point field-goal from young gun, Tahlia Jeffress, halt the Raiders push enabling the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans to take a healthy 10 point lead into the half-time break.

The so called Championship (third) quarter saw a barrage of three-pointers from Kate Willey and Natalie Purcell to begin a dominance, which saw the Lady Spartans outscore the Raiders 22-14.

The Raiders never appeared able to make a run at the Lady Spartans who closed out the game 19 point victors.

“When we play to the team rules our defence is of a high standard and when we are in a rhythm offensively we are very hard to defend” Lady Spartans head coach Donna Rinaldi stated.

Rinaldi went on to say “We still have plenty of room for improvement and are a long way from reaching our potential as a team.”

Most Valuable Player for the match was awarded to star player Kristen Veal who ended the game with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

The Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans will strive to build on their 4 match winning streak against Frankston next week at the Rowland Cowan Basketball Stadium with the game starting at 6pm. Doors opening at 5pm.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au Phone 3398 2790
Email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Unregistered

22-04-10, 22:28

another great performance by the girls

Spartans Down Frankston

26-04-10, 13:00

Spartans Down Frankston

In what was a must win game the Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans proved to supporters they are the real thing when they defeated convincingly last years runners South East Australian Basketball Leagues “Runners Up” the Frankston Blues by 97 to 71.

“This week was different to last as we came to play defence” offered Head Coach, Rodger Smith. “I told the guys mid-week that if they were not willing to play hard and fast putting everything on the line every time they went out there they would sit. I think the message is getting through. We were very impressive”.

The Spartans were coming off a three game losing stretch which saw them tumble form top to fourth with a tough schedule coming over the next few weeks.

Still without centre, Greg Vanderjagt, the Spartans rotated Mathew Edmonds and Jeff Morton against the Frankston big’s, keeping the pressure on at the defensive end while contributing some much needed rebounding at the offensive end. Captain, Ash Cannan, as always, led by example allowing the running game of the Spartans to drive deep at the Blues reaching defence.

Shooting guard, Alex Cox, showed he will be one to watch as the season gets into the serious part through his long three point bombs that thrilled the crowd.

The Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans have assembled an NBL type back court with Perth Wildcat’s Drew Williamson and Gold Coast Blazes Adam Gibson and Tyson Demos joining Nash Allsopp, Simon Taylor along with Cox, ensuring that the games this year will be played at a fast and furious tempo with an occasional three point shot.

With this they have retained the services of hard working Andy Taylor while recruiting Brisbane favourite Michael Shaw and former junior Jake Badman. Add to this juniors, James Griffin and Cade Towers the foundation for many years is being laid at the Rowland Cowan Stadium.
The team travel to Albury this Saturday then on to Ballarat on Sunday before talking on Bendigo on the 8th May at 7:30pm.

Lady Spartans beat the Blues

In a fiery and fast paced first quarter the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans proved they are again the real thing overcoming the pressure of the Frankston Blues to win 76 – 47.

Having started the 2010 season in a disappointing manner, winning only one game in the first five, Frankston started aggressively in the first quarter, through guard Elli Lovelace who troubled the Lady Spartans with her speed. The Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartans held firm though, through some great work by Rachel Pryor and led at quarter time by 2 points and to Head Coach, Donna Rinaldi’s angst, 7 turnovers.

The second quarter saw the Lady Spartans show the fans why they won last years SEABL National Championship with Karli Currie leading by example with her tireless defence. Captain, Kate Willey held Sydney Flames player Mikeala Dombkins to just 2 points at the half time buzzer and Holly Smith started to find her touch dominated around the basket.

In the third quarter The Carina Lady Spartans did as they wanted with a sensational 19 - 0 which was controlled through point guard Kristen Veal's vision, supported by Purcells and Willeys defence and the hard running by the Lady Spartans as a team.

In the last quarter, Tahlia Jeffress, of the bench was working hard on the defensive end with 16 year old Maddy Willey getting minutes and hitting a 3 point shot. Fellow newcomer, Stephanie Newbold provided some valuable minutes with Kate Willey continuing her hard-nosed defence keeping WNBL star, Mikaela Dombkins to 11 points for the game.

Coach Donna Rinaldi said "Frankston really took it up to us in the first half and controlled the tempo and at times forced us into silly errors. The second half saw some good basketball from us at both ends of the floor and we were able to put the game out of their reach.

Karli Currie is really finding her feet coming in as 6th man and making their guards w
ork super hard to get the ball up the floor. Rachel Pryor's pre-season is starting to pay off as she ran the floor making it hard for the Frankston bigs to run with her and she was rewarded by finishing with 21 points"

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au Phone 3398 2790
Email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

This week

29-04-10, 12:12

SEABL MEN GAME OF THE WEEK

KILSYTH vs SANDRINGHAM

Saturday 1st May – 8:15pm @ Kilsyth Stadium

East Conference leaders Kilsyth Cobras will host the inform Sandringham at the Snake Pit this Saturday. The Cobras will be determined to celebrate veteran Damien Taylor’s 400th SEABL game in style, while the Sabres will look to make it 5 wins in a row after defeating defending champions Knox last week.

.

Sandringham’s away form this year has been nothing short of outstanding, having recorded 5 of their 7 wins on the road. Their all Australian line up has been lead by centre Simon Conn who has averaged a staggering 9 rebounds and 17.7 points per game this year. When you add the experience of Melbourne Tigers point guard Nathan Croswell and the scoring power of former South Dragon Daniel Dillon (17ppg), the Sabres appear a formidable opposition for any side in the league. Despite an injury concern to current Boomers squad member Damien Ryan, the Sabres appear to have reasonable depth in their squad with Craig White and David More putting in strong performances against Knox last week.

While Kilsyth have done little to dispel their reputation as poor home court performers, having won just 2 from 4 at the Snake Pit this year, the Cobras will be keen to make it two in a row after an impressive win over Albury/Wodonga last weekend. US import Fernandez Lockett has been the Cobras most consistent player this year averaging 18 point per game, while fellow import, Quincy Henderson has lived up to his reputation as one of the best defenders in the league this season and will most likely line up on the Sabre’s play maker Dillon.

The real challenge for the Cobras on Saturday night will be finding a way to score against the strong Sandringham defence. Having lost experienced point guard Matthew Shanahan before the season, the Cobra’s have been pinch hitting with Melbourne Tigers player Matt O’Hea. With far more depth on their bench the Sabres will be able to use their fresh legs to put pressure on the makeshift point guard. Despite a strong performance against Albury Wodonga last week, where he returned 22 points from his 33 minutes, O’Hea will have to improve on his season average of 13.9ppg if the Cobras are to have any chance on the weekend.

On current form Sandringham would have to be favoured to make it 5 in a row but a large Kilsyth crowd and Taylor’s milestone should be enough to see the Cobras over the line.

For all Week 6 Men game previews click here

SEABL WOMEN GAME OF THE WEEK

BALLARAT vs ALBURY/WODONGA

Saturday 1st May – 6:00pm @ WIN Minerdome

Behind two confidence boosting victories the Ballarat Lady Miners have elevated into fourth position on the ladder and determined to stay in the conference top six for the remainder of the season. Karen Ashby has returned to the league after giving birth last year, looking like she hasn’t missed a game. Ashby is averaging 14pts, 7rebs and 3ass and giving Ballarat much needed experience and leadership. Her combination in the paint with talented youngster Rachel Jarry has taken a few weeks to gel, but they have been causing havoc on teams in recent weeks with their athleticism and overall skills around the basket.

Lady Bandits have relied heavily on New Zealand Internationals Lisa Wallbutton and Toni Edmondson each game, but both players have welcomed the pressure and are playing exceptional basketball despite the extra defensive pressure put on by opposing teams. The battle in the paint between Jarry (16pts, 8rebs) and Wallbutton (19ppg, 12rpg) will have a huge impact on the games final outcome. If Jarry can limit the offensive production of Wallbutton to single digit scoring figures it will elevate the Lady Miners chances of securing the win

Mr bEn

30-04-10, 16:47

Do the Spartans have any home dates vs AIS or Gambier this season? If so, when?

Unregistered

06-05-10, 21:19

they play ais at carina on may 29th im pretty sure

landy

08-05-10, 09:51

Spartans v Bendigo livestream at www.courtlive.net tonite at 8.00 pm
If not registered make sure you do it early

Back on track

25-05-10, 12:00

SPARTANS BACK ON TRACK
The Arrow Caravans & Towbars Brisbane Spartans came back with a vengance last Saturday night at the Clem Jones Youth centre winning first game in three weeks against the Nunawading Spectres who were coming off a road victory over Canberra the previous round.
The match began with the Spartans jumping out of the blocks, went on a scoring rampage in the opening term and with the Spectres finding it difficult on the offensive end there was no containing the Spartans offence who entered the first break with a simply dominating 36-15 lead.
During the second quarter, the visitors found ways to pierce the full court defence of the Spartans and were all over the rebounds to somewhat pull the lead back. However the Spartans remained 16 points ahead of the road team entering the main break.
After releasing the pressure in the second term, the third quarter began with the Spartans regaining the defence which saw them push the Spectres to the brink earlier in the match.
The Spartans big men of Ash Cannan and Greg Vanderjagt took control on the offensive end with the pair scoring 14 out of the team’s 22 points and equalling the Spectres 14 points for the quarter.
The home crowd of Brisbane basketball fans finally found their voice which was only matched by the crowds during the 2009 SEABL finals. With the crowd at full voice the home team seemed to enjoy an insurmountable lead and the Spartans finished the clash easily beating the visiting Spectres 99-74.
Spartans Captain Ash Cannan was outstanding for the hosts recording 22 points and 10 points and was closely followed by Vanderjagt (18 points), Adam Gibson (16 points), Simon Taylor (14 points) and Tyson Demos (10 points) who were exceptional.
The Arrow Caravans & Towbars Brisbane Spartans will be aiming to take full advantage of their confidence boosting win when they take on Australia’s young guns from the AIS at the Rowland Cowan Basketball Stadium next Saturday night.
Ends email sdbal@bigpond.net.au www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au phone 3398 2790

Lady Spartans

The Rowland Cowan Basketball Stadium was the place to be on Saturday night with the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans putting the rest of the competition on notice, returning to form with recording impressive wins over the Nunawading Spectres.
The night started with the women’s game which seemed to be a tight match up with the Lady Spartans missing several stars and the Spectres boasting WNBL players Marianna Tolo and Carly Wilson.
However the Lady Spartans looked to get on top of the Spectres early quickly jumping out to a 7-0 lead and with the use of suffocating defence and the Lady Spartans shut down the Spectres playmakers and went into the first break up 17-10.
Returning from the quarter time break, the visitors, led by Marianna Tolo and Leah McCann appeared to match the intensity of the Lady Spartans and the Spectres only trailed the Spartans by 9 points after the first half.
In a scrappy third team which saw a combined 12 turnovers, both teams struggled to score with the quarter deadlocked at 11 points apiece and the Lady Spartans carrying a handy 9 point lead into the final quarter of the match.
With a 9 point lead and the support of a large and loud home crowd, the Lady Spartans always had the advantage over the visitors who gave in to the Lady Spartans heavy pressure defence and the Spectres leaked turnovers.
The home team took full advantage winning the quarter 30-9 and closing out the clash with a 75-45 victory in a match which returns the Lady Spartans to their Championship winning form of 2009.
“Knowing what players were pivotal to the visitors, we were able to execute our team rules and minimize their affect on the game” Lady Spartans head coach Donna Rinaldi offered.
Rachael Pryor and Natalie Purcell both recorded double-doubles with impressive figures of 18 points and 12 rebounds for Pryor while Purcell finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds and an honourable mention to the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans Captain Kate Willey who scored 12 points and 6 rebounds.
Rinaldi went on to praise her team’s performance saying “Kate Willey and Karli Currie showing their capabilities on the defensive end while Pryor and Smith were great with Pryor dominating the rebound. Also with Purcell finding her shooting form, it was an outstanding team performance.
The Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans take on the Ballarat Lady Miners in a round 11 clash this Saturday night at the Rowland Cowan Basketball Stadium.

Ends email sdbal@bigpond.net.au www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au phone 3398 2790

AIS Invite

26-05-10, 09:38

To All

Southern Districts Basketball Association men’s team the Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans this Saturday are playing the Australian Institute of Sport at 7:30pm at the Clem Jones Youth Centre.

We are inviting all juniors from all Associations to attend the game FREE. All they must do is role up wearing your/their Association representative dress shirt or uniform. This includes club and school teams from all Associations.

SDBAL wants to make available to all basketballer’s this once a year chance to see Australia’s best in action.

I ask that you pass on this invite to all members of your Association.

Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans are playing Ballarat Lady Miners at 6pm. Doors open at 5pm.

