The official magazine of Big V

March ‘12 OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG CONTENTS FEATURE ARTICLES ALSO INSIDE

P8 THE DIV 1 MEN P4 AUSSIE HOOPS MELTING POT It’s the upstarts vs the stalwarts in a building rivalry ELTHAM’S YOUNG VET for the Big V ages. P5

P12 MELTON GO BACK TO THEIR ROOTS. P6 MILDURA IMPORT The grass isn’t always greener on the other side for some of the Thourough- breds former players. P11 BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

P15 20TWELVE SEASON

PREVIEWS P14 BIG V’S STATE GUNS Everything you need to know about each division for 20Twelve.

EDITORIAL

The countdown is on for the first tip of the 20Twelve season and excitement is building around the state. Here at Overtime Mag, we are completely on board and have stuffed as much hype building content into this edition that we had to add five bonus pages at no extra cost! (that was a joke, it’s free) You’ll cop a dose of previews for every single division span- ning over 6 pages that’ll provide everything you need to know about the coming year. But what we’re really pumped about is our main feature story this month. We’ve stuck 6 D1M guns on the one cover, 3 from Div 2 in 2011, up against 3 from existing D1M teams, in what is a pretty epic cover. This is going to be big talking point this year and a story that we just couldn’t pass up. Strap yourselves in for this one because this divi- sion is going to be off the charts in terms of talent, rivalries & hype. Our token feel good story of the month is on the rejuvenated Melton Basketball association’s drive to bring home some of their former local boys. They were in no mans land last season but the list consists of a majority of Melton juniors. There’s plenty more where that came from too. It’s going to be a ginormous season and it deserves all the build up, plugging and promotion it can get. Better Believe It.

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AUSSIES HOOPS THE YOUNG VETERAN There’s always plenty going on in the basketball world outside of Big V’s realms. This month we touch on Shane Heal being named Head Emma Glynn may be only the tender age of 22, but King as well as a young Aussie who is flying under the radar overseas... this will be her 7th season in the Big V for the “vet”.

PLEASE HAMMER Emma Glynn never really had a choice. Not “The last few seasons I have swung between forced, but rather “groomed” into loving youth and champ and this season the DON’T HURT THEM basketball by her parents since she was a coaching team at Eltham are focusing on tiny tot, the young Eltham gun started early developing me into a player that will have The late-season appointment of Shane Heal as and hasn’t looked back since. a long career playing in Eltham’s senior side. interim coach of the is an interesting So with that said, yes I’ll be around Eltham move by the club, for a team that is dwelling low But Glynn has not only bled hoops, but bled for a while longer!” on the NBL ladder. the Eltham red and white- an “I’ve been fortunate enough to captain The Hammer is obviously a recognisable figure association she has called home for the the youth side for the last two seasons, I’m in hoops circles, was an assistant coach in the past 15 years. not someone who is loud and in your face, Australian Boomers program, a player/coach with “I remember participating in Hoop time as I guess I’m more the type who leads by the Dragons following ’s public and a real youngster but started playing domes- example.” rapid fall from grace, not to mention being a four- tically for Eltham when I was 8 years old”, That leadership is something that will no time Olympian, enjoying two stints in the NBA, and recalls Glynn. “A couple of years later I was doubt rub off on Glynn’s teammates as they winning a championship with the Sydney Kings as DELLAVEDOVA- UNAPPRECIATED asked to play Rep ball on Friday nights and contest for a championship in 20Twelve. a player. played Vic Championship and Metro One Young Australian prodigy Before fans log on to the NBL website and cast throughout U12’s - U20’s.” Matthew Dellavedova was their vote on the current poll about whether he’s Glynn is the epitomy of the often spruiked just been named West Coast good for the job – there are mixed views already “ideal pathway” and has now established Conference Player of the Month, – the move certainly brings back memories of herself as a “go to” player in the State Youth capping a stellar season for the St the Tigers decision to promote Darryl Championship squad. Changes have been Mary’s Gaels. ‘D-Mac’ McDonald to the helm last season. made from top to bottom and Glynn be- But what irks us at Overtime is his It seemed a wise move for a team that was lieves that they’ll be good to go in 20Twelve. lack of recognition in potential looking for some positive press, and it was one that “Eltham’s Youth team have a completely NBA draft mockups. Neither of the brought relative success late in the season for a new look this season, new coaches, new two major websites that project Tigers team that was dwindling. They registered players and a new overall outlook. There how the NBA draft will pan out some wins and it seemed that D-Mac had perhaps are a lot of young, talented and energetic have Dellavedova anywhere near done enough to at least warrant the question of girls that have stepped up from Eltham’s jun- contention to be picked up.That’s keeping him on. ior program and from the practice matches pretty astounding for a 6’4 PG The answer wasn’t what he wanted however, and we have played, these girls have made an who’s putting up 15 points and 6 the question is now, what does Shane Heal have to impressive transition from the junior game to dimes a game in his junior year- do to not suffer the same treatment? And while on the senior one.” both increased on the season the topic, what are the Kings intentions? Are they After being middle of the pack for the past before, while leading the Gaels to doing the same thing, by putting a high profile few seasons, Glynn believes it is finally the a 25-5 record. former player in the role to keep fans believing in Wildcats time to shine. Let’s hope Delly makes the the program till the end of the season, while they “I don’t like to get too far ahead of myself Boomers squad and puts his look around at who else is out there? but so far everything regarding the team game on exhibition for the Thus far, after winning his first game as coach, has been really positive, so I think we will be world to see at the London he’s had a few losses but as usual, the Kings are right up there this season.” Olympics- much like his St Mary’s competitive. But competitive won’t be enough for Glynn’s basketball future is looking like it predeccesor Patty Mills did in the Hammer, who must nail a few victories if he has will be just like her past- emblazoned in the a future in this coaching caper. Wildcat red and white with this being her last season in SYC.

