OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG TIP OFF

And we are off and in the words of Lebron James, it’s about damn time.

Excuse the ‘lateness’ of this issue but we were pretty keen to get some crisp images from the first Molten Victorian Youth Championship games over the Labour Day Weekend (your cover is courtesy of Big V Chairman Daryl Neal), hence the mid- month release. So if you weren’t able to get down to Frankston to catch the very first tip, you get a pretty decent run down of what we can expect this year. Mixed results, unexpected turns and some pretty insane talent were all on offer in round one. That was just a taste-test. A sample. A tickle of what you can expect on a weekly basis from the very best youth in the state. Davin Sgargetta delves into how it all came about and grab some coach opinons on the new competition. We’re excited (if you can’t tell) and we hope you are too.

Although the Molten Victorian Youth Championship is the main feature, it would be remiss of me not to mention what else we’ve got crammed into the chockers March issue. 28 pages of gold are at your disposal with previews and tips of every single division- always a reader pleaser (did you like that?). Then your looking at a great piece by Roy Ward on the return of Sarah Millar after a devastating knee injury last season. Ironically, she’s studying to be a Doctor. We have a glance at the always hot topic of promotion and relegation in the Big V which gives you, the reader, an opportunity to throw your 2 cents in as well. Its all about reader interactivity at OT.

We’ve got all the usual suspects such as Grantley’s Post and Aussie Hoops, but Overtime also now has The Backboard with Bethany Charles, who looks at players lives off the floor. Vicki King is our inaugral guest.

That’s it from me. Massive issue, we’re sure you will enjoy it and good luck for season 2013!

Happy reading- Ed.