Allan Ladewig

General Manager

SDBAL

Lady Spartans

01-06-10, 14:09

THRILLER AT CARINA
WOMENS:
The Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartans quest to achieve back to back SEABL Championships is well on the way after recording another impressive victory in a thriller at the Rowland Cowan Basketball Stadium on Saturday night.
After handing the Nunawading Lady Spectres a flogging the previous week and the return of Opals star Emma Randall, the Lady Spartans were set for a tough match up with fellow competition heavyweights, the Ballarat Lady Miners.
The Lady Spartans ran into some powerful Ballarat defence to start the match, led by Kristy Rinaldi and Amy Lewis who forced turnovers and easy fast break points for the Lady Miners especially Lewis who scored 17 first half points.
The largest crowd of the season for the women were treated to the long awaited return of Emma Randall, who re-paid the fans by scoring on the opening play of her return but it was Lady Spartans’ Holly Smith who dominated inside the paint in the first half.
However the Lady Miners maintained a slight 40-33 lead after the first half.
Returning from the half-time break, the Lady Miners continued applying their tough defence and the Lady Spartans struggled to find a valid answer to the half court pressure from their opponents who finished the third term with a ten point lead, the largest lead of the game.
Entering the final quarter of the match, the Lady Spartans desperately needed an answer to the Lady Miners defence and they found the answer through young gun Mikhaela Donnelly and Karli Currie who helped the home team to a 12-2 run to open the quarter and tie up the scores at 65 all.
As the last minutes of the game clocked down and with the scores equal at 67-67 with 3:20 left, the home crowd erupted as Captain Kate Willey hit what turned out to be the game-winning three pointer as the Lady Spartans were victorious in a nail-biting 70-69 win over Ballarat.
Lady Spartans head coach Donna Rinaldi stated “I thought that we struggled against Ballarat’s aggressive defence in the first half as we lacked our team rules.” Rinaldi went on to add “We lifted the defensive pressure through Donnelly and Currie as we toughed it out to keep Ballarat to just six final quarter points and come away with a 1 point win.”
Rinaldi also said that Lady Spartans centre Holly Smith had her best game of the year.
The Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans will look to build on their momentum ahead of a road trip to play Knox and Sandringham.

landy

10-06-10, 16:26

This Sat nite Mens Spartans v Geelong will be livestreamed at 8.00pm. Go to www.courtlive.net and register early if not a member this season.

Boss Playa

20-06-10, 18:37

Just putting it out there - I don't think Roger Smith is getting it done for the Spartans men as coach. With the playing roster available I think they should be sitting better than just over .500. Not sure what's going on with Shaw, but Nash is getting overused in a big way. Good example last night getting ten minutes and giving nothing in return. He tries hard, but SEAB is out of his depth.

Spartans Take gold

22-06-10, 13:31

Spartans Steal the Gold

In one of the toughest games seen this year the Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans defeated the Ballarat Miners in a thriller on Saturday night in front of a loud home crowd.

Starting at a furious pace both teams traded basket for basket in the opening minutes with Drew Williamson leading the charge for the Spartans with great defence and unselfish passing. For the Miners imports and were causing a huge problem for the much smaller Spartans with former Gold Coast Blaze point guard giving the Spartans and crowd a lesson in outside shooting. At the first break Miners led by 4 points.

The second half was started at the same furious pace with the Miners through an aggressive up court trap forcing Rodger Smith, Head Coach, to rotate his bench quickly trying to catch the Miners out with a smaller but quicker team. Half way through the quarter things were starting to look bleak as Spartans trailed by 11 points until Tyson Demos stepped and led by example with Greg Vanderjagt starting to dominate the boards. The efforts of both saw a huge fight back that saw the Spartans only 6 points down the half time break.

Spartans captain, Ash Cannan, after the break led by example as he Vanderjagt and Williamson started to push the Miners off the boards allowing the smaller players to run. Spartans continued to share the ball around and closed the gap at three quarter time with scores tied.

With both teams needing the win to stay in the finals hunt no one was spared with all players throwing themselves at the ball and ach other. Vanderjagt was unstoppable inside and Cannan was not allowing anyone inside on the offensive boards. Both teams struggled to score until Demos through some great passing from Cox started get open. Ballarat forced to guard the outside man could no longer double team Vanderjagt and all of a sudden the Spartans has a 6 point lead with 2 minutes to go. Ballarat continued to fight back but with 15 seconds remaining were forced to foul Cox who went to the line to shoot free throws giving the Spartans an 4 point lead. One last offensive attack by the Miners saw Tyson demos stand his ground to take an agressive charge and the game was over with Spartans winning to .

Demos was later taken from the stadium to the Greenslopes Hospital for the injuries received from his brave stance. This win was so important for the Spartans as they now play the Albury Wodonga Bandits next Saturday night at home before travelling back to Victoria to play Bendigo and Geelong.

When asked about who was the MVP for the game Rodger Smith offered “Tonight we played as a team. We would not have won if not for Cox, Vanderjagt, Williamson, Cannan, Demos and our bench. This was what we want to be about. The Spartan team.”

In other news at the Carina Stadium the under 12 girls team coached by Ray Axam returned from the Australian Club Championship in Melbourne finishing fifth after winning the Queensland Championship playing all year undefeated.

This coming Saturday will also see the Queensland under 16 boys and girls teams introduced to the fans at half time of the Spartans men’s game. Both teams will be competing next week at the Australian Championships to be played at Logan.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au email sdbal@bigpond.net.au Phone 3398 2790

Gibson in Boomers squad

22-06-10, 16:03

Spartan star named to Boomers versus Argentian series

Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans star guard, Adam Gibson, has been named to the Australian boomers squad that will play Argentina later this year in a best of three series.

The squad was reduced to 15 players who will all be attending the Golden Star Boomers Camp in Perth from the 20th to the 24th June in preparation for the three game series tour against Argentina.

The team that will contest the World Challenge will be selected from the squad in camp after the series is completed.

Gibson will be joined by Patrick Mills who plays with the NBA Portland Trail Blazers as well as 2009 FIBA Oceania Championship players Mathew Dellavedova, Aron Baynes, and Damien Martin.

NBL stars Brad Newley, Joe Ingles along with Mark Worthington return also from the Beijing Olympics team.

Fellow Queenslander Stephen Weight, after a huge season in the NBL with Perth Wildcats also joins the squad as to Luke Nevill from the Melbourne Tigers.
Australian Men's Basketball Squad for Perth Camp

Patrick MILLS Guard / Portland Trail Blazers (US)
Adam GIBSON Guard / Gold Coast Blaze
Damian MARTIN Guard / Perth Wildcats
Jason CADEE Guard / Gold Coast Blaze
Steven MARKOVIC Guard / KK Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
Joe INGLES Forward / CB Granada (Spain)
Matthew DELLAVEDOVA Guard Mary's University (US)
Hugh GREENWOOD Guard / AIS
Brad NEWLEY Guard / Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania)
Stephen WEIGH Guard / Perth Wildcats
Mark WORTHINGTON Forward / Brose Baskets (Germany)
Ater MAJOK Forward / University of Connecticut (US)
Alex LOUGHTON Forward / Cairns Taipans
Aron BAYNES Centre / Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania)
Luke NEVILL Centre / Melbourne Tigers
ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au email sdbal@bigpond.net.au Phone 3398 2790

Gibbo makes Aussie Team

25-06-10, 11:11

BOOMERS ANNOUNCE TEAM TO TAKE ON ARGENTINA

Golden Star Australian Boomers Head Coach Brett Brown has earmarked Australian University Representative Ben Allen to make his Boomers debut alongside Olympians Patrick Mills, Brad Newley and Joe Ingles as the Boomers World Challenge tips off tomorrow night in Perth.

NBA power forward Nathan Jawai has also been named in the side which features six National Basketball League players, including 2009/10 NBL Champion Damian Martin and 2008/09 NBL Defensive Player of the Year Adam Gibson.

Young guards Jason Cadee and Hugh Greenwood return to the team after making their debuts last year while Cairns Taipan Alex Loughton will suit up in the green and gold for the first time since 2007.

Brown said the Australian team had a good mix of experience and up-and-coming talent.

“The group that we have is a combination of some veteran and core guys, and a good balance of youth,” Brown said.

“We want to win, no doubt about it. We put on the green and gold and we come to win. The big picture is trying to set the stage for what we want to get done in August and from a coaching perspective trying to see if the defence, particularly, is at a standard that we try to get to.”

Standing 216cm tall Melbourne Tigers recruit Luke Nevill will have a definite advantage on court, towering over the tallest of the Argentineans by 12cm; Pablo Orlietti and Diego Romero both boast a height of 204cm.

Brown said the team that Argentina had sent would be competitive, despite not bringing their NBA stars.

“It's a proud basketball nation (Argentina) and FIBA rates them No. 1 in the world for a bunch of different reasons. They have 54 million people in their country, have a strong domestic competition and even without their NBA guys, we expect them to be very competitive.”

The series tips off in Perth tomorrow night at 9.00pm AEST before heading to Melbourne for Game 2 on Sunday night at 6.00pm AEST and to Adelaide for the final fixture on Tuesday June 29 from 7.30pm AEST.

GOLDEN STAR BOOMERS TEAM FOR BOOMERS WORLD CHALLENGE
Name/Height/Age/Position/Club

Ben ALLEN / 211cm / 23 / Centre / Townsville Crocodiles
Jason CADEE / 185cm / 19 / Guard / Gold Coast Blaze
Adam GIBSON / 188cm / 23 / Guard / Southern Districts Spartans / Gold Coast Blaze
Hugh GREENWOOD/ 187cm / 18 / Guard / AIS
Joe INGLES/ 203cm / 22 / Forward / CB Granada (Spain)
Nathan JAWAI / 204cm / 23 / Centre/Forward / Minnesota Timberwolves (US)
Alex LOUGHTON/ 205cm / 27 / Forward / Cairns Taipans
Steven MARKOVIC/ 190cm / 25 / Guard / KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (Serbia)
Damian MARTIN/ 188cm / 25 / Guard / Perth Wildcats
Patrick MILLS/ 183cm / 21 / Guard / Portland Trail Blazers (US)
Luke NEVILL/ 216cm / 24 / Centre / Melbourne Tigers
Brad NEWLEY/ 198cm / 25 / Guard / Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania)

Head Coach: Brett Brown
Assistant Coach: Andrej Lemanis
Assistant Coach: Shane Heal
Doctor: Peter Harcourt
Physio: Steven Evans
Manager: Nic Mercer
Massage Therapist: Diana Glazer

Game Reviews

25-06-10, 11:15

HOBART vs CANBERRA
Friday 25th June – 8:00pm
The addition of Mark Nash to replace the injured Corey Davie has resurrected the Chargers season. Hobart recorded two wins on the road last round and moved back into fourth position. Coach Anthony Stewart made some drastic changes to his line-up with Mark Banovic providing offensive assistance off the bench which also seems to have made a difference.
GEELONG vs KNOX
Friday 25th June – 7:00pm
This is an important game for both teams as they both sit in third position in their respective conference and need to secure a win to keep their spot. Knox has a disappointing 3-5 road record this year and has not been successful against the Supercats at the Arena since 2005. League leading scorer CJ Massingale has struggled in past games at Geelong and only averages 16pts at the Arena.
NW TASMANIA vs CANBERRA
Saturday 26th June – 7:30pm
On paper NW Tasmania should win this game easily, but they can not be complacent during the game as the Gunners have the ability to secure the win.
FRANKSTON vs AIS
Saturday 26th June – 8:00pm
Andrew Harms is having a disappointing season, and scored 3pts last week against Hobart. It is the third time this season Harms has scored less than 5pts, which is a major concern for the Blues when they rely so heavily on his offensive output. AIS have a wealth of talented guards in their team and are sure to give Harms a test in the back court this week.
BRISBANE vs ALBURY/WODONGA
Saturday 26th June – 8:00pm
The Bandits travel to Brisbane this week hoping to end two different losing streaks. Albury/Wodonga are yet to secure a win in Queensland since the Spartans joined the competition and they are yet to record a victory on the road this season. The Bandits don’t play well on the road and it’s been 373 days since the Bandits last secured a road win in the SEABL.
KNOX vs DANDENONG
Saturday 26th June – 7:00pm
The battle in the paint between Raiders Lester Strong and Rangers Luke Fitzgerald is sure to have an impact on this game. Both players provide valuable production for their respective teams and will need to produce a MVP performance to get their team over the line. Raiders John Philip was the standout player last week against NW Tasmania and his match-up with Brent Hobba is sure to entertain the large crowd also.
KILSYTH vs NUNAWADING
Saturday 26th June – 8:15pm
Nunawading are the inform team of the league at present, and coach Craig Simpson will be keen to improve on their notable six game winning streak. Kilsyth have been struggling offensively in recent weeks, averaging 70pts a game, largely due to the fact athletic import Fernandez Lockett has only averaged 9pts in those three games. He is a major player for the Cobras and needs to lift his offensive output this week for the Cobras to be successful.
NUNAWADING vs AIS
Sunday 27th June – 12:30pm
This is the last game of the 2010 season for the AIS youngsters, and they will be hoping to finish the season with a victory. Nunawading will have other ideas as they will be keen to continue their impressive recent form and pressure the Sabres for the top position.
SANDRINGHAM vs BALLARAT
Sunday 27th June – 1:00pm
After a tough match the previous night, the Sabres will be hoping to have some fresh legs available to match it with the athletic and fast paced Miners line-up. Miners will be without Coach Guy Molloy due to Australian U/17 commitments leaving the team under the guidance of 2006 Coach of the Year Paul Todorovic.