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BY CALLUM CHAMBERS “I didn’t have the opportunity to win a championship in high school or college so I am hoping to do so here.” That is certainly possible after the Heat almost went all the way last year despite being extremely undermanned and under- sized. That’s where Udenze thinks she can help. “I am looking to bring a variety of things to the Heat this season: leadership, defense, offense, rebounding, competitive spirit, en- ergy and a championship”, said Udenze. road If Vanessa Power returns to the fray and Amanada Hederics comes back well from knee surgery, we can expect a deep run in the new and improved Division One Wom- en’s competition. Udenze will be the sole import in Division One Women though, which certainly gives the Heat a leg up early on. Her experience playing Eurocup in Belarus last year will help her greatly considering how different block the game is compared to the collegiate level.

MEMO: THE PAINT IS OFF LIMITS “I want to block over 100 shots this season”

from Central Connecticut State University NBA legend Bill Russell was a game in 2011, she was a walk-on in her fresh- Often imports take some time before they changer on the defensive end because man year but earned a scholarship in her get their feet wet, but expect Justina to of his ability to not only control the paint sophomore year. contribure right away- with a lofty goal in with his blocking ability, but to psycho- Udenze’s defense is bruising, but her of- mind. logically impose himself inside opponents fense has some nice polish too. She’ll “I am hoping to block over 100 shots this heads. “The idea is not to block every seal you inside, run the floor as well as the season.” A big call but a gettable one shot. The idea is to make your opponent ability to rebound like crazy. She is a walk- judging on her past numbers. believe that you might block every shot.” ing talking headache for every coach in When we quizzed her on whether she will that’s a long standing quote from one of a competition that is getting more and let the opposition know about it when the greatest winners to play the game. more talent with each passing day. she sends their shot flying into the stands, Udenze arrived in blistering hot Mildura not Udenze opted for the politically correct When a player leads their Div 1 college in long ago, a far cry from snowy response. all time shots blocked, you know that tak- Connecticut. “There’ll be no Dikembe finger wave for ing it in the paint isn’t going to be an easy “Mildura has been amazing so far and I me. I am just going to sprint back on of- task. am enjoying my time here”, said Udenze. fense and hopefully we will be able to Standing at 6’2 (which seems to be more “Gorgeous weather and beautiful people. capitalize”. like 6’6) with flowing dreadlocks and Hor- Might I add it is just a little too hot for my The Mildura Sportzprint Lady Heat may be ace Grant goggles that will no doubt be liking. I left Connecticut in which it was in for an exciting year with their founda- iconic by seasons end, Justina Udenze will cold and snowy”. tions built around their new import. If Jus- make the paint at the Mildura Hothouse On the court, her resolve will be as icy tina Udenze can emulate the prowess on seem like sacred ground. cold as her hometown as she looks to the defensive end as the big fella from the Born in Dallas, Texas and raised in Ham- bring a championship to the Mildura Celtics, then Udenze’s hopes of snaring a den Connecticut, Udenze graduated Sportzprint Lady Heat. championship may come to fruition.

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But that welcoming view also comes with an unveiled warning for the new boys to bring their game because they will get nothing easy. If they want to puff out their chest and flap their jaws, that’s fine, too. Just expect an even tougher time.

If the new boys want to talk the talk, then they had better be able to walk the walk. And if they want to make a statement somewhere other than on the scoreboard, that’s OK. Just don’t bring a knife to a gunfight.

“Over the years, a lot of Division Two teams talk themselves up as Division One teams and being better than Division One teams,” Sunbury Jets veteran Nathan Sell- wood said. “So it will be interesting to see how they go.

“They’re going to be the new kids on the block and I’ve been doing this for so long that I’ve got land rights here now. We know there’s a lot of young guys coming up, but they’ve still got to prove them- selves in Division One. There’s a gap between Division One and Division Two so I guess the proof will be in the pudding.”