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

Well respected sports writer GRANTLEY’S Grantley Bernard’s monthly AUSSIES HOOPS POST take on all things hoops. The language of is one of its own, to stop spreading and infiltrating the young. AUSSIE GUNS PREPARE BENDIGO WIN THE perhaps more so than in any other sport around Unfortunately ohyeahbut – or yeahbt – seems to come BIG DANCE the world. Thanks largely to the street basketball from the sense of entitlement young players carry these FOR MARCH MADNESS culture, the sport has a variety of words and terms days. That sense of entitlement usually comes from for almost every aspect of the game. parents who are over-protective and over-supportive of COURTESY OF The have taken their kids to the point of glossing over reality. It is one out the WNBL Championship in If you drive to the basket, the ring, the net, the rim, the thing to encourage your child in sport. It is another to Plenty of Aussies will be in action at the NCAA emphatic fashion, defeating the bucket, the cup, the hole you can finish with a dunk, a build up the kid and over-inflate the sense of their true Tournament this year with up to 17 players in 71-57. slam, a jam, a flush. There are various terms that mean ability as basketball players. It is about not being taught the mix. Notably, the St Mary’s Gaels face a It was the first time in club history the same thing: screen, pick, pin. You get the idea. to take responsibility for their actions on the basketball sudden death First Four play-in game against that the club had taken the title and court. Middle Tennessee to make the tournament. emotions spilled over after the final Some coaches and players have their own favourite buzzer went. and familiar terms and words - some that might even So when the kid with the over-inflated sense of ability – Good luck to everyone in the tournament, no be foreign to other teams. If anyone has heard former and perhaps a pushy parent – meets the coach with a doubt they will all make us proud. After having the best record in Boomers coach Brian Goorjian in full flight, it would pay different perspective, there is bound to be an issue with the league for the majority of the to have an interpreter on hand, or subtitles if watching one or the other, probably both. Because they’ve been season, the Spirit did not cave to on TV. lead to believe they are the next coming of Michael Perhaps a compliment to basketball is that much of its Jordan, some kids don’t believe they have to do the Full list of Aussies in 2013 NCAA Tournament expectation, instead embracing it when it mattered most. Import Kesley strategy and terminology has been embraced by other same as other kids or what the coach asks. sports, particular by the AFL in Australia with reference Mid-West Division Griffin showed her worth by winning the Grand Final MVP, dropping in 20 to turnovers and transition, zone defence and pressing, Ohyeahbut. Cody Ellis – Saint Louis (Perth, WA) among other things. points and snaring 11 boards for the Peter Hooley – Albany (Hahndorf, SA) The sense of entitlement also comes from kids who champs. Luke Devlin – Albany (Sydney, NSW) Basketball is a game that can be recognised by its have played rep basketball through the age groups and Sam Rowley – Albany (Sydney, NSW) terminology and its words. Sometimes there are even – with their parents - seem to think they should always Ryan Broekhoff – Valparaiso (, VIC) Big V was well represented here new words introduced to the basketball dictionary, be picked because they were picked the year before or – Saint Mary’s with Eltham junior and recently maybe without us even knowing it. the year before that. (Maryborough, VIC) signed State Champ player Hayley But it doesn’t always work that way when it comes Mitchell Young – Saint Mary’s (Logan, QLD) Munroe coming off the bench and So I would like to nominate a contender for the hoops to selection. Parents and players seem to overlook Jorden Page – Saint Mary’s (Maroochydore, contributing to the win. dictionary and I reckon it’s one every coach – especially the fact that other players might have got better as QLD) at junior level – has heard: ohyeahbut. basketball players over the previous 12 months. Other Matt Hodgson – Saint Mary’s (Booval, QLD) Congratulations on behalf of Big V to Most people would expect that would be three words, players might have got taller, stronger and/or faster. the Bendigo Spirit! but every time it comes out of a player’s mouth, it’s one Other players might respond better to coaching and East Divison rapid word: ohyeahbut. It often sounds like the ‘u’ is instruction. Other players might work harder and put in Jordan Vandenberg – North Carolina State missing and often the ‘oh’ is dropped too: yeahbt. more effort. (Melbourne. VIC) That means the player with the sense of entitlement Shane Harris-Tunks – Colorado (Sydney, NSW) It is a common response to a coach’s comment, falls back in the selection order so that starters become Spencer Llewellyn – Pacific (Sydney, NSW) correction or criticism for a player who comes to the bench players and bench players don’t get selected in Jackson Aldridge – Butler (Sydney, NSW) bench after being subbed out. the team they think they should be in. Coach: “You need to make sure you connect on that down screen for your teammate to get open because It’s a similar scenario during the season when players West Division you missed the defender last time”. don’t get the minutes on the court they think they Hugh Greenwood – New Mexico (Hobart, should. They and their parents should stop and TAS) Player: “Yeahbt … (insert excuse about why player consider why that is the case. Or they could respectfully – New Mexico (Brisbane, didn’t do what they were supposed to and why it was approach the coach to discuss the issue and listen to QLD) somebody else’s fault)”. what is said. Anthony Drmic – Boise State (Melbourne, VIC) Then imagine if the coach, when asked about the Igor Hadziomerovic – Boise State (Melbourne, It is an unfortunate word that has wormed its way issue, said to the player and/or parent: ohyeahbut. VIC) onto the lexicon of the young and become a common attitude through the society of youth, not just basketball Ohyeahbut. It’s a word that does not belong in or other sports, I assume. It is a word that may be hard basketball or the basketball dictionary.