BENDIGO vs SANDRINGHAM
Saturday 26th June – 6:00pm
Sandringham needs to rely on all teams above them to lose for them to make finals this season. Bendigo sit in fifth position, but need to secure the win this week otherwise they could fall behind in the chance for a top four placing and a home final. The battle in the paint between Sabres Cayla Francis and Lady Braves Gab Richards is sure to entertain the large crowd as both give pivotal input to their team’s success.
BRISBANE vs ALBURY/WODONGA
Saturday 26th June – 6:00pm
Brisbane showed how dominant they can be with a full squad last week, defeating Hobart by 24pts. The frontcourt trio of Smith, Randall and Pryor is going to trouble many opposition teams and the Lady Bandits will struggle this week. Lisa Wallbutton hasn’t been a dominant threat this season and will need to produce a MVP calibre performance against the Lady Spartans this week if Albury/Wodonga are to be victorious.
KILSYTH vs NUNAWADING
Saturday 26th June – 6:15pm
Nunawading have nine games left and need to win all games to have any hope of making the finals. The Spectres will be without Tolo and Wilson for three weeks after this round due to Opals commitments and therefore if they don’t win this week their finals aspirations are over. .
.
LAUNCESTON vs BALLARAT
Saturday 26th June – 7:30pm
Cambage only played one game on the weekend as she prepares for a tough three week tour with the Australian Opals starting next week, so her availability this week is unknown at this stage. Lady Miners have a quality frontcourt with Ashby and Jarry, but they couldn’t contain Cambage’s presence in rd2. The Tornadoes also have offensive threats in Milner, Glaubitz and unsung hero Sarah Parsons.
NUNAWADING vs FRANKSTON
Sunday 27th June – 2:30pm
Frankston have struggled badly since the injury of New Zealander Jessica McCormack. With coach Marissa Fillipou deciding not to replace her, the Lady Blues have been dominated on the glass and are the second worse rebounding team in the competition. This week they come up against an Australian Opal in Mariana Tolo, who is the sixth best rebounder in the league with 10.6 per game.
HOBART vs BALLARAT
Sunday 27th June – 1:00pm
Lady Chargers Jessica Kern hasn’t been the quality player they expected this season. Kern ranks third in turnovers per game with 5.4 per game, which is not what a team would expect from their import. Rhonda Price needs some offensive assistance for the Lady Chargers to be successful and Kern is the player that needs to step up and provide that offence and show leadership to the young improving local content

darkjedi

26-06-10, 01:38

HOBART vs CANBERRA
Friday 25th June – 8:00pm

Caught the last quarter of this tonight after being told the Chargers were in town. Wasn't bad, but Canberra was trailling by 20pts when I got there and never got much closer. My first look at the local SEABL guys and didn't disapoint - here's to getting along to more games.

Spartans steal the wins

28-06-10, 15:22

Spartans Steal a Win from Bandits

The Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans continued the climb up the South East Australian Basketball League ladder this week by defeating the Albury Wodonga bandits on Saturday night at the Clem Jones Youth Centre.

Starting at a furious pace the game was everything the fans were expecting with the Bandits led by Payne, 28 points, shooting at a high percentage from the three point line.

Not to be out done Tyson Demos led the way for the Spartans with some great passing and shooting that saw the Bandits forced to come out of a zone and try and match up with the Spartans big men.

Once they did Ash Cannan showed the crowd why he was named to the Australian SEABL team as captain with a great shooting display and even greater passing. Cannan led all scorers with 24 points in the game while also amassing 13 rebounds to be named MVP for the game.

After an even first quarter the Spartans continued to move ahead with complete control of the boards at both ends. Finals score 108 to 77.

This week the team travels to Geelong and Bendigo in must win games to ensure they will make the finals.

“We are finally starting to play as a unit” offered head Coach, Rodger Smith. “The efforts off the bench from Matty Edmonds and Jeff Morton was great. When these two get involved we are always going to win. I am also really happy with what drew Williamson is bringing to the team with his leadership and defensive efforts”.

In the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans game Emma Randall put on a show for the fans as she played both inside and outside to lead the team to a 81 to 59 win over the Lady Bandits.

“Emma is everything that we hoped she would be” Charles Ellis offered when talking to the membership after the game. “Her efforts working with our young players is really starting to show and I hope she will be involved here for a long time to come”.

The Lady Spartans also enjoyed a return to form from local legend Holly Smith, who continues to astound everyone, with her ability to get to the basket.

The Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans are one of the biggest teams in the competition with Natalie Purcell, Emma Randall, Rachel Pryor, Holly Smith with Kristen Veal running the point. Captain Kate Willey is currently out injured along side former Australian junior Rebecca Shatz.

“The fact that we are so big makes other teams alter normal line ups trying to match us” Head Coach, Donna Rinaldi stated. “With Karli Currie and Mikhaela Donnelly coming off the bench we also become very fast and aggressive”.

The Lady Spartans travel to Bendigo and Ballarat this week-end before returning to play Kilsyth Cobras, on Saturday the 10th July, in a must win game as the finals approaches.

ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au email sdbal@bigpond.net.au phone 3398 2790

Weekend results

28-06-10, 16:54

THURSDAY 24th JUNE
AIS 78 (Creek 19, Thomas 17)
Lost to
NW TASMANIA 92 (Gary 51, Martin 17)
Gary shot an amazing game-high of 51 points to almost single handedly lead the Thunder to victory. Gary, and the Thunder, started the match in a blaze of glory, taking a commanding 30-14 quarter-time. The AIS got back into the match reducing the deficit to nine points at the main break. But then, Gary started to fire up to deny the AIS offence any second chances as the Thunder's lead stretched out.
MVP – Shawntes Gary (NW Tasmania)
FRIDAY 25th JUNE
MT GAMBIER 84 (Rice 22, Burdon 17)
def
BALLARAT 73 (Reed 23, Joyce 11, Brown 11)
MVP – Matt Sutton (Mt Gambier)
GEELONG 100 (Herbert 28, Owusu 22)
def
KNOX 99 (Hill 27, Philip 18)
In a high scoring affair, the Raiders got the early jump on the home side and led it by three points at the end of the first quarter. The Supercats erased the three point deficit by half-time. The Raiders opened up a nine point advantage but a quick 8-0 run by the Supercats shifted the momentum back to the home side. The Raiders closed out the third well and established a four point advantage going into the final quarter but the Supercats poured in a game winning 30 points in the fourth to win the game.
MVP – Nick Owusu (Geelong)
HOBART 91 (Polk 19, Long 17)
def
CANBERRA 74 (Todorovski 20, Miller 16)
MVP – Anthony Stewart (Hobart)
SATURDAY 26th JUNE
FRANKSTON 88 (Harms 22, Briggs 19)
def
AIS 77 (Aldridge 30, Creek 15)
AIS played well for the first two quarters and held an 8pt lead with nearly 7mins remaining in the third term. Bill Runchey called a timeout and the Blues came out a different team lmproving their defence and outscored the AIS in the second half to secure the win.
MVP – Jackson Aldridge (AIS)
BENDIGO 82 (Meyer 20, McFarlin 19)
Lost to
SANDRINGHAM 86 (Crosswell 26, Dillon 20)
In a match marked by many momentum swings, Bendigo finished the half with a three-pointer by Hogan to lead 48-44 at the break. It was basket-for-basket throughout the third term. Sabres’ guards Crosswell and Dillon cut through Bendigo’s defence to score consecutive points and by the start of the last, Sandringham led 75-66. Bendigo made a brilliant start in the fourth with an eight-nil run, but the Sabres scored five unanswered points as the Braves missed several attempts.
MVP – Nathan Crosswell (Sandringham)
BRISBANE 108 (Cannan 24, Demos 22)
def
ALBURY/WODONGA 77 (Payne 28, Gabbidon 18)
Spartans grabbed control of the game late in the first quarter as they scored 14pts to the Bandits 5 to finish the quarter. Brisbane extended their led further in the second after outscoring the Bandits by 8pts. Ash Cannan was dominating inside the paint at both ends of the floor and was a catalyst in the Spartans 30-18 last quarter.
MVP – Ash Cannan (Brisbane)
NW TASMANIA 87 (Gary 24, Dowdell 23)
def
CANBERRA 80 (Richardson 22, Miller 18)
The Thunder threatened to blow the game apart in the first quarter as the lead tipped over 10 points. Canberra fought back hard in the second, out- scoring the Thunder to close the gap to just six at the long break. Dowdell, Martin and Gary were a force inside and were the main avenues of scoring. Richardson and Miller were among Canberra's best and were true leaders on the court.
MVP – Jeff Dowdell (NW Tasmania)
KNOX 94 (Massingale 27, Philip 17)
def
DANDENONG 80 (Fitzgerald 24, D Campbell 15)
The Raiders jumped out to an early 27-18 lead by the end of the fist quarter. The Raiders continued their hot shooting in the second quarter, scoring a further 27pts and keeping the Rangers to just 16pts to hold a commanding 20pt lead by the main break. Turnovers plagued the Raiders in the second half as the home side committed 13 to help keep the Rangers in the game. A 43-40 rebounding count in favour of the Raiders helped negate the lopsided turnover count as the Rangers couldn’t get the lead back under double figures.
MVP – CJ Massingale (Knox)
KILSYTH 68 (Henderson 14, Lockett 14)
Lost to
NUNAWADING 81 (McDonald 17, Williams 17)
MVP – Shane McDonald (Nunawading)
SUNDAY 27th JUNE
NUNAWADING 80 (Cameron 18, Greer 12, Hicks 12)
def
AIS 75 (Aldridge 23, Drmic 22)
Nunawading dominated the second and third quarters to set up a comfortable 71-54. AIS fought hard in the last quarter lifting their defensive intensity to limit the Spectres to only 9pts and reduced the margin to a respectable 5pts.
MVP – Jackson Aldridge (AIS)
SANDRINGHAM 85 (Moore 23, Garlepp 22)
def
BALLARAT 77 (Naqqash 18, Brown 18)
MVP – David Moore (Sandringham)
“Australia’s Premier Winter Basketball League”

SATURDAY 26th JUNE
BRISBANE 81 (Randall 20, Smith 19)
def
ALBURY/WODONGA 59 (Wallbutton 21, Duck 10)
World Championship Opal Emma Randall seems to have overcome her foot injury, as she dominated the Lady Bandits this weekend to guide the Spartans to a comfortable victory. The inside presence of Randall, Purcell, Smith and Pryor was to much for Albury/Wodonga as Brisbane outscored them 32-16 from inside the paint.
MVP – Emma Randall (Brisbane)
BENDIGO 78 (Hibbert 15, K Wilson 15)
Lost to
SANDRINGHAM 90 (Hunt 28, Camino 27)
Sandringham dominated for most of the game. In the key or from the three-point arc, Hunt, Camino and Francis dominated for the Sabres as they scored 28, 27 and 20 points respectively. The Sabres surged to a 20-point lead in the last quarter before the Braves added eight unanswered points in less than a minute. Sandringham soon regained control and went on to score the victory.
MVP – Nicole Hunt (Sandringham)
KNOX 77 (Graham 21, Denson 16)
Lost to
DANDENONG 81 (Cumming 19, Anderson 13)
The Raiders dominated the opening ten minutes of play, shooting out-rebounding their opponents to cement an early 24-13 lead. The Rangers went on an 8-1 run to start the second quarter and the margin was cut to just four half way through the term. Sarah Graham caught fire, scoring 13 points in just four minutes of action to push the Raiders lead out to a commanding 16 point advantage by half-time. A 19-6 Rangers run to end the term saw the lead whittled down to just four points. The Rangers Faith Probst came up with eight points for the term and helped the Rangers extend their winning streak to 13.
MVP – Stephanie Cumming & Faith Probst (Dandenong)
KILSYTH 75 (Kerr 16, Manou 14, O’Shea 14)
Lost to
NUNAWADING 83 (Wilson 32, Tolo 17)
Carly Wilson guided her Spectres to a surprising victory with 32pts and kept Nunawading in the race for a finals berth. The Spectres dominated the first three quarters and held a 21pt lead with a quarter to play. Having committed 16 turnovers in the first three quarters, the Lady Cobras improved at the offensive end in the fourth to score 35pts and only had 1 turnover, but could not bridge the margin.
MVP – Carly Wilson (Nunawading)
LAUNCESTON 79 (Cambage 22, Milner 11)
def
BALLARAT 59 (Jarry 19, Lewis 12)
Ballarat produced a solid defensive job on Australian Opal Liz Cambage, and seemed to be in control of the match. However once again the Lady Miners struggled in the last quarter scoring 8pts for the quarter and Launceston scored 27 to steal the victory.
MVP – Sharin Milner (Launceston)
SUNDAY 27th JUNE
HOBART 56 (Kern 13, Rolls 12)
Lost to
BALLARAT 90 (Jarry 24, Ashby 12)
With the Lady Chargers leading scorer and rebounder Rhonda Price walking off the court and refusing to play early in the third term enabled Ballarat to secure a comfortable win. Hobart trailed by 12 at the half but the Lady Miners scored 48pts in the second half as the Lady Chargers struggled on offence and committed uncostly turnovers.
MVP – Rachel Jarry (Ballarat)
NUNAWADING 58 (Tolo 27, Wilson 13)
def
FRANKSTON 44 (Lovelace 18, Dombkins 12)
Nunawading were in control of the match from the tip-off despite only leading by 1pt at quarter time. Wilson and Tolo scored all of the Spectres 14pts in the second term to extended their led to 7pts. Tolo was dominating at both ends of the floor as she secured 4blks and 11rebs for the game and helped Nunawading increase their led throughout the second half.
MVP – Mariana Tolo (Nunawading)
LADDER
P

Lady Spartans on road

30-06-10, 13:54

SEABL WOMEN GAME OF THE WEEK

BENDIGO vs BRISBANE

Saturday 3rd July – 6:00pm @ Bendigo Stadium

Lady Braves coach Lukas Carey put a Championship quality team loaded with WNBL experience together in the off-season but so far this season has been disappointing. They currently sit in fifth position with a 10-6 season record but could fall out of the top six if they lose. Carey has a starting five in Richards, King, Wilson, Chalmers and Hibbert that all have 100+ games experience in the WNBL, and has the luxury of having Haring and Strange coming off the bench. The Lady Braves are loaded with talent but they have been struggling to produce at the offensive end averaging a sixth league best 74pts a game.