Make no mistake, the Division One new- bies intend to do some serious home cooking so that the proof in the pudding

cannot be mistaken as anything else. When Gerard Leonard (Warrandyte), Kevin Anstey GAME ON (Camberwell) and John Morris (McKinnon) By Grantley bernard step onto the floor, they will not be bowing down to the Division One incumbents.

Indeed, the new boys are there to play and play for keeps. There will be no backward Everyone has seen the new kid at school, Division One men’s teams cautiously welcome steps because they believe they belong in the perhaps a bit shy and unsure on the first the teams promoted from Division Two – Cam- higher division and they will at least be com- day, wondering where he’s going and if berwell Dragons, Warrandyte Venom, Mildura petitive, if not a threat to the established order. he’s going to make friends or enemies. Heat, Blackburn Vikings and McKinnon Cou- gars. The talk on the street is that one or two of the The friends and enemies bit is usually deter- new teams (especially the team who’s name mined by the new kid’s attitude and demean- On one hand, the old heads are glad to see rhymes with Warrandyte) may have stopped at our. If he’s polite and respectful, he’ll probably some fresh faces in the competition, believ- the ATM to cash up some of the recruits they make friends. If he’s loud, cocky and abrasive, ing it is good for them and the Big V for more hope shake up the competition. enemies will be lined-up around the block. teams and players to take up the challenge of a higher level. Hawthorn Magic’s Jay Allen has a short, sharp So with that in mind, the established Big V and simple message for them: bring it on. “I don’t read too much into the hype of these

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supposed new players,” Allen said. “But I’ll they make the kind of splash they are expect- take my guys into battle every day of the week ed to. Shannon Davey knows the ins and outs against them. That’s just the culture we’ve of the Big V and the differences between the best seat in the house been able to build over the years. I’ve got my divisions. teammates’ back and they’ve got mine. There is a gap between the divisions, but Dav- Largely unappreciated and unnoticed, Overtime gives statisticians their “You can sign some ey expects the new teams due after Alicia Vengust earns an appointment as Victoria’s representative players and they can to Division One will com- come in, but it might plete the leap and provide at the National Championships this year... really take 12 months of an extra competitive edge to Big V: How did you first get involved in stats seeing some exciting matches and meet- the team being together make the season tough for and what made you want to go down that ing people from around Australia who love to make an impact? Will every single team. path? basketball. they still be around for the second season or “Division Two is more ‘big’ Alicia Vengust: I got involved when my VET Big V: What is involved in being a stats per- will they be gone? I don’t heavy and Division One is Sport class were going to be stats and score son? think one or two or three probably more of a guard’s bench officials for the Basketball at the Pa- players will win you a league,” Davey said. “There cific School games in 2006. Then to get more AV: To do stats well you need to understand championship. It takes a is a gap in the skill level and experience I got involved in stats for the Big V how the game works, be able to use a com- team.” the bottom few teams in Di- at Eltham with a friend. puter and multi task. It’s not hard once you vision Two would struggle in get used to the way of calling the game, When it comes to play- Division One. But the others Big V: Tell us about some of your best experi- then you get to watch more of the game for-pay, the Magic roster would be competitive. ences as a stats person? rather than concentrating on just recording has a sobering perspec- what happens. tive. Like many Big V “But I think the new teams AV: Getting to see international teams play, players, they pay to play coming in is going to be working with some interesting people and Big V: Why should people get involved? and have to stump up good. It’s going to make it getting to watch some pretty big games $800 to help cover the a really tough competition. from the best spots in the stands. AV: It is a great way to get involved in the costs of training, entry When you add more teams, sport and enjoy the games close to the fees and sundry ex- there’s more to prove, Big V: Is the Nationals the first big event you court. Generally you are getting paid to penses. there’s more of a challenge. have done stats for and what are you hoping watch an interesting game of basketball. The new teams want to take to get out of it? So there could be a bit of some scalps and the es- Big V: How do people get involved in be- the old us-against-them tablished teams don’t want AV: This is the first big event that I have been coming a stats person? motivation when Haw- to lose to them. The new involved in and I am looking forward to thorn plays Warrandyte teams should challenge, but AV: The best thing to in the first game of the only time will tell.” do is contact your season as they set the local club or Big V stage for a winter of pos- Indeed, time as always will team and ask to get sible discontent. tell the true story. But just as involved. Otherwise true is the fact the kids who you can contact the “I’m probably going to rule the Big V schoolyard stats coordinator for love going against these teams,” Allen said. “I will be ready and waiting to size up the new your state and they just love the challenge of going against good boys. can direct you to- players every week and testing myself against wards clubs/associa- guys at a high level. “All the clubs coming up sound like they will be tions in your area. competitive,” Sellwood said. “They’re coming “On paper, Warrandyte is probably going to be up with big expectations.” one of the teams to beat, but you can’t win a There is always some expectation on the new Big V: Thanks a lot championship with two or three players. You’ve kids in school to conform with the established Alicia for your time got to win as a team. That’s what’s going to pecking order and to the line. But something in and best of luck in the win a title in the end.” the wind suggests that may not be the case for National Champion- the Big V’s Division One competiion in 2012. ships. Down at Southern Peninsula, the Sharks are The new boys just might be ready to shake up getting ready to circle the new guys to see if the schoolyard.