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

I had more time to rest. Millar said her experience rebuilding the strength in her knee and her leg had also “But in the balance it was good to be shown her how difficult rehabilitation work getting on with things and not thinking too is. much about it.” “Rehabilitation is really tough, it’s really MILLAR TIME Knee injuries rarely make someone a better much more of a mental challenge than a player than before the injury but Millar physical one,” she said. hopes her experiences have at least helped her to become a better, or at least more Being in a field which demands hours ONE way or another Sarah Millar knew she was going to compassionate, doctor. of study and even more hours spent in hospitals or surgeries, Millar had more than be dealing with surgeons during the 2012 Big V season. “I think you get an appreciation of how one of her fellow students tell her to give each person’s injury is an individual thing basketball away. and how each injury affects someone BY ROY WARD differently,” she said. But Millar isn’t ready to end her basketball career, especially with two more years of “For someone who didn’t play sport, an ACL study before she becomes an intern doctor. But she never expected it would be as a injury is terrible but it’s not the same sort of “I think it was tough to get back on the patient. devastation as you feel as an athlete. court, people who didn’t know me very The 25 year old Sherbrooke Suns guard is a “For me, taking into account a patient’s life well said don’t go back, don’t play again,” post-graduate medical student and among experience is so important; I took it so much she said. her student rotations was a period of weeks harder than if didn’t play sport.” watching surgeons go about their daily work. “But it was worth doing all this to get back; I Millar was all set for a big season with the think it was totally worth it. Suns’ State Championship Women’s team after missing part of her first season with the “If you are a medical student, you spent Suns due to a fractured thumb. a lot of time on it so playing basketball balances everything out – it gets old just But her 2012 season came to a shuddering hanging out with medical students. end when she was accidently kneed in the “I feel like I need to get away from it, so back of the leg while going for a loose ball in there is nothing better than hanging out the Suns’ first game of the season. with teammates.” As her leg snapped back from the contact, Millar knew she was injured, it turned out she Millar took plenty of joy from getting back needed a knee reconstruction and would on court in a Suns’ practice match in late miss the remainder of the season. February. “I think looking back now I knew it was a “I was pretty nervous and a bit wary in that serious injury but at the time I wanted to deny her first day with her knee in a brace and one first game back,” she said. it,” she said. crutch to lean on. A serious injury throws more than just a season “It was painful – I was taking icepacks to the “But once you get going you start not to into disarray, injured players have to re- hospital with me and icing when I could,” think about it much. arrange their work and study schedules and Millar said. for those with physically demanding jobs it “I think it will take a few months to get means missing weeks of work. “The worst part was you are on your feet a lot used to playing again because so much and standing for the majority of the time but changes in your mindset. As a medical student, Millar feared she would it gradually got better as the days and weeks miss one of her three compulsory rotations went on. “The way you react to contact changes which would leave her behind in her studies. and it’s hard to shake the fear of getting So she booked her reconstruction for a few “It wasn’t comfortable, I think in a way it hurt again.” weeks before her first rotation, which turned pushed me to get moving earlier but I may out to be her surgical rotation, and arrived for have been dealing with more soreness than if