2009 MVP Kelly Wilson has not been as productive this season averaging 14.9pts this season, which is 8pts less than last year. Wilson is averaging less rebounds, assists, and steals than last year and is unlikely to be in the top 10 MVP vote getters this season. Wilson will be up against one of the best guards in the league this week in Kristen Veal. With her tenacious defence and never say die attitude Kristen has the ability to stop any player. Kelly Wilson will need to be at her best this week to lift the Lady Braves to victory.

Brisbane Lady Spartans lost 50-63 in rd8, but have since added Australian Opal World Champion Emma Randall to the team. Her presence gives Brisbane a formidable frontcourt trio with Holly Smith and Rachel Pryor that will be able to contain Lady Braves Gab Richards who scorched Brisbane for 19pts, 13rebs and 3blks earlier this year.

Our Tip – Lady Spartans by 5

Week 16 review

30-06-10, 13:58

HOBART vs SANDRINGHAM
Friday 2nd July – 8:00pm
Sandringham could be without star centre Simon Conn for the road trip in Tasmania this week but coach Vince Crivelli is not worried. Sandringham is 2-0 without Conn this season and confident they can still beat Hobart without him. The Chargers are an improved team with veteran Mark Nash in the paint, and his addition could be the difference in the game.
GEELONG vs BRISBANE
Friday 2nd July – 7:30pm
Herbert guided the Supercats to a comfortable 18pt victory over Brisbane three weeks ago and is in fine form at the moment. Herbert is averaging 30.3pts in his past three games and is a crucial member of Supercats team. His productivity will need to be contained by the Spartans if they are to secure the crucial road win.
MT GAMBIER vs FRANKSTON
Friday 2nd July – 8:00pm
Both teams are unlikely to make finals this year, but that won’t stop them from trying to grab the win. The Pioneers surprised the competition in rd1 with a 7pt victory over the Blues, and with home court advantage this week will be confident of securing the clean sweep against Frankston for the first time in club history.
NW TASMANIA vs SANDRINGHAM
Saturday 3rd July – 7:30pm
Sandringham is a quality defensive team, and has the talent in their squad to contain scoring machine Shawntes Gary. Crivelli is likely to throw a number of different defensive options at Gary to inhibit his shooting prowess. Dillon, Crosswell, White and Moore are all exceptional defenders, and fully capable of the task at hand.
CANBERRA vs DANDENONG
Saturday 3rd July – 7:30pm
Canberra is 0-10 against fellow East Conference teams, and due for a victory this week. The Gunners have shown signs of promise in recent weeks but have been unable to get across the line. .
BENDIGO vs BRISBANE
Saturday 3rd July – 8:00pm
Bendigo is on a two game losing streak and in danger of losing their firm grip on first place in the conference. Losses against first and second in the South (Sandringham & Nunawading) in recent weeks have put question marks on the Braves championship aspirations. Brisbane will be without Boomers Adam Gibson again this week, but are on a two game winning streak and keen to record the win. Meyer and McFarlin dominated for the Braves in their 2pt victory in rd8, so the Spartans will be keen to contain their efforts at the offensive end.
ALBURY/WODONGA vs GEELONG
Saturday 3rd July – 7:30pm
Although the Supercats sit in third position, their top four placing is not guaranteed and they need to win every game to increase their chances. Albury/Wodonga are not in finals contention but have shown this season they are not to be taken lightly having beaten two finals bound teams (Hobart and Ballarat) at home this season.
KNOX vs MT GAMBIER
Sunday 4th July – 2:00pm
This is the only match between the two teams this season, and although they are in different conferences a victory is vital for both teams. Knox will be coming off a brutal local rivalry game with Kilsyth the previous night and may be tired, giving the Pioneers a chance.

Boss Playa

04-07-10, 15:37

Split Road Trip

05-07-10, 12:24

Spartans Split Road Trip

The Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans big three Cannan, Williamson and Demos sent shudders through the South East Australian Basketball League with outstanding performances as the Spartans split the Victorian country double losing to Geelong and then defeating top of the table Bendigo on the weekend.

“It is expected that most teams will lose on the road in this competition, given that all teams are so strong and on this trip we were playing the top two teams so no one expected us to win either” offered head coach, Rodger Smith. “The boys just kept fighting and if the Geelong game had gone another ten seconds longer I have no doubt we would have gotten across the line”.

On Friday night the Spartans jumped Geelong and went to an eight point lead at quarter time only to see the Supercats bounce back in the second. At half time the Spartans were leading by 62 to 59.

The third quarter saw the Spartans find something extra heading into the final quarter by six points. Fatigue hit the Spartans in the last quarter as Herbert came to life and in a seesawing final three minutes the Supercats hit the lead at he right time.

Drew Williamson led all scorers with 20 points backed up with 8 assists in a MVP performance with Cannan (16) and Demos (19) chipping in. Big man Greg Vanderjagt controlled the boards through his 12 rebounds and 2 blocks.

On Saturday night the Spartans again jumped to an early lead against top team Bendigo through the efforts of Williamson and Cannan leading by example.

Smith in praising the team in an after game interview stated “I am amazed at how these two players just keep going. Vandy was as always and Tyson is like an energiser bunny with his defensive efforts but Drew and Ash are our heart and sole. I am proud of what we are becoming as a team”.

The Spartans kept the pressure on the Braves in the second quarter taking a 14 point (51-37) lead into the big break. The enormity of the road trip hit in the third quarter with Bendigo throwing everything at the Spartans with import Luke Meyer coming to play. True to Smith’s praise Cannan and Williamson stood the ground and picked up late points to surrender the quarter by only three points.

The final quarter saw the Bendigo fans out of their seats as the home team, with a full court press, push the leg weary Spartans around. Urged on by the bench the Spartans stayed in control and through some great individual efforts from Demos and Cannan steadied to win 98 to 91 in a hue lift to the Spartans finals hopes as the season comes to a close.

This Friday night the Spartans play at home at 7pm against the Kilsyth Cobras in a must win game. They then will play Canberra on Saturday night at 8pm. The Spartans are currently sitting fourth on the South East Australian Basketball League with a lose in either game potentially pushing them out of finals contention for the first time ever.

ENDS email sdbal@bigpond.net.au Phone 3398 2790

www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au

Brave loss in overtime

In a devastating lose the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans went down on Saturday night to the Victorian powerhouse Bendigo Lady Braves by 2 points in over time in Bendigo.

The Lady Spartans led by Kristen Veal who scored 22 points for the game, leading by example, led at the first break by 8 points through great defence only to see the lead taken back in the second quarter.

“The Lady Braves are basically a Womens National League program and have some great players in Wilson (23 points) and Richards (21 points) who are used to playing under pressure” offered Donna Rinaldi, Head coach. “It is hard for us to fly down on the morning of the game and then drive for two hours as far as game preparation goes but we need to do these things if we are to be there at seasons end. The Association has given us every chance with the team they have assembled and now it is up to us to step up as the season comes to an end’.

The Lady Spartans after the long break increased the game pace and played with much greater pressure to take the lead 56 to 50 again through the efforts of Veal with great support by Holly Smith. The last quarter saw the two teams tied with extra time taken which saw the Lady Braves scoring from outside to win 77 to 75.

The Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans this week take on top of the ladder Kilsyth on Saturday night at 6pm at the Clem Jones Youth Centre. They must win to finish the season in the top four which will ensure a finals game in Brisbane.

ENDS email sdbal@bigpond.net.au Phone 3398 2790

www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au

Double Header

06-07-10, 10:34

Reminder double header this Friday (9th) & Saturday (10th) for SEABL.

Friday 7pm Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans versus Kilsyth

Saturday 6pm Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans versus Kilsyth
8pm Arrow Cravan & Towbar spartans versus Canberra

Unregistered

06-07-10, 16:30

Not to harp on, but Nash Allsop another unremarkable game for the Spartans. Played 30 minutes and only put up 4 points and 3 dimes. Shaw only got 12 minutes for little return. Is Coach Roger Smith seeing something I'm not? Spartans won though.

Boss Playa, you make me sick, all you do is put people down and remark at how bad someone performs. When do you give credit...

I don't know Nash Allsopp from a bottle of sauce but maybe he was carrying and injury, maybe he did 10 team things that led to baskets. Maybe he would've had a dozen dimes if his team mates hit shots.

Give up on the negativity & get a life pal.

Week 17 reviews

08-07-10, 13:41

SEABL MEN GAME OF THE WEEK
NUNAWADING vs SANDRINGHAM
Saturday 10th July – 8:30pm @ Nunawading Stadium
Can anyone stop the juggernaut otherwise known as the Nunawading Spectres? The Spectres have not lost a game since 30th April when they went down by 6 points to the Chargers in Hobart. Nunawading are on a 9 game winning streak. The best streak the Spectres have ever had was in 2004 when they also got to 9 wins in a row. That year the streak ended at the Conference Grand Final where they lost by 22 points to Dandenong.
Sandringham will come into this game with some very weary bodies, they will be on the last game of a 6 game in 14 days stretch where they have, at the time of writing, defeated Bendigo and Ballarat and suffered losses on the Tassie double last weekend.
Regardless of the result on Thursday night both teams will be playing for the top position in the South Conference. It has been a great off court and on court performance by the Spectres this year to completely turn their program around. New administration has seen Nunawading transform season 2009’s 8 win and 19 loss season into Championship favouritism.
The Sabres will be sweating on the fitness of Simon Conn to be available for the clash. Simon has missed the last 5 games with a foot injury and the Sabres form has fluctuated during his absence. The plus out of Simon’s injury has been the form of Tom Garlepp, Kye Patrick and David Moore who have had to shoulder the extra responsibilities during Conn’s recovery. With Conn out of the team Garlepp has lifted his scoring average from 16.5 to 19.8ppg, Patrick has nearly doubled his average from 5.7 to 10.2 and Moore has lifted from 8.5 to 11.8. Coach Crivelli would be very pleased with the trio’s improvement and with the return of Conn to the line-up the Sabres have great depth in their front court.
Statistically not much separates the two teams