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2012 will be his rookie season as a Big V coach. “I wanted to fill more of an administration role,” he said. “We had two guys short listed to coach and they both took other positions. “So the job fell to me, I took it because I didn’t want to let go of the dream to put this group together.” So Christian went out and signed former Thoroughbred juniors Shane Moloney, Jason Christian, Maverick Clissold, Jordan Kirk and Rhyce Meddings.

Many of the players played Melton domestic basketball together in their junior years and some spend time together in junior repre- sentative basketball. Some home-comings get made easier with financial inducements and while Christian admits the club will pay a couple of their re- cruits – the majority returned for the experi- ence of making their home club better. “We did throw some cash at a couple of guys but we don’t have a big budget,” he homecoming said. Moloney and Clissold both stand as likely After a few years in the wilderness, the Melton Thorough- all-stars this season and Christian believes both will impress once the big lights of the breds are back on track with a bunch of local talent, willing regular season turn on. “Maverick is a microwave scorer,” Christian and ready to bring them back to relevance. said. BY ROY WARD “He will score some serious points but we won’t see him until the regular season THEY say home is where the heart is but that’s ior Thoroughbreds back to the club after they had because he hurt his ankle during a practice not true of all players. left for other leagues and greener pastures. game.” Many find ideal situations at second, third and The 2011 Thoroughbreds side was a mix of play- To put the Thoroughbreds improvement sometimes fourth clubs, look at every side in the ers from Ballarat and the surrounding areas and down to just recruiting would be selling Big V and you would surely find someone who local interest in the Big V program, along with them short, the club has also pushed up a has spent time in a different singlet. home crowds, were dropping rapidly. couple of rising teenage players. But for Melton Thoroughbreds Division 2 Men, Christian said the club needed to bring more Mel- Small forward Matt Parker, 18, and former 2012 is the year for coming home. ton locals into its ranks. footballer Brody Richie, 17, are both press- The Thoroughbreds were struggling at the end of “Some games we only had two or three people in ing for minutes against more experienced the 2011 season with a team which didn’t match- the stands,” he said. team mates. up against the best in the league and featured “Getting these guys back was bigger than just “Their athletic base is amazing, we just For Christian, he just loves watching his charges only a couple of players from the club’s junior the team – it was about the whole program and need to get them used to playing at Big V level,” get re-acquainted after their time away from the program. Melton basketball.” Christian said. club. Enter long-time clubman come new coach Aaron In fact Christian took on the coaching role solely Christian hasn’t based his goals solely on how the “Our morale is unbelievable,” he said. Christian who set out to bring a series of the jun- to bring the past players back to the club, season Thoroughbreds play on court, he wants the side to attract more Melton juniors into the senior pro- “We want to show that local guys can put together gram, both this year and in seasons to come. a strong side, that you don’t need to bring in guys Getting these guys back was bigger than just the team - But for now Melton supporters are excited about from outside to be competitive.” “ the season ahead and the depth and athleticism of it was about the whole program and Melton basketball.” their side.

MARCH 2012 EDITION MARCH 2012 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG STATE OF PLAY 20TWELVE SEASON PREVIEWS BIG V IS INCREASINGLY BECOMING THE HOME OF THE STATE’S STANDOUT The upcoming season is going to be one of the biggest yet. KIDS. OT TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE UP AND COMERS THAT WILL BE With plenty of player movement and rosters now taking shape, RUNNING AROUND IN 20TWELVE... the OT crew breakdown each division in the Big V...