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

“But I’m more afraid of not playing again Millar believes she can play and study for the than getting hurt.” next two seasons but once her internships DEBATE- PROMOTION/RELEGATION begin then she thinks keeping up her training The Big V State Championship competition Championship Men’s competition in 2012 and With her return to the court now behind will become nearly impossible. continues to grow with ten teams competing in the Coach Nick Abdicevic is a supporter of the her, Millar wants to take more small steps Men and nine in the Women’s divisions in 2013. application only process. “At the Melbourne Tigers and embrace the experience of playing Millar paid tribute to her teammates and her The standard of the pinnacle competition in Big V we want to compete at the highest possible level basketball once again. coach, Bedrick Fliszar, who have supported continues to improve with 2013 shaping up to be of in the state. Our program is somewhat different her the whole way. an incredibly high standard across both genders. as we look to you give young men an opportunity “I feel like I’m sort of setting basic goals,” she What this has done is create an environment to play at the top level and therefore get better. said. “I’m lucky I have a coach who is so where a number of clubs competing in Division 1 We do not pay players and therefore struggle understanding,” she said. and Division 2 now have aspirations of working to compete with some teams but are building “I want to play every game, gradually get their way up the ladder to compete in State this young group over 3 or 4 years to eventually back my speed and movements but it’s a “Every so often I can’t make a training Championship. For their club it’s the ultimate goal make finals, knowing along the way we will have gradual thing. session because something goes overtime of their teams arriving on the big stage, the final produced hopefully some state, country and NBL with my classes and he is really good about step in the pathway for their juniors who have gone players.” “At this stage, I just want to play a role and it. through VJBL, Youth League, and Seniors and contribute. want to play at the best level possible in the State Sherbrooke Suns SCW Coach Bedrich Fliszar also “Everyone is supportive, I think I can play the League. is an opponent of strict promotion and relegation “I try not to put too much pressure on myself next two years definitely, but once I start my but has an even different concept for the top level. after not playing for a year; I’m just so Internship it will be hard.” As it currently stands, entry into State “I am a strong believer in conferences at the top excited to get back on court.” Championship is by application only. At the end level with two conferences using an Eastern/ of the season when the intention to participate Western system.” When asked why, Bedrich puts form is lodged, interested clubs need to inform the forward the arguments that this would create less league that they wish to be promoted, and then go travel for the teams making it more cost effective through a series of meetings and discussions with and would help create tribalism and stronger the Competition Sub-Committee who make a final rivalries between the teams with better local decision. promotion and community involvement. “By having promotion and relegation you can be placed in a This differs from the lower divisions in the Big division that does not have the above supporting V structure, where if you win Division 2 you are structures and it becomes hard to support your promoted to Division 1 and if you finish bottom local club, especially when your senior men, of Division 1, you are relegated to Division 2 with women and youth teams are separated.” applications outside of this still considered. Some would argue as the wooden spooners With a number of teams looking to push up last year it would be obvious for both Nick and into State Championship the debate has again Bedrich to be opposed to the idea, as for them it surfaced on whether State Championship should would have meant 2013 in Division 1. So when remain application only, or whether it should asked the same question, James Madigan Head fall in line with the divisions and become strictly Coach of the Mildura Heat’s 2012 Division 1 Men promotion and relegation. Championship winning side also shared a similar Those for promotion and relegation point to the view. “I support promotion and relegation between English Premier League as an example where the the divisions but for State Championship it needs system works extremely well. Before the season to be on an individual basis. We won it last year starts you know if you are in the bottom three and have lost 6 players including our starting 5. So teams, you will be relegated regardless of your if we went up to State Championship we would be circumstances. Opponents of the concept point to doing so with a below average side for that level.” the very real fact that teams change every season, and if you win Division 1 and are promoted to State So three coaches down with all three opposing Championship and have a weakened roster, you strict promotion and relegation into State are not only going to be in for a very long year, but Championship leaving us wondering whether the you are going to damage the integrity of the top format is correct as is. What are your thoughts? level in the state by throwing up lop-sided score Have your say and email your opinion to stats@ lines week in week out. bigv.com.au and we will publish a collection of Melbourne Tigers finished last in the State responses on our Facebook page.

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

less than a tilt at the finals, which no doubt their passionate fans are keen to see.

LAST WORD

Word on the street suggests Corio Bay will be hard to beat and Bulleen is almost 2013 picture-perfect with their starting five, while all reports emanating from Waverley will have us believe that an up-tempo, team orientated game plan is in place.

Coach Kenny down at Ringwood is facing a tougher season, but the wily old fox SEASON PREVIEWS will no doubt spring a surprise or two on all of us, while Eltham has lost more than a handful of its front line and appears headed for a tough year. Hard to see Eric Williams not at the front of the line for MVP honours, surrounded by Another year and another round of season previews coming your way the likes of Corey Standerfer, Mike Rose, Sedale Threatt Jnr, Jermaine Maybank, via Overtime Magazine. We take a look at all the divisions, provide an Jamal Brown and Ivan Platenik all battling for a gig, while a blossoming Chris Arkell outline of the competition and then attempt to ‘crystal ball’ the season might be worth keeping an eye on. Last season we watched on as Ringwood, Eltham, and give you our tips. Drop your own tips on Twitter #bigvtips and join the Waverley and Corio Bay fought for the title, but conversation. Lets get it started. expect some big changes this time around with Diamond Valley and Bulleen set to be the key movers, leaving Ringwood and Eltham to possibly drop a few places. It’s a hard call before a shot in anger has been fired, but let’s take a punt at the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MEN ladder and go with Corio Bay, Bulleen, Waverley, Diamond Valley, Ringwood, Hume City, Melbourne, SNAPSHOT Sherbrooke and Eltham.