Points scored per game Nunawading 83 Sandringham 84

Points against per game Nunawading 78 Sandringham 77

Rebounds per game Nunawading 38 Sandringham 36

Assists per game Nunawading 14 Sandringham 15

Turnovers per game Nunawading 11 Sandringham 13
The potential match ups will be well worth the entry price. Arguably the Leagues premier point guards Nathan Crosswell and Shane McDonald go at it. Daniel Dillon will find his scoring opportunities restricted when he comes up against defensive stopper Tom Greer. New import Eric Williams will need all his athleticism to counter the equally athletic Tom Garlepp and the big man battle between Chris Cameron and Simon Conn or Kye Patrick will go a long way to determining the outcome.
Nunawading go into the clash following a 10 day rest since their last game and the Sabres are backing up after their game tomorrow night. At this time of the season and so much riding on every game between now and season end fitness cannot be used as an excuse, getting healthy bodies onto the court is most important and managing the players to be at their peak fitness at the right end of the season will be the key. This game will be a test of each team’s depth and capacity to cover for players who might not be as fully fit as we are lead to believe
Our Tip – Nunawading by 8
SANDRINGHAM vs GEELONG
Thursday 8th July – 7:30pm
Sabres coach Vince Crivelli has a number of injury issues to contend with this week after a disappointing 0-2 weekend in Tasmania. Two more losses this weekend and the Sabres will drop to second place and surrender the number one position which they have held since rd10. Sabres will need Dillon, Conn and Moore in uniform for a very important weekend of basketball.
BRISBANE vs KILSYTH
Friday 9th July – 7:00pm
Both teams final ladder position is still unknown after mixed results in previous weeks. Brisbane return home this week after an unlucky 1-1 result in Victoria last round. Kilsyth returned to the winners circle with two wins and is in contention for top position. Import Fernandez Lockett returned to form last week and will need to produce another fine effort against Spartans Ash Cannan this week for the Cobras to win.
SEABL MEN MID WEEK PREVIEWS
WEEK 17
“Australia’s Premier Winter Basketball League”
HOBART vs KNOX
Friday 9th July – 8:00pm
Both teams sit in fourth position on their respective ladders, but could move up with a win, but could also drop outside the four if they lose. Hobart is on a four game winning streak, thanks largely to the addition of veteran Mark Nash on injury waiver. His battle with talented Raider John Philip is sure to have an impact on the games final outcome.
CANBERRA vs BALLARAT
Friday 9th July – 7:30pm
Ballarat’s finals aspirations could disappear this week should they drop a vital match in the Nations Capital this week. The Miners will be without coach Guy Molloy again this week, but with a top four position at stake are sure to put in a fine display of team basketball.
BENDIGO vs MT GAMBIER
Friday 9th July – 8:00pm
After three successive losses at home the Braves are in danger of losing top position in the East. However should they win both games this week they can gain some breathing space on the teams below them. Mt Gambier are out of the finals picture but will be eager to have a say in the final make-up of team positions by defeating a title contender.
NW TASMANIA vs KNOX
Saturday 10th July – 7:30pm
This game is sure to be a high scoring affair with the leagues two best scorers putting on a display for the fans. Knox Raiders CJ Massingale leads the league in scoring, but will need to produce a solid defensive effort this week against Thunder import Shawntes Gary who is averaging 35pts in his past three games.
DANDENONG vs BENDIGO
Saturday 10th July – 7:00pm
Should Dandenong produce the unlikely victory this week, it will keep them in the finals picture and also scare the teams above them. New coach Andrew Sherwell has had a few weeks in charge since taking over the team and keen to avenge the 21pt defeat in rd7. McFarlin and Tanner dominated this game, but Rangers import Luke Fitzgerald is in fine form of late averaging 21.6pts and 9.4rebs in his past five games.
ALBURY/WODONGA vs FRANKSTON
Saturday 10th July – 8:00pm
Both teams are out of the finals picture but have an intense rivalry dating back to the 2001 East Conference Grand Final. Frankston has secured 7 wins at Albury Stadium since losing the 2001 Grand Final, but have struggled this season and enter the match on a two game losing streak. Albury/Wodonga have had a poor season also and with only two more home games will be keen to produce a win in front of their home town fans.
BRISBANE vs CANBERRA
Saturday 10th July – 8:00pm
Two home wins this weekend and the Spartans could be in contention for top position. Despite losing Adam Gibson to the Australian Boomers, off season recruits Alex Cox and Michael Shaw are providing Brisbane with productivity assistance off the bench. Williamson and Demos have also increased their offensive numbers in recent weeks, and will be keen to improve their home record this season to 7-4 after the weekend.
Eric Williams

Call to Arms

08-07-10, 13:51

SEABL ANNOUNCES CALL TO ARMS THEME ROUND
The South East Australian Basketball League is pleased to announce that the round 19 championship fixtures between July 22 and July 25 will now be promoted as the Call to Arms theme round.

Call to Arms is a Cancer Council campaign that aims to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer in men. The campaign started when Essendon Football Club wore yellow armbands in a show of support for teammate Adam Ramanauskas who was undergoing intensive cancer treatment at that time. Adam made a remarkable recovery that culminated a return to elite level sport. Players of all sporting codes now wear yellow armbands for a Call To Arms match in July for the one in two men who will be diagnosed with cancer by age 85.

The concept has since grown, and SEABL was approached this year by Cancer Council, asking the League if there was some way in which it might be able to host or promote the Call to Arms campaign in anyway.

SEABL General Manager Mark Chivers said that earlier this year the League realised there was no competition-wide approach to supporting causes such as this. “We were aware that some clubs had supported local charities, or had supported causes like the National Breast Cancer Foundation for one of their home games, but we had never put in place a strategy to support and promote a charity on a League-wide basis.”

Mr Chivers went on to say that the theme round idea was a first for SEABL. “We were looking for an opportunity such as this, so it was a fortunate coincidence that Cancer Council came to us when they did. This is the first time we have embarked on a competition wide campaign, and we see it as a great opportunity to unite the League behind a good cause.”

After Cancer Council approached SEABL, clubs were asked by the League if they would endorse the concept. Unanimously the idea was approved, and clubs are now in the early stages of promoting the theme round.

Mr Chivers then suggested that while the League had been involved in the conception of the theme round, it was down to the clubs that were hosting fixtures on the day to implement any actual activities. “The clubs have been provided with information from Cancer Council on ideas about what they can do on the day to promote the event, and the League will also promote the round. But we are not demanding that all clubs do any mandatory activities. Rather the League will offer full support and encouragement where it can so that the clubs can to come up with something exciting.”

Cancer Council spokesperson, Ms Irene Manitta, was similarly pleased with how events had transpired. “SEABL have been very supportive and enthusiastic from the start about Call To Arms, which is fantastic. The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness and funds to help fight cancer in men. All donations will be channelled into life-saving research, prevention programs and support services for men facing cancer, and their family and friends.”

So what can spectators expect to see when they turn up to the Call to Arms theme round? Ms Manitta outlined some possibilities. “Clubs can do a whole variety of things. They could hold a kicking competition at half-time or during a time out. They could auction donated items or collect donations at their club or on match day. Players can wear yellow armbands as a show of support for men facing cancer, or warm-up shirts on the day. And courtside announcers can make reference to the cause during the game.”

For more Information, contact:

Ed Reddin

Media and Communications Officer

South East Australian Basketball League

(03) 9521 9545

0438 447 244

media@seabl.com.au

Boss Playa

08-07-10, 21:52

Boss Playa, you make me sick, all you do is put people down and remark at how bad someone performs. When do you give credit...

I don't know Nash Allsopp from a bottle of sauce but maybe he was carrying and injury, maybe he did 10 team things that led to baskets. Maybe he would've had a dozen dimes if his team mates hit shots.

Give up on the negativity & get a life pal.

Ouch, sounds like you're Nash's mum ????

I asked a very legitimate question as to why Roger is playing Nash so much when he has more proven arsenal getting splinters in their backside.

Stats don't lie. Over the season, Nash would go close to being the most uneffective player in the comp. 16 games and he's averaging 2 points and not even one assist, that's pretty poor for a point guard. Only two steals for the entire season too. Hardly something to applaud for a player who runs just under a half game.

I await your logical reply.

Spartans Development 2011

09-07-10, 13:50

Spartans are calling for interested players (male and female) looking to be involved in our 2010/2011 "underpinning SEABL squads". You must email sdbal@bigpond.net.au to get a formal invite. No walk on's allowed. Players advised by email when and where (late July).

The squads will be coached by coaching staff from the 2011 SEABL program with the intention for the teams to play in the GBL Gold Division in coming season.

We will not be playing under 20 or D League preferring to focus on the GBL as a development league for players with potential who want to be involved in SEABL in coming years. Players will have to commit to training every week plus playing in Monday night or junior competitions conducted and managed by SDBAL.

Positions will be limited with trials being held. Players from other Associations are welcome to try out.

SDBAL has some definate plans for programs in 2011 and this will be only way you can access the program other then a personal invite from SEABL coaching staff.

Anyone interested can apply but must do so by email to above address.

Allan Ladewig
General Manager
SDBAL

Unregistered

11-07-10, 08:55

Not to harp on, but Nash Allsop another unremarkable game for the Spartans. Played 30 minutes and only put up 4 points and 3 dimes. Shaw only got 12 minutes for little return. Is Coach Roger Smith seeing something I'm not? Spartans won though.
Think you got the point with your last line mate. PG plays 30 mins and the team wins without his scoring? Yep, reckon Rog knows something about what he wants in his PG. If he told Nash to go and score he would do that too.

ex Nash coach and fan

11-07-10, 09:06

Ouch, sounds like you're Nash's mum ????

I asked a very legitimate question as to why Roger is playing Nash so much when he has more proven arsenal getting splinters in their backside.

Stats don't lie. Over the season, Nash would go close to being the most uneffective player in the comp. 16 games and he's averaging 2 points and not even one assist, that's pretty poor for a point guard. Only two steals for the entire season too. Hardly something to applaud for a player who runs just under a half game.

I await your logical reply.
ignorant crap like this doesnt get a logical reply so ... if your splinter arsed love child from the bench is so farken good why not both of you go front Rog, tell him how good your boy is, how shit Nash is and how Rog doesnt know whats what with the team hes coaching? Ever since Ive known the kid Nash has enjoyed a reputation amongst players as the pg that makes all around him better. That stuff doesnt always show on your stats sheet.

Boss Playa

11-07-10, 13:35

Think you got the point with your last line mate. PG plays 30 mins and the team wins without his scoring? Yep, reckon Rog knows something about what he wants in his PG. If he told Nash to go and score he would do that too.

Problem is, they've lost plenty of games where he's done squat. I can go through them all if you like.

He went scoreless in a loss to Kilsyth on Friday night, then went scoreless again last night (in a W). 30 minutes total without a single point, and only 2 boards and dimes to show for it. Even if you're a staunch Nash fan, you can't argue that it's a worrying figure. As a 'follower' of the Spartans games I am certainy concerned that he is doing nothing while better players sit on the bench. I have no agenda against Nash, was a fan of his when he was playing juniors for the Gold Coast, he just simply ain't getting anything done these days.

Cannan

12-07-10, 16:34

..Spartans player Ash Cannon gets triple-double against Gunners From: The Courier-Mail July 12, 2010 1:06PM Increase Text SizeDecrease Text SizePrintEmail Share
Add to DiggAdd to del.icio.usAdd to FacebookAdd to KwoffAdd to MyspaceAdd to NewsvineWhat are these? Treiple-double man . . . Brisbane Spartan Ash Cannon on his way top the basket against Canberra at the Clem Jones Centere. Pic: Preston Photographics Source: Supplied
BRISBANE Spartan Ash Cannon achieved basketball's toughest feat against the Canberra Gunners in Brisbane last Saturday night when he recorded a triple-double.
A player accomplishes a triple double by reaching double digits in three areas, usually points, assists, and rebounds.

Cannon scored 17 points and notched 10 assists and 15 rebounds against the Gunners in the South East Australia Basketball League.

Men's games report
The Arrow Caravan and Towbars Brisbane Spartans started a home double header with a loss on Friday night against Kilsyth in a battle for second position.

After defeating Bendigo in Bendigo last weekend the Spartans were looking good for a win in the Kilsyth game to close in on Bendigo who currently sit at the top of the ladder.

In the Saturday night game, Canberra came out strongly against the Brisbane side looking to capitalize on Brisbane's recent losses, winning the first quarter by three points.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
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Jaime Mesman (Canberra guard) gave everything he had scoring 20 points with the help of teammates Zlato Todorovski (guard) and Daniel Jackson (forward) on the boards, but Greg Vanderjagt (centre), Matt Edmonds (centre) and Simon Taylor (guard) had the measure of them and stopped any serious attacks at the basket.

Final Scores:Kilsyth 91 d Brisbane 81; Brisbane 88 d Canberra 74.

Women's game report
The Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans suffered double losses last week on the road and were pushed to fourth position on the ladder.

In the crucial re-match with the Kilsyth Lady Cobras they needed an eight-point win to bring them level on the ladder.

Natalie Purcell (Brisbane guard) made life difficult for top scorer Deanna Smith (Kilsyth guard) to keep her scoring opportunities to a minimum, while international Emma Randall (Brisbane forward) set her sights on Ellie Manou (forward) allowing Rachel Pryor (forward) to find an open lane from which to shoot.

Brisbane consistently held the lead throughout the match and although Kilsyth had all talent that makes a winning team, the broad depth of skill within the Spartans team dominated the match.

The Lady Spartans need to back their performance up on the road next weekend when they meet the Frankston Lady Blues and the inform Dandenong Lady Rangers currently second on the ladder.

Final Score: Brisbane 86 d Kilsyth 69

Next home games

Men: Sat July 24 at 7.30pm v Mt Gambier

Women Sat July 24 at 6pm v Sandringham

SEABL South

15-07-10, 12:57

NUNAWADING (17-7)

Since sending import Matt Hall packing and replacing him with Eric Williams, the Spooks have gone on a tear, winning 10 straight to storm past Sandringham and snatch top spot. What looked like a mediocre .500 team less than two months ago is now a definite contender for the South title. Barring upsets, their remarkable winning streak should be up to 13 by the time the regular season draws to a close.