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MEN SNAPSHOT ver the past couple of years, the Big V has become a springboard for quite a number of tomorrow’s The booming talent year to year at the premier level of the Big V men’s competition is no longer a coinci- stars. These stars are progressively being picked for state teams from the likes of Diamond Valley, dence, nor a one off. These teams in SCM are stacking their squads fast and it’s easy to be left behind. OBulleen & Melbourne who have put in the yards in developing their junior from the ground up. The results Most of the 2K11 contingency has improved- somehow. We’ll start with the Waverley Falcons who have are now showing and the players are being given the added high scoring, high flying, high octane Bennie Lewis who has jumped ship (he probably literally chance to compete at the national championships- the jumped) from Melbourne. Consider him an upgrade over Weaver and the strongest just got stronger. pinnacle achievement at the junior level for any Scary times. aspiring baller. Then you’ve got Ringwood who really were the walking wounded last year. Sam Belt is back in the Hawks Of the current intake to represent their state, 9 colours- the last time he was here he dropped 27 a game- and he’ll provide the scoring punch that Aaron of the 10 players that made the team are from Hill did last year. Then add Adrian Sturt who’ll thrive in Harrington’s up and down system and you’ve got Big V clubs, with 7 of them actively participating a nice core. Bulleen will surprise with the clubs first ever import player Corey Standerfer, Sherbrooke will in the 20Twelve Big V season. be extra tough with Tom Burns & Luke Solomon joining the shooting barrage and we haven’t even talked Amongst them include Jack Purchase (pictured) & about Eltham yet. This might be the strongest Felix Von Hofe who will be suiting up for the Melbourne Tigers’ and deepest SCM competition we have seen in State Championship side. The pair played last season and some years. were shining lights in what was an otherwise pretty tough season. Coach Nick Abdicevic will lead them in both the state LAST CALL team and in State Championship Men for the Tigers. From where we sit, you just can’t go past the Werribee have also had some inclusions with Michael Falcons. How can you bet against the reigning Luxford and Deng Riak making the team, a credit to two time champs who have just improved fur- themselves for putting in the hard yards and making ther? You just can’t do it. They’ll take home the a name for themselves in this highly competitive chocolates but Eltham are not to be written off environment. and have been glued to the new Channel 7 show Revenge after last years Grand Final loss. On the Under 18 girls side, 5 of the 10 players selected are from Big V clubs with a number of them running around Big V’s courts this season. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN Coach Kelly Breazeale, who coached Hawthorn Division One Women last season, is at the helm of the under 18 girls squad SNAPSHOT and has put together an unbelievably skilled group of girls. If, and it is a mighty big IF, season 2011 repeats Two of those include Diamond Valley pair Amy O’Neill and Carly itself over the coming eight months then we Turner who made the team with flying colours. And while can expect Hume City to go from last to first, as O’Neill will be tearing up State Youth Championship this Eltham did last season, and win this year’s top year, Turner has been accepted into the AIS- an unbeliev- prize in SCW. able achievement. Of course, and no disrespect to Joe Borg and his troops out at the Broncos, such happenings this time Ultimately the credit needs to go directly to those kids who around seem beyond our wildest dreams. have made the squads. Reality is that big names and money are starting to talk in SCW, as it has done recently in SCM. The pre- It is an intense battleground at state tryouts and anyone season whispers are becoming a deafening roar out at Ringwood where two imports are on the menu, who is lucky to enough to represent the state at this age plus a couple of handy additions from Nunawading. The Lady Hawks continue to bring in the players geroup should be commended for their dedication to the required to win a championship and should they have the ability to produce some local talent for the pur- game of basketball. The clubs create the platform and pose of depth, we could just see the title heading out to Cadbury’s neighbours. foundation for them to succeed, but at the end of the day it’s up to the Waverley and McKinnon pose an interesting debate for onlookers with the latter resembling the former, if athletes themselves to get better every single time they set foot on the hardwood. The coaches are also a that makes sense? Though the Cougars will very much look like the Falcons of old, the class and experi- massive influence on these kids and their devotion needs to be recognised as well. MARCH 2012 EDITION MARCH 2012 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