Those expecting anything less than a rip-roaring battle for finals this season better think again. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN Ringwood scooped the prize last year and few ever doubted the outcome from about a third of the way into the season – to say the Hawks were a raging favourite would be an understatement. However, much has changed amongst the top flight and at least SNAPSHOT two teams – Corio Bay and Bulleen – have set about raising the bar this time around. Speaking of changes, here’s just a few; Adrien Sturt from Ringwood to Bulleen, Liam There is a lot to like about SCW in 2013 and early Norton from Eltham to Corio Bay, Chris Arkell (DV), Karl Beston (Eltham) and Andy pre-season indications suggest some significant Sherwell (DV) have headed to Waverley, while Neil Haining and Warren Escourt depart changes at the top are on the horizon. For the past Sherbrooke for Diamond Valley – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you look at two seasons we have all revelled in the excitement player changes alone it’s fair to suggest we will see a very different Eltham this season and success that engulfed Eltham, but some and Bulleen has loaded up with the likes of Corey Standerfer, Mike Rose, Yusef Qaafow wholesale changes might bridge the gap this time and Sturt, which could be just the tonic to see some excitement out at the Boomers. around with a number of teams set to rise. Question is will they have the depth? The coaching movements of Sherwell and Estcourt will make for some interesting developments at their former and also their new Numerous big names have exited stage right across the division, including Caitlin clubs, while the ‘unknown’ tag belongs to Sherbrooke after an off-season clean out Cunningham (Melbourne), Sally Laing (Sherbrooke – injured), Jackie Vanderzaag that now sees the Suns with a couple of imports. (Ringwood – injured), D’Lesha Lloyd (Bulleen), Jayde Tyrell (Diamond Valley), Sam Melbourne is expected to be young and a season of rebuilding is on the cards, the Woosnam (Eltham), Hollie Grima (Eltham) and Melissa Moyle (Waverley), while coming newly-promoted Werribee Devils will go hammer and tongs and might surprise a few in we are set to see (again) the likes of Sharin Milner (Hume City) and with their energy and enthusiasm, while the Broncos won’t be satisfied with anything (Hume City), with Bridgette Ardossi (Waverley) also sure to add some spice. Talk at the pre-season tournament suggests experience will count for everything at a

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

time when a plethora of younger players are hitting the boards, so look for teams with year- the Melbourne Uni Black Angels. Melbourne Uni has more mature bodies and developed structure to shine through. Given that theory, the done some serious recruiting in the off-season including the likes of McKinnon and Hume City appear a little more ‘old school’ and will take some return of one of their former biggest stars Nick Masunda. beating when August rolls around, but that fact that so many teams are so young Along with Tim Clark, Tom Stephens and Jason Conway indicates a smokey or two could catch everyone by surprise. amongst others Coach Walker is determined for this group to push back up the ladder…and we think he will. Craigieburn LAST WORD make the jump as the Division 2 Champions and might take a while to adjust to the standard but will certainly improve as McKinnon will be solid once again, and any team that adds the names Milner and the year goes on. Hibbert tells you that success is on the way. If Waverley can play an inside-outside game around Ardossi then better times are ahead, Melbourne rarely struggles in this Over on the other side of the draw all 8 teams in the Watson competition and Eltham could cover multiple losses with one big inclusion, but at this Conference are a shot at making the play-offs. Chelsea, stage nothing is confirmed. Southern