Remaining fixtures:

Sunday, July 18: v NW Tasmania
Sunday, July 25: v Frankston
Saturday, July 31: @ Canberra

Key player:
Shane McDonald: The Spectres have made their run largely with an even spread of scorers but it’s McDonald that makes it all work. Initiates the offense and provides plenty of scoring himself, the Spooks quarterback has also been proficient from beyond the arc, nailing 41 per cent on the season.

Predicted finish: 1st (20-7)

GEELONG (15-8)

After a slow start, the Cats really hit their straps over the second half of the season to be firmly in the championship hunt. Remarkably, Geelong has not missed the play-offs since 1997, their first year back in the SEABL. First-year coach Jamie O’Loughlin has his players clicking nicely but the Supercats have a couple of tricky games in the run home for a top-two berth.

Remaining fixtures:

Saturday, July 17: v Canberra
Thursday, July 22: @ Dandenong
Saturday, July 24: @ Frankston
Saturday, July 31: v Kilsyth

Key player:
Nathan Herbert: The Supercats superstar continues to impress all and sundry with polished performances night after night. Strong, durable and ultra-consistent, Herbert is the difference between Geelong being a good, ordinary team and an elite one.

Predicted finish: 2nd (18-9)

SANDRINGHAM (16-8)

Having spent most of the season atop the South conference ladder, the Sabres have looked vulnerable in the past few weeks with centre Simon Conn battling a foot injury that threatens to derail their entire campaign.

With home games against strugglers Canberra and Frankston, as well as a tough clash with the Snakes, the Sabres may not finish in the top-two as Geelong will have the head-to-head advantage if they finish with the same record. Title hopes remain in the balance with Conn’s injury.

Remaining fixtures:
Sunday, July 18: v Canberra
Sunday, July 25: v Kilsyth
Saturday, July 31: v Frankston

Key player:
Simon Conn: Averaging 19.3 pts and 7.9 boards per game but has not played since the June 20. Critical to the Sabres’ title hopes. Coach Vince Crivelli will be praying the lanky pivot will be ready for the play-offs.

Predicted finish: 3rd (18-9)

HOBART (14-9)
Started the season 8-2 but have slipped dramatically since the fast start. A shock loss to Albury-Wodonga and a 30-point hammering at the hands of the Thunder was the nadir of their slide but the Chargers have since won five straight to keep their play-off hopes flickering. The addition of Mark Nash on an injury waiver – he won’t be finals eligible – has shored up their depth issues until Corey Davie returns but this is certainly the last hurrah for a veteran squad. Expect a major overhaul of the roster next year..

Remaining fixtures:

Friday, July 16: @ Bendigo
Saturday, July 17: @ Ballarat
Friday, July 23: v Albury-Wodonga
Friday, July 30: v Ballarat

Key player:
Brandon Polk: Like the rest of his team, started out strong but it’s no coincidence that the Chargers’ form slump mirrored his own sluggish performances. Hobart desperately needs his early-season production if they’re to somehow snatch a crucial road win to seal a post-season berth.

Predicted finish: 4th (16-11)

NORTH WEST TASMANIA (13-10)

Holding a critical head-to-head advantage over their fellow Tasmanians, the Thunder will have to hope the Chargers slip up at some point while continue to win themselves. Coach Sam Armstrong has the Thunder in contention for a post-season spot but their lack of bench height can hurt them at critical stages.

Remaining fixtures:
Saturday, July 17: @ Kilsyth
Sunday, July 18: @ Nunawading
Saturday, July 24: v Albury-Wodonga
Saturday, July 31: v Ballarat

Key player:

Jeff Dowdell: While much of the spotlight remains on imports Shawntes Gary and Michael Martin, Dowdell has been a consistent scoring threat all season. Under-rated rebounder and passer, is averaging more than three assists per game over the past seven contests.

Predicted finish: 5th (15-12)

MT GAMBIER (9-14)

The Pioneers have been one of the major disappointments after an off-season recruiting drive. Have had several players depart during the season and remain a perennially inconsistent outfit with only Dallas Jeffree and Andrew Rice providing any real scoring punch from week to week.

Remaining fixtures:
Friday, July 16: v Brisbane
Friday, July 23: @ Canberra
Saturday, July 24: @ Brisbane
Friday, July 30: v Bendigo

Key player:

Andrew Rice: As Rice goes, so goes the Pioneers. When he’s on song – witness his 27-point, 17-board performance in a road win over the Thunder – the Pioneers can compete with anyone. When he’s not – 12 points on 4-10 shooting in a 109-86 beat-down by the Raiders – Mt Gambier look less than ordinary.

Predicted finish: 6th (9-18)

FRANKSTON (8-15)
The Blues haven’t had a losing season like this since coach Bill Runchey’s first season back at the helm in 1991 (after a three-season hiatus) when they won just eight games. The signing of import Chaz Briggs to replace three-time MVP David Gruber hasn’t had the expected impact, further underlining just how crucial Gruber was to the Blues’ success.

Remaining fixtures:

Saturday, July 17: v Brisbane
Saturday, July 24: v Geelong
Sunday, July 25: @ Nunawading
Saturday, July 31: @ Sandringham

Key player:
Rob Kampman: Without Gruber, has been paid closer attention with both scoring and rebounding dropping as a result. Still crucial to the Blues’ chances and remains a feared shooter from the perimeter. His buzzer-beating game winner last Saturday is a prime example of what he’s capable of.

Predicted finish: 7th (8-19)

ALBURY-WODONGA (4-19)

Year One of a three-year rebuilding plan started brightly, with three wins from four games. But the soft early-season schedule was soon replaced with a harsh reality check, the Bandits’ losing streak hitting 12 straight before a gritty win over Hobart. The Border club will be on the hunt next season for a low-post beast to provide inside scoring and rebounding.

Remaining fixtures:

Saturday, July 17: @ Dandenong

Friday, July 23: @ Hobart

Saturday, July 24: @ NW Tasmania

Saturday, July 31: v Knox

Key player:

Ryan Bright: Although no certainty to return next year, Bright has been a quiet assassin all season for the Border outfit. Seldom spectacular but manages to contribute meaningfully in almost every facet of the game, night-in, night-out.

Predicted finish: 8th (4-23)

Tigers tough

18-07-10, 10:05

MELBOURNE TIGERS PLAY HARD BALL OVER GREER SIGNING16.07.10

Sandringham, Victoria, July 2010 – The Melbourne Tigers are currently locked in negotiations with the Nunawading Spectres over the availability of star player Tom Greer
With the SEABL finals looming, the Spectres face the proposition of losing the forward to the Tigers when the NBL side embarks on a preseason tour of Ireland.

Greer has been a significant contributor for the Spectres this season, contributing 15.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. But anyone who has been privileged to see the Spectres play this season would know that Greer’s influence cannot be measured in statistics alone. His presence bonds the players together, and opposition sides have to assign a quality defender to him.
Reflecting his form and ability, Greer was signed by the Tigers ahead of this year’s NBL championship, and it was the intangible aspects of his game that were central to the signing.

Melbourne Tigers General Manager Adam Fountain pointed to the energy Greer has as being important, “Tommy brings with him an incredible intensity and spark. We understand that he might not be the leading scorer every night, but the kind of energy that he has means that he can be the heart and soul of the side, both on and off the court.

Similarly Tigers Head Coach Al Westover was very pleased with the re-signing of Greer to the Tigers playing list. “His effort and work rate is second to none and he is a very important part of the team. He is a very versatile player; he can play numerous positions and defend most positions. Tommy really sets the bar, both in effort levels and defense, and it is great to have him back for the season ahead.”

The fact that a SEABL player has been signed by an NBL club is nothing new. Sandringham alone has four players on their roster that will be playing in the elite competition this season.

But where a SEABL player has signed with an NBL team, it is standard practice that the NBL team allows the player to finish their commitments to their SEABL club.

The Melbourne Tigers on the other hand, are the only organisation not willing to recognise that the player they have signed has a contractual obligation to the Nunawading Spectres.

SEABL has always regarded itself as a feeder league, but is disappointed when the NBL teams are not willing to allow players to finish their SEABL campaign.

SEABL General Manager Mark Chivers also suggested that the approach of the Tigers was counterproductive, “The real issue is that the Tigers need to stop seeing the SEABL teams as being opposed to their concerns; instead they should look at ways that the two organisations can mutually benefit, be it through investment of some kind in various levels, such as at the coaching and administration level, as well as playing talent.”

The Melbourne GM recognises this and is fully aware that it is important for NBL and SEABL teams to have a healthy relationship, “We realise that BA is working at integrating and developing the relationship between clubs across the two leagues. And we appreciate that Tom is an important member of a side that is working towards a SEABL championship.

“But at the same time, the Tigers have to focus on the season ahead, and the pre-season tour to Ireland is an important part of that.”
Spectres President Simon Harland however felt that the Tigers had not been willing to recognise Greer’s outstanding commitments, “Essentially there are two sides to this debate. There is the side that wants Tommy to complete his season and current contract, and then there is the side that has given Tommy an ultimatum and threatened him with financial hardship should he choose to finish the season with us.”
While hoping that it would not come to it, the Spectres President went on to say that they would consider legal action if no clear agreement was reached, “Our priority is the players’ welfare. We think he wants to play with us, we feel that there is the moral obligation to play with us, but there is also the contractual obligation to play with us.
“We don’t think we have done anything wrong, and we would love to have Tommy for the rest of the season, but we are not going to put any pressure on the player.”

It seems like there is a good deal of animosity between the teams, with Harland telling seabl.com.au that the Tigers had been unwilling to negotiate, had not returned calls, and that neither party was willing to recognise the role or importance of the other.

When the parties did finally reach the negotiation table, the Spectres felt that the compensation that was put forward was not up to scratch. “The offer was that Tom would fly out with the Tigers, then fly back on the day of the first final, then he would fly back out to join the Tigers at the Spectres expense, and miss the remaining SEABL games.

Harland was also concerned that the process ended up with the player having to decide the outcome, “It is unfortunate that these overlapping contracts were not sorted out earlier, and that players have nowhere to get advice. Perhaps player managers or the players association needs to look at that. At the moment, the decision is being left up to the player, and we believe that someone should step in to take the decision out of his hands.”

The significance of Melbourne’s approach extends beyond their perception of a NBL-SEABL divide. At a recent mid-season conference for the South East Australian Basketball League, members were assured that Basketball Australia was mindful of SEABL’s position in the Australian basketball landscape.
Wayne Carroll, General Manager of High Performance for Basketball Australia said that Basketball Australia and SEABL have been working hard with the administrations of both organisations to achieve a satisfactory outcome, “We have assured SEABL that in the future processes will be put in place to regulate the access and movement of players between the leagues.”

One possible outcome for the future is that Basketball Australia could mandate conditions to be written into all player contracts. SEABL and NBL contracts could also be lodged with the governing body so that Basketball Australia can oversee the agreements and investigate any conflicts before they reach boiling point.

Unfortunately this doesn’t help the current situation, and all efforts are being made by SEABL and BA to get the Tigers back to the negotiation table.
The Melbourne Tigers have not responded to questions from seabl.com.au regarding the state of the relationship between their organisation and the Spectres, or their perception of the role SEABL has within the basketball landscape.

Head Coach of the Spectres Craig Simpson is in the position to see these tensions play themselves out better than most. While losing a player the calibre of Greer would jeopardise their finals aspirations, the coach is aware of the larger issues at stake, “We haven’t played finals for 15 years, and we want our best cattle on the paddock. Ultimately what needs to be decided is what the higher priority is? Bonding with a new team versus helping us win a championship.”

“If we knew that Tommy wasn’t going to be available for the finals, we may not have signed him at the start of the season. He is obviously keen to stay, but we understand that the Tigers have threatened to tear up his 3-year contract if he doesn’t get on the plane to Ireland with a clearance in hand.”

“Tommy has to take this into account. His SEABL contract and any NBL contract make up all of his income, and we hope that this situation doesn’t jeopardise his Tigers contract. Every other SEABL player who has signed an NBL contract is allowed to complete their SEABL obligations, but for some reason the Tigers think they can operate outside the square.”

Mr bEn

18-07-10, 14:06

Very good article, and proves why the Tigers don't have too many fans outside of their den.

One must wonder how much benefit the team would receive from a trip to Ireand - one of the basketball powerhouses of the world .....

Unregistered

18-07-10, 17:04

Seamus Mc Peake - The Tigers owner - Sounds Irish to me !

China

21-07-10, 12:06

Hi All,

SEABL has been invited by the Organizing Committee of the Men’s Chinese International Invitational Tournament to participate in a Tournament in China commencing 31st August.
Invitations to participate at the Tournament against the Chinese National U/18 have also been extended to the German U/18 National Men’s team and a US College team.

SEABL has accepted the offer to participate and proposes to offer first selection options to our younger players between the ages of 17 and 25. SEABL extends an invitation to your Club to nominate promising young players, currently participating in the Championship or D-League Competitions to attend the tryouts and have the opportunity to be selected to the Team. Attending players must be available to Tour (28th August – 12th September) and will be required to bring their current passports to the tryout Camp.