ence of said players will provide the newbies with a shot at finals, while back at the Falcons’ nest don’t be discount their chances is a mistake we won’t be making this year! surprised if the new senior generation enjoy more wins than losses. All 16 teams in D1M have legitimate finals hopes and the first few rounds of competition will be critical for For all the glory that came with last year’s title, Eltham will slide as the big names of Hibbert, Grima and teams looking to chalk up early wins. Carr are gone and realistically can’t be replaced, though some emerging talent and the prospect of a couple of recruits will ensure the Wildcats are in the hunt for a finals berth. LAST CALL As always Melbourne is a tough nut to crack when making predictions. The Tigers have had a few leave the den and join the stable with coach Borg, but we all know they have some ready-made players coming It might be early but out and around the league most people have Warrandyte pencilled in as the D1M through the ranks. Could we see the likes of Waverley and Melbourne gracing the court almost entirely champions. With Gerard Leonard and Vashon Weaver signing from State Champ powerhouse clubs with last year’s Youth squads? Eltham and Waverley, 2011 All-Star coach Arnold Giffening calling the shots plus the signing of former Both the Broncos and Sherbrooke will prove to be more competitive than last year, which will ensure a bit Boomers players also from the SCM competition, it really looks like the Venom will have what it takes to more success, while Diamond Valley should bounce back with a number of handy ‘athletic’ inclusions and go all the way. the promotion of some outstanding Youth League players, possibly proving to be somewhat of a smokey this season. DIVISION ONE WOMEN And that leaves Bulleen – so just what can we expect from the Boomers in 2012? Like every other year, if the Boomers can hang on to a couple of their WNBL players then we are talking about a genuine threat for the flag. However, if coach Papps has to plug gaps each week then it could prove the difference be- SNAPSHOT tween finishing in July or moving into August. This division promises to be 18 rounds of awesome after a restructure that has completely changed the LAST CALL shape of Women’s basketball in this State. Two geographical based conferences. In effect two divisions rolled into one. But at the end of August, there will For what it’s worth, before the finals, I think the ladder may only be one winner. The scene is set for a couple of look like this – Ringwood, McKinnon, Diamond Valley, Bul- these strong power-house clubs to take the leap up leen, Eltham, Waverley, Melbourne, Sherbrooke, Hume City. to SCW next season, and with some of the big names being bandied around, these plans are well and truly on the radar. SNAPSHOT Altona like being on top. They won the title in 2010. Questions are the name of the day in the D1M competition Stacey Barr emerged as a larger than life figure in in 20TWELVE. With the move to the popular conference 2011, and in 2012 they’ve gone one better and signed base system, 5 finalists from last year’s D2 have made the WNBA draftee Bridget Ardossi. Is there a bigger sign- charge into D1 and all of them have hopes of being finalists ing anywhere in the league? We don’t think so! And from the get go. she won’t be playing solo either. And if Stacey dons a singlet in her College break, we doubt anyone will get within 20 points of the Gators. DIVISION ONE MEN On the other side of the conference groupings, War- Will one conference be stronger than the other? How will the teams that have been promoted handle randyte lay ready to pounce. They’ve also topped the big stage? Will the teams that are arguably “stacked” have the edge over other squads that have up nicely in the off-season, and Coach Nelson will played together for a long time and are as tough as nails? So many questions to answer and with D1 proclaim to all that as soon as he wins a title he’ll be having a mix of metro and regional teams battling it out week after week the action is truly going to heat booking a ticket straight to SCW. Camberwell are go- up right across Victoria. ing VERY young and building for the future. Expect to see Camberwell, Mildura, Warrandyte and McKinnon all push for spots in the finals in their Hawthorn are without the rebounding machine Stotty, and their cool-as-a-cucumber coach - both will be first year at this level- all have significantly improved on their squads from last year, and with a mix- missed. Southern Pen have signed a handy recruit or two of their own, but still doubt they’ll crack the top ture of ex-NBL players, players with State Champ experience, American imports and young stars all of 4. Chelsea and Latrobe City will struggle, and that just leaves Craigieburn in the Watson conference. these teams are expected to be contenders. Blackburn as the D2M premiers last season have lost a lot Two very nice off-season pick-ups in Di Nunzio & Cann will add to the Eagles depth, but it’s consistency of experience but will be determined to not just make up the numbers. they need to find to be competitive in 20Twelve. Werribee Devils have had a solid pre-season playing many practice games against teams in a higher Watson appears on paper at least, to be the stronger of the two conferences – well that’s based on division and with some of the best up-and-coming young talent in the league expect the Devils to be the last season’s results. And as we saw in the D2M conference last season, once the split happens it’s big improvers this year. anyone’s game. Geelong has re-entered and have stocked their side full of local talent, both new and Perennial contender Melbourne Uni looks to be headed back to the pack this year, and Geelong will experienced. After dominating D2W last season, Keilor have proudly taken the leap up a division, but have to battle hard to ensure they can cover some of the experience lost in the off-season. Warrnam- they won’t be toying around, and we expect their professional approach will pay dividends. And maybe, bool import Cam Mitchell is back for the Seahawks and says the team have unfinished business this just maybe, finals could be a possibility. year as they look to go one step further and bring home the title. The Sharks are always tough to battle After narrowly missing out on finals last season, Whittlesea have a few quality adds, including Can- in Rosebud and will be hoping on an improvement from last season. One team that cannot be written berra WNBL’s Sarah Johnston, with a view to a top 2 finish. If they can get off to a better start, we think off is Whittlesea, the team whose hard work and determination surprised everyone last season in their they’ve got a chance of doing just that. Sunbury have been whisper quiet about the upcoming season. run to the finals. On paper the Pacers may not have some of the big names their opponents do, but to Their registrations and clearances to date give nothing away, so we’re going to assume it’s same old same old out Boardman Stadium way. And then we come to last year’s grand finalists, Mildura and