SEABL also believes the opportunity to participate should be open to young Australian players from outside the SEABL family and as such has extended an invitation to State Associations to nominate one young Australian player from their State Competition to be part of the selection process to join the touring party.

Due to his vast International experience SEABL has appointed Bruce Palmer as Head Coach of the Team and tryouts for nominated players will be held in Melbourne on Sunday August 8th. An announcement will be made at the end of the regular season Championship competition in regards to the appointment of the Assistant Coach for the Touring Party

As you would appreciate the time frame will be very tight and as such I would ask that you forward me a list your players willing to nominate for the tryout camp by close of business Tuesday 27th July.

Look forward to hearing from you
Mark Chivers
General Manager
South East Australian Basketball League

Pioneers beaten

26-07-10, 12:38

SPARTANS DEFEAT PIONEERS

In a massive show of strength the Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans produced a 31 point turn around from a week ago to defeat the Mt Gambier Pioneers at Carina on Saturday night to cement a place in this years South East Australian Basketball League finals series.

After a shocking loss to Mt Gambier Pioneers last week, the Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans had their sights firmly set on a revenge win.

Head Coach, Rodger Smith at the post game interview offered “The team knew what we had to do and proceeded without hesitation, gaining a 10 point lead 6 minutes into the first quarter. The boys fought hard to keep the lead for the first half, before we showed everyone just how good we can be in the second half”.

The game was a battle between the bigs, with the Spartans Greg Vanderjagt and Mt Gambier's Andrew Rice, both receiving a basket tending call against each of them in the first few minutes.

No backward steps were taken by either team in the first quarter with 3 blocks, 10 fouls, pressure passes and travelling calls that forced turnovers and fuelled aggression, not just on the court but on the bench as well.

The games intensity continued in the second quarter and with 2 minutes remaining on the clock the Spartans Head coach, Rodger Smith, erupted resulting in a Technical foul which saw him ejected from the game.

At half time assistant coach, Scott Lloyd, settled the team and the Spartans returned to the court with the focus on putting the first half behind them and facing the final half with a solidarity that is well known in Brisbane.

Mt Gambier threw everything at the Spartans in the third quarter creating many scoring opportunities with Dallas Jeffery hitting 21 points supported by Eric Burdon and Andrew Rice. All to no avail though as Brisbane pulled themselves together through some tough defence that saw the cracks appear in the Pioneer game.

For the Spartans, Drew Williamson, lit up from outside and with some fast breaks to the basket from his team mates the game turned quickly. Williamson was the game top scorer with Drew top scorer for the game with 31 points.

Other strong performances by Tyson Demos and Greg Vanderjagt on both defence and offense ends also were critical in getting the home side to a comfortable 17 point win. Brisbane 106 defeated Mt Gambier 69.

In the post game interviews Pioneers head coach, Andrew Summerville, commented " We knew we had to come out hard tonight, but the Spartans were more aggressive, they wanted it more".

The Spartans play at home this week to Dandenong at 7:30pm at the Clem Jones Youth Centre in a game they must win while hoping that Knox raiders lose so they can get a home semi final on August 8th.

ENDS sdbal@bigpond.net.au www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au Phone 3398 2790

Lady Spartans win

26-07-10, 12:57

SPARTANS TRIUMPH OVER SOUTHERN FOES
The Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartans and the Arrow Caravans & Towbars Brisbane Spartans progressed a step further to securing third spot on their respective ladders and securing a home final in the South East Australian Basketball League.
Women:
For the women, with Kilsyth right on the heels of the Spartans the home team needed a solid performance against the Sandringham Lady Sabres on Saturday night.
The match seemed to be fought inside with Sandringham’s Cayla Francis matching up against a tough frontline from the Lady Spartans consisting of Emma Randall, Holly Smith and Rachel Pryor.
The defending champion Lady Spartans gained their advantage in the first half, winning each of the opening two quarters by a combined 8 points with Natalie Purcell getting to the free throw line frequently throughout the half.
The Lady Sabres came out a different team in the second half with WNBL star guard Renae Comino firing on all cylinders and placing the visitors in a favourable position with the momentum in the second half.
However the Lady Spartans were able to hold on to a tight lead, winning the match 81-74 and holding on to third spot.
Emma Randall was the standout from the Lady Spartans recording 20 points for the game while guard Kristen Veal, Purcell, Pryor and Smith also had solid performances. For the visitors Comino and Francis were the standouts with 21 points each.
Men:
The Arrow Caravans & Towbars Brisbane Spartans are in a tight battle with rivals Knox Raiders for third spot and a home final in the first round, however with a match up with southerners Mt Gambier Pioneers ahead the Spartans would have to fight for third spot.
A little fuel was placed on the fire that consisted between these two teams with new coach and former Spartan Andrew Summerville’s team defeating the Spartans just a week earlier.
The home team then struggled to find top form against the Pioneers who fought hard through some tough shooting from Andy Tipton and Eric Burdon and left the court with a 2 point lead at half time.
However the Spartans’ stars shined through in the third quarter with Drew Williamson lighting it up from beyond the arc and backed up by Cannan, Demos and Vanderjagt the home team was simply too good winning the second half by nineteen points and closing the match 106-89 victors.
Williamson was spectacular for the Spartans with 31 points consisting of a remarkable 6-7 from 3 point land (86%), Cannan, Demos and Vanderjagt also put in tough performances while Eric Burdon and Andy Tipton were the only standouts for the Pioneers with 21 points each.
The Arrow Caravans & Towbars Brisbane Spartans are now tied on win-loss records with the Knox Raiders with the Raiders ahead only by percentage.

Finals Options

26-07-10, 15:08

LADY SPARTANS FINALS HOPES

We are asking everyone to come and support the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans this Saturday night at 6pm when they play Dandenong for second place in the South East Australian Basketball League.

Should Launceston lose they could even be playing for top spot. Have a read below of all possible options.

Members and guests of the Brisbane basketball community are urged to get behind the Lady Spartans as they strive to win “back to back” Championships.

This is our number one women’s basketball program in Brisbane. I encourage all young female players to come and watch greats such as Emma Randall, Kristen Veal, Holly Smith, Rachel Pryor, Kate Willey, Natalie Purcell and Karli Currie.

Doors will open at 5pm for general public.

Allan Ladewig
SDBAL

Possible scenarios for finals format.

If Brisbane beat Dandenong and Launceston lose to Nunawading they will move to first position as a result of Head to Head with Launceston and Dandenong.

If Brisbane beat Dandenong and Launceston beat Nunawading they will move to second position as a result of Head to Head with Dandenong.

If Brisbane lose to Dandenong and Kilsyth beat Ballarat they will remain in third position as a result of head to head with Kilsyth

Unregistered

27-07-10, 22:01

Last week of competition and it's a tight, tight, tight and exciting finish to the rounds, with some teams teetering on the edge of making finals or not!

Week in week out this league has got to be the best competition going anywhere in Aust. The quality of play and players is supurb to watch.

Good luck ladies and lads! And can't wait to see who ends up on top this year!

Unregistered

01-08-10, 18:40

Rating

02-08-10, 07:33

Obviously BA by asking SEABL do not rate the D League. The standard of the QLD is no where that of the SEABL competition. There will be at least one Queenslander trying out though as Spartans get to nominate them and will be. At the Spartans GBL squad trainings yesterday they had 14 serious names who will form the base of future teams with Spartans, through SEABL, entering the new Super League being managed by BA.

Semi-final

04-08-10, 13:31

CARINA LEAGUES CLUB LADY SPARTANS

VERSUS

BENDIGO LADY BRAVES

Saturday night August 7th
6pm tip off
Clem Jones Youth Centre
Rowland Cowan Stadium
Zahel Street
Carina

The city of Brisbane is playing host, this Saturday night, to the South East Australian Basketball league semi-finals when your 2009 Champions the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans take the court against Women’s National League powerhouse club Bendigo.

Members of all local clubs, schools and associations are encouraged to attend and make some noise in support of the Brisbane Lady Spartans. Be a true supporter by wearing black.

Come and watch as former Opal Emma Randall, WNBL stars Kristen Veal, Holly Smith, Natalie Purcell join with rising stars Stephanie Newbold, Mikhaela Donnelly, Kate Willey, Karli Currie, Rachael Pryor and Madelyn Willey looking to win Queensland back to back Championships in “Australia’s number one winter basketball league”.

Win or lose we are all very proud of the ladies who continue to lead by example for all young women within the community.

The Lady Spartans will be visiting the Carina Leagues Club after the game so why not make a night of it, enjoying what our major sponsor has to offer with great food, cold drinks and dance the night away.

We may wear our “Southern Pride Inside” but lets be “VERY LOUD” about it.

Allan Ladewig
General Manager

Phone 3398 2790 email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

Mixed results

09-08-10, 13:14

MIXED EMOTIONS FOR SPARTANS
Saturday night was a huge night for the Southern Districts Basketball Association when the Carina Leagues Club Brisbane Lady Spartans squared off against rivals Bendigo Lady Braves at home, while the Arrow Caravans & Towbars Brisbane Spartans travelled to Melbourne to play the Knox Raiders in Knox, both matches elimination finals.
In the women’s game the Lady Spartans had the crowd on their feet in a double overtime thriller. A boisterous home crowd supporting the Lady Spartans who had not beaten Bendigo this year.
In the opening minutes of the match, both teams were visibly trying to erase the nerves from their system. With both teams consisting of experienced players such as Kristen Veal, Emma Randall and Natalie Purcell for the home team and veteran Katrina Hibbert for the visitors each team matched each other in the first half with the Lady Braves entering the half time break enjoying a six point advantage.
The third quarter started with a bang with several three point bombs from Kristen Veal and Emma Randall quickly firing the Lady Spartans back to level pegging with the visitors however it was Spartans centre Holly Smith and guard Veal who owned the third quarter and placed the home team in a great position heading into the last quarter.
As the final quarter began both teams seemed impervious to the pressure of an elimination final, matching each other much like a chess match. However as the final seconds of the quarter ran down with the scores tied, Emma Randall had a chance to seal the win but couldn’t make a difficult reverse lay-up.
The tension kept climbing as neither team would let their guard down in the first over time but as Bendigo seemed to have the greatest opportunity to win the game, guard Kelly Wilson missed the final free throw to put the match in a second overtime.
Although each team matched each other for the duration of the match, the Lady Spartans simply ran away with the match in the second overtime as Kristen Veal sealed the victory with three consecutive made free throws to advance the Lady Spartans to the second round.
“It was just a great game of women’s basketball, the girls showed great character to go through a match like that and come out with a win and hopefully we can do the same next week” Lady Spartans head coach Donna Rinaldi said.
The Lady Spartans continue their finals campaign against the Knox Lady Raiders next Saturday at home at 6pm.
Unfortunately the Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans did not have the luxury of having a home court advantage but did have the opportunity to play their arch rivals the Knox Raiders at one of the competitions most intimidating crowds at Knox Stadium.
The Brisbane Spartans faced the same hurdle as the women by squaring off with a team who defeated them both times during the round matches.
As the match began, it seemed the Raiders performances against Brisbane were still in the visitors minds with the Raiders gaining a quick 9 point advantage in the first quarter. Although the home team had a 9 point lead, the Spartans fought back entering the half time break with only a five point deficit.
To have any chance of winning the match and stealing a victory away from home, the Spartans had to have an improved performance in the third quarter and that’s exactly what happened with NBL Champion Drew Williamson simply on fire and boosted the visitors to a three point lead at the end of the third.
With the Knox Raiders ending the Spartans championship hopes last year, the visitors were hoping history wouldn’t repeat itself. However the Spartans just ran out of legs in the final quarter as Knox big man Lester Strong put in the performance of his career with 41 points and 12 rebounds to run over the top of the Spartans and finish the game with a twelve point victory.
“We had a slow start then caught up well and put ourselves in position to win but turnovers let us down in the fourth quarter” Spartans Assistant Coach Scott Lloyd said.
While the Spartans championship hopes are on the back burner for at least another year, we hope next year’s campaign will be a different story.

ENDS www.sdpsartans.basketball.net.au email sdbal@bigpond.net.au Phone 3398 2790

Seabl

12-08-10, 13:11

The Defensive Player of the Year award is determined through votes cast by head coaches at the conclusion of each match, and was awarded for the first time last year.

EAST MEN

Kilsyth Cobras import Quincy Henderson was a dominant force on defence all season, receiving 30 votes from a possible 54 votes from coaches to win the East Men Defensive player of the year for the second successive year. Henderson was given the tough defensive job each game and delivered a quality performance at all times. His tireless work never showed on the stats sheet, but Henderson received at least one Defensive Player vote in each game he played this season. Henderson was such a dominant defender the next best vote getter in the East Men was Michael Hill of Knox Raiders with 14 votes.

SOUTH MEN

Finishing the regular season as the second best defensive rebounder and fourth best shot blocker, Geelong Supercats forward Ismail Muhammad is rewarded as the South Men Defensive Player of the Year Award. Muhammad was an intimidating force in the paint for most opposition teams, and finished with 18 votes to finish ahead of last years winner Chuck Long on 13 votes.

WOMEN

Having received a vote for her impressive defensive performance in the Spectres victory over Launceston in rd 20 Nunawading Spectres Carly Wilson edged out 2008 winner Sarah Parsons for this years Defensive player of the year award. Wilson finished with 15 votes and was a dominant threat on the offensive end for her team, averaging 18pts, but it was her work at the defensive end that satisfied many coaches. Wilson was often asked to defend the opposition teams major offensive threat and on numerous times held them to a season low scoring output.

Stats Awards

13-08-10, 15:22

2010 STATISTICAL AWARD WINNERS

The SEABL 2010 Statistical awards have been confirmed today, with Knox Raiders import CJ Massingale winning his third consecutive SEABL conference scoring title averaging 25.3 pts in the East Conference. Despite the shorter game this year Massingale was a major offensive threat all season scoring 30+pts on seven occasions with a season best 45pts against Frankston in rd3. With men’s games reduced to 40mins Massingale produced a better scoring average than last year.

With a season high of 47pts in round 2 against Dandenong, Launceston Tornadoes Elizabeth Cambage finished as the Women’s leading scorer, averaging 27.3ppg. Geelong Supercats Import Ismail Muhammad won the South Men Leading Scorer title averaging 22.2 points per game, only 0.49pts ahead of second placed Shawntes Gary of NW Tasmania Thunder.

Bendigo Braves import Ivan McFarlin had a great first season in the SEABL, and dominated the East Men rebounding categories. McFarlin averaged 13.7 rebounds per game and recorded double digit rebounding totals in all put three games this season with a season best 25rebs in his last regular season game.

Frankston Blues Import Chaz Briggs returned to the league after 4 seasons overseas and led the South Men in rebounds for the second time. Briggs averaged 10.8rebs with a season best 18rebs in rd3. Sandringham Sabres Cayla Francis won the rebounding title. Cayla in her first season with Sandringham dominated the glass leading the women’s league with 11.9 rebounds.

Sharin Milner returned to the league this season and dominated the Golden Hands category, winning her second accolade with a 5.48 average. Milner won her first Golden Hands award when playing for Hume City in 2004. Despite only playing 14 games Australian Boomer Adam Gibson secured the East Men Golden Hands award with a 3.64 average.

Sandringham Sabres guard Nathan Crosswell earns his second consecutive Golden Hands Award with a 4.37 average. Crosswell was the stand out point guard in the league this season, averaging an impressive 6.4assists per game and only committed 3 turnovers a game. Crosswell recorded 9+ assists on six occasions with a league best 17assists against Albury/Wodonga in rd11.

Dandenong Rangers Chris Patton excelled in the D League Men this season finishing the season with a league best 19.2 average. Cameron McCallum joined the Ballarat Nuggets late due to US College commitments and made an immediate impact on the league. McCallum recorded 18 rebounds in his first game and finished the season as leading rebounder with a season average of 13.4.

In her first season of D League, Ballarat Lady Nuggets Courtney Williamson showed she is a player of the future as she scored 30+pts on four occasions and finished the season averaging 18.4pts a game. Nunawading Spectres Jackie Vanderzaag played only 11 games this season due to injury and commitments with the Championship side, but finished as the leagues best rebounder averaging 12.0 rebounds a game.

Lady Spartans down Knox

16-08-10, 09:43

LADY SPARTANS WIN AGAIN

The Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans ousted the Knox Lady Raiders on Saturday night with a hard fought 79-67 victory, a repeat of last years South East Australian Basketball League grand final.

The Lady Spartans now travel south on Friday to face the Launceston Tornadoes in Tasmania for a spot in this years grand final after Dandenong qualified for the decider.

In a match between rivals, Knox possessing several former Lady Spartans including Odette Andrew, Cassie Smith and Sarah Graham the battle lines were set with a huge crowd in attendance everyone was ready for a great showcase of women’s basketball.

After easily defeating the visitors in their last trip to Brisbane, the home team were firm favourites, however led by forward Amy Denson the Lady Raiders came out firing and silenced the boisterous home crowd by leading 23-18 at the first break.

The Lady Spartans fought back in the second quarter by matching the intensity of Knox but struggled to gain an advantage with Brisbane just winning the quarter with Knox entering the main break with three point lead.

Returning after half time break the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans blasted their way through the Lady Raiders defence with Kristen Veal and Holly Smith dominating the quarter for the home team with the visitors struggling to find an answer as Brisbane went into the final break with a four point advantage.

Entering the final term tension was high and the crowd as loud as ever as the home team used the support of the crowd to take the match away from Knox winning the final quarter by eight points and advancing to the preliminary final against the Launceston Tornadoes.

“We stuck with them after a bad start and with the crowd as noisy as it was, the girls responded as they always do and we were able to take the match” Brisbane Head Coach Donna Rinaldi stated in the after game interview.

Kristen Veal was outstanding for the Lady Spartans with 18 points and 11 rebounds while Holly Smith and Emma Randall also contributing great numbers.
ENDS www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au Phone 3398 2790 email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

SEABL 2011

06-10-10, 15:10

Male and female players interested in competing with the Brisbane Spartans in 2011 should email an expression of interest to sdbal@bigpond.net.au

In your email you will need to provide height, experience and when you would become available.

In 2011 we are looking to run a second tier team based on young players looking to make the progression to senior basketball. This will happen in both men and women.

"To make a move to get to where you want to be all you have to do is take the first step."

Allan

Unregistered

06-10-10, 23:38

Spartans policy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The future is for us

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So there can be no confusion for those players/parents who are considering options for 2011 onwards.

Junior players identified trying out for other Associations are advised that they will not be considered for our BQJBC teams. We accept everyone has a right to play where they want but we wish to remain loyal to those players who select our program over the "grass may be greener mentalty" that is creeping into our sport. We want those families and players that want to represent us at all times to undertsand they are what we are about.

Players who elect to move "grass is greener" we thank for past efforts and wish them well.

Also so all are aware we are also adopting the policy of only using home grown players (under 20 and below) currently playing within our competition to support our senior programs in future.

Juniors who have been involved in our senior programs but elect to represent another junior club will no longer be allowed to try out for our senior teams the following season.

This Association puts a lot of time and effort into the senior program and players not willing to be part of the pathway we again thank you for you past efforts and wish you well in your senior years within other teams and competitions.

The Association is no longer going to use players from other programs in front of players within our own program. To play for us you have to be playing in our competitions and/or programs.

Lloyd to lead way

01-11-10, 12:33

LLOYD RETURNS TO LEAD THE LADY SPARTANS

As one of the original Spartan juniors, competing on the outdoor courts at the QEII stadium in 1982, Scott Lloyd, has seen both the lean and great years as part of Queensland’s most successful junior and senior basketball program.

“I used to watch the seniors play and want to be just like them. When the Association moved to our own courts at the Clem Jones Youth Centre, in Carina, I always thought my family moved to the area just so I could play for the Spartans one day”.

Lloyd started his life time passion for the sport of basketball at the age of seven, playing in the under 14 age group. An outstanding junior he played in every age group within the juniors ranks captaining the Spartans under 18 boys team to a State Championship.

Recognised for his fierce defensive skills with a never say die attitude he also represented Queensland in the under 18 and 20 age groups before being selected to train with the Spartans. He went on to play at the highest level for 14 years throughout Queensland prior to electing to return to Carina where his children now play on Saturday mornings.

After achieving his child hood ambition by becoming one of the youngest players ever to wear the Spartan uniform, Lloyd was picked up by the Brisbane Bullets in 1993. A back injury sustained in this period seriously hampering his basketball career.

“My back has always been an issue for me, but in other ways it has opened up opportunities that otherwise I may not have considered. I first coached a women’s team at Runcorn the I moved to Gladstone working with another former Spartan legend, Blair Smith. The women play a much tighter and disciplined game to the men”.

“Last year I was Rodger Smith’s assistant coach for the Spartans men’s program and loved it but when the chance arose to do the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans team I jumped at the chance. The team is legendary in basketball circles in Queensland and Australia. They have more championship banners hanging from the rafters, per seasons played, than any other team in Australia. They are the bench mark for women’s team sports in Queensland”.

Lloyd was offered the position after Donna Rinaldi advised the Association she wanted to return to her junior program in Ballarat, Victoria.

General manager, Allan Ladewig, was quoted as saying “Donna is going to be a hard act to follow. She coached the girls to the South East Australian Championship in 2009 and was a player under the great Trish Cochrem when we won the National Championship in 1999. When Donna advised she wanted to return to Ballarat we had no choice but to accept it and she leaves with our many thanks for such great effort over so many years”.

Lloyd takes up the reins from December first and is expected to push fitness as a major part of pre-season with all eligible junior and senior players welcome to try out.

“I believe we as a club need to be competitive but we also need to remember what we did to become the elite program we are. I will be pushing for us to use our own juniors but I have to be honest, some of the applications from outstanding players at other Associations, I have seen on the General Managers desk, can only help us be the best we can. I am very keen to see Kristen Veal and Emma Randall return to the Carina Leagues Club Lady Spartans and I am so looking forward to coaching Rebecca Shatz as she has had this season out through injury” Lloyd offered.

“I will also be talking to the others in this years group as well as they are a quality squad and we really do need to keep the likes of Smith, Pryor, Jeffress, Currie and Kate Willey at the club”.

Returning to the squad, after a season out, are fan favourites, Shona O’Bree and Rebecca Stephens, two of the greats of Lady Spartans junior and senior basketball programs.

Players who wish to trial for the 2011 season should contact Allan Ladewig on 3398 2790 or email sdbal@bigpond.net.au

ENDS sdbal@bigpond.net.au www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au 3398 2790

King to rule

12-11-10, 08:29

King to rule at Spartans
Southern Districts sign Basketball Queensland Coach Of The Year

The Southern Districts Basketball Association today announced that they had signed Leonard King to coach the Arrow Caravan & Towbar Spartans for the next two years.
No stone had been left unturned as the Southern Districts Spartans had been searching for a new Head Coach to head the South East Australian Basketball League 2011 and 2012 campaign after the resignation of Rodger Smith.
“We were really sorry to let Rodger go but after we after talked to Coach King we are positive we are headed into the new era with a great, on and off court, leader” offered general manager, Allan Ladewig.
Originally, from Cleveland Heights Ohio; Leonard attended Cleveland Heights High School and then accepted a four year athletic scholarship at Florida A&M University. At Florida A&M he was named to the all conference team twice. His senior year he was a pre season All American honourable mention and finished the year ranked 20th in scoring in the nation with 22 points per game.
After completing his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Physical Education he decided to play professional basketball abroad. He played professionally overseas from 1990 – 1997 Portugal, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and New Zealand.
2004 – 2007 Leonard worked for Basketball New Zealand as the National High Performance Head Coach where he was charged with the identification, recruitment and development of the elite junior players aged from 14 – 20 years old. The High Performance program was to ensure that New Zealand had talented junior players coming through the development pathways which lead through to The New Zealand Senior Men’s and Women’s National team. A large part of this role was placing their most talented players in US colleges after they completed High School. Leonard was instrumental in starting a large developmental camp called the All New Zealand Camp, which targeted the top 90 junior athletes in the country and invited them to a weeklong camp. In which he was the director of this camp for the first 2 years.
He was also an Assistant Coach with the Men’s Senior National team “The Tall Blacks” and his duties included video analysis, scouting, on court coaching and player development. During his time with the Tall Blacks the team won Gold at the Stankovic Cup held in China in 2005, and they finished second in the 2005 Oceania championship qualifiers.
From 2007 – 2010 Coach King helped turn the Mackay Meteors in the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) team around leading them to 2 consecutive finals appearances for the first time in the clubs 25 year history. The Meteors went undefeated at home during the 2010 QBL season and finished runner up in the Grand Final game. Coach King has been awarded the prestigious QBL Coach of the Year award for the past 2 season, (2009, 2010).
The Spartans finished fourth last year and have the highest win lose ratio in the South East Australian basketball league, despite never actually winning the championship.
President, Charles Ellis, in signing King stated “We wanted someone that was willing to build from the bottom. We have some great players in Cannan, Vanderjagt and Edmonds and some real talent coming through. Coach King proved he is about setting goals and working towards them and we see his objectives very much in line with ours”.
King who will move to Brisbane in December has his work cut out as the Spartans look to start a four year plan to win the National championship by 2014.
“I will be talking to the current team members and also some others players as we set our sights on building a basketball program in Brisbane that will be able to support and enhance the new Brisbane Bullets and also the Gold Coast Blaze NBL teams. I am also very keen to work with the many talented juniors that the club has. The likes of Josh Derksen, Cade Towers and James Griffin are just three I know can play at the highest level if they apply themselves” stated Coach King. “I will be implementing an up-tempo style offense with full court pressure defence, The Spartans are renowned for their strong work ethic and family atmosphere and I look forward to joining a club with a rich and proud history”.
Anyone interested in becoming involved in 2011 should contact the office via email on sdbal@bigpond.net.au
ENDS Phone 3398 2790 www.sdspartans.basketball.net.au