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Warrnambool. We know Mildura have searched the other side of the Pacific Ocean to prop up their division’s surprise packet. What’s going to prove interesting in this division is how the home and away roster, and although they’ve touted this as a season they’re not expecting big things from, we’re still + 1 works out. But if last season’s division results are anything to go by, D2W had the highest record of tipping a top 4 finish. away wins across the entire league. Lastly in the Terril conference we have reigning champs, Warrnambool. A change of coach. Young gun If we believe everything that the Western Port media machine puts out, then Western Port are out and Saunders up in the big smoke for college. But their roster will remain pretty constant. So much so that out favourites to not only take the title, but have an unbeaten season. And there’s probably some truth we’re tipping another top 2 finish. to this. They’ve recruited well in the off-season – Mel Carter from LTU to fill the void left Leigh Wilkins plus stalwart Beswick and our early MVP tip Cooper, looking to double it up, have elected to stay on. Blackburn are tipped to be light on this season, although we notice that Lauren Hoare has re-registered, LAST CALL but at this point is without her partners in crime. Werribee are still on the re-build and will again be going young, and why not? It’s worked for their Men’s side. Coburg has been quietly accumulating and will Who will hold the banner aloft at the end have a few new faces suiting up in 20Twelve coming from various divisions. We’ll be keeping our eyes of August? Altona, by 20pts. Easy! on former Bronco, “B”, Belinda Campbell to feature heavily in our weekly wraps, and it could well be the DIVISION TWO MEN year of the Giants. They’ve also collected a pair of former Breakers, in Urquhart-Moran & Heigh, the latter recovering from injury, but the pair will be missed at their former home. If pre-season talk is right, it could be a loooong season for Mornington who are looking to rebuild under a new coaching staff. As is SNAPSHOT often the case with University teams, The Black Angels are a somewhat unknown quantity. Speaking of which, we know very little about new-comers to the division, Cranbourne Cavaliers. As reigning MMBL With 5 of last year’s finalists making the Champs, they’re coming in with high expectations, and their practice game results to date have been jump to Division 1, the 2012 Division 2 eyebrow-raisingly impressive. Men’s competition is wide open from top to bottom and the div is promising to be LAST CALL one of the closest across the entire Big V. In a division giving you a more than 50% chance of making finals, here at Big V HQ we’re tipping a Last year’s remaining finalists in Div 2- definite top 3, of Western Port, Coburg & Werribee, not necessarily in that order. Cranbourne are our Keysborough and Horsham- would both outside tip to scrape into 4th, and we’re sorry Blackburn, MU & Mornington, but 2012 is not going to be be expected to make it again, with the your year. Hornets adding Tim Brook to an already strong line-up. Coaching changes have been the name of the day also with Pa- STATE YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP 1 MEN kenahm signing American import Bayi Handi as player/coach. Mornington secured the services of Ross Charles, former successful Ringwood Youth Men’s coach, and in perhaps the biggest coach signing in the off-season coaching merry-go-round, the Maccabi SNAPSHOT Warriors have made their intentions clear by bringing in two time Coach of the Year winner Drew Sole- wicz to re-energise their squad. State Youth Championship is always an unknown quantity with an insane amount of player movement. Melton has been buoyed by an influx of returning juniors to their team and are shaping up as a bit of a This year, SYC1M will be no exception with rumors swirling around different players as to whether dark horse. they’re stepping up into their respective senior men’s sides, which can potentially change the entire Some of the teams have flown under the radar and with just over a week until the start of the season, landscape of the competition. little is known about the rosters they have assembled. But make no mistake about it, with the competi- This is likely to heavily affect the Melbourne Tigers especially, with Nick Abdicevic coaching the State tion looking so open- all teams have a legitimate aim to make the finals this year. Champ Men and probably taking a good chunk of his 2011 youth team with him. But the Tigers possess

one of the most respected junior programs in the state and will certainly put a competitive squad on the LAST CALL floor.

Diamond Valley will surely be strong again, even if the likes of Matt Reynolds & Harun Kansak jump into Probably not considered a favourite by the majority of punters, but our left field tip is that the esternW the Championship men’s side. They have one of the deepest talent pools around and are almost certain Port Steelers are going to be hard to beat in 2012. The Steelers have had a big off-season and pulled to be a strong unit. The reigning champion Hawks may feel the biggest pinch with Snowball, Clarke and off the huge signing of league journeyman Vlad Tankov, who from all reports is in the best shape of his Zomer all heading into the senior side. That’s a hell of a lot of points that will need to be filled by the career. Look for the Steeler Dome to be rocking and with a squad that is expected to improve across remaining players. the course of the season, it could be a very big year for the guys in maroon. The newbies are Werribee and Whittlesea who will be keen to prove themselves in the higher division. DIVISION TWO WOMEN It’s always interesting to see how fresh teams go, especially after the success Altona found last year after they stepped up into SYC1M. SNAPSHOT As we touched on earlier, the landscape changes so much, you get a new young gun tearing up the league each season. As far as we know, Brenton Charles will have to take on a big role for Ringwood And then there were 7! It’s no secret that the decision to conference Division One Women this season next season. The Hawks will go as far as the former Golden Hands winner will take them in 20Twelve. has left poor old Division Two a bit light on for numbers. Melton almost managed a re-entry. We fare- Waverley’s blocking, rebounding and dunking machine Deng Deng has gone to college, so a fair bit falls welled the girls from Latrobe Uni, who bravely managed to keep their Club afloat after the Men’s de- in the lap of Abram Hothnyang who showed plenty of promise last season. parture in 2010. And we welcomed new comers Cranbourne Cavaliers, who, just quietly, could be this Greg Page could be the other one coming through after being named into the Australian Emu’s squad.

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LAST CALL Youth Championship One. The competition is up for grabs and about as unknown as any in the Big V. This can be attributed primarily due to new teams Blackburn and Warrandyte, plus Altona who have Near impossible to pick but as usual you need to peg it down to one of Waverley, Melbourne or come back down from SYC1M, and we have ourselves a whole new kettle of fish. Diamond Valley. Our darkhorse is Bulleen who are just waiting for some of their incredibly gifted juniors One would imagine Keilor would be a solid unit and always seem to fly under the radar despite making to step into the Big V and rip it apart. Get off the fence you say? Ok we’ll go with Diamond Valley to the Grand Final last season. avenge a disappointing 2011 season by their standards. But beware the Cavaliers. With Luke Sunderland taking the mantle, he has gone about recruiting some players from the local area in search of Cranbourne’s first ever Big V title. A few of 2011’s notable players would have almost certainly moved on up into their respective senior STATE YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP 1 WOMEN competitions such as Matt Brasser (Southern Peninsula), Jordan Harding (Coburg) & Glenn Wans- brough (Mornington) just to name a few. But that is what Youth Championship is all about, players pro- gressing through the ranks and bettering themselves. But that leaves a space to fill.That will certainly SNAPSHOT come from the two-headed monster down in Cranbourne. Declan Soukup & Bosko Kostur, both members of the U19 Australian As we roll up to the 20Twelve season tip off, Emu’s squad will suit up for the first time in senior basketball and the State Youth Championship 1 Women’s are likely to destroy everyone in their path. Remember those competition is ready and rearing to go. With names. most teams losing existing players to rival clubs as well as recruiting new players in the LAST CALL off season, this year’s competition will be an exciting one to watch. I don’t think anyone within their right mind can look past Cran- bourne for the chip. They are miles apart from the team they We will see some wholesale changes in were last season, and with Kostur & Soukup leading the way some notable teams this season with the with an influx of junior talent coming on board, I wouldn’t imagine likes of Melbourne and Waverley sporting a anyone getting too close to them outside of perhaps Keilor. very different look in 2012. Melbourne has For my dark horse, Western Port could surprise despite the loss been scattered all over the place while the of captain Sam Burch. majority of the Falcons squad has moved into the senior side. STATE YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP 2 WOMEN It will be interesting to see who the door opens for with these teams assumed to be weaker than previous years. SNAPSHOT Kelli Schleibs who averaged 13.33 points for the Diamond Valley Eagles in season 2K11 will look to have an even better 20Twelve to give her team a good run for the title and will have an even greater A new women’s competition is in town with a second State Youth role within the team. Championship Women’s comp being added to the mix. Six teams Eltham’s chance to bounce back into the upper echelon may have come and we expect them to be from the 2K11 State Youth Championship Women’s competition right up there once again. have dropped down with the addition of 2 new teams, the Keilor Thunder and the McKinnon Cougars, to make up the State Youth LAST CALL Championship 2 Women’s competition. The newbies will bring an unknown factor to the youth 2 women’s There is no surprise that the 2 teams who will be battling it out for the Championship title in season competition, which makes it even tough to make any sort of pre- 20Twelve will two of the 3 strongest from 2K11. diction. Will these teams exceed expectation or fall below the waistline? Time will tell. Diamond Valley will go into this year’s season as hot favourites and will return to past glory with a As for the six 2K11 teams, they now have a chance to step out the shadows of the bigger clubs and championship. The Tigers will hope to have a repeat of their strong 2K11 season but will attempt to go prove that they have what it takes at this level. one step further this time around. The reigning champions will still be up there with the Geelong Cats The stars will have a reason to shine this season with the new competition allowing many players to being the dark horse. step up and show what they’ve got.

LAST CALL STATE YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP 2 MEN A new competition means that this year we will have our first ever State Youth Championship 2 Wom- SNAPSHOT en’s Champions. And who will take out these honours? The Hawthorn Magic. A strong performance from them this season will see them win the title. What a puzzle this division was last season. With 12 teams throwing everything at each other each The runner up this year falls to the Keilor Thunder who will exceed expectations in season 20Twelve week, it made for a real spectacle as talented youngsters from all over battled it out. but fall just short of a title in their first look into the youth women’s competition. This season we wouldn’t imagine being any different with 12 teams going at it again in 20Twelve. The Whittlesea Pacers will be the dark horse in this year’s comp and we’ll be watching them to shake Latrobe City is out plus Werribee and reigning Champs Whittlesea have made the jump into State up the rest of the competition this year.

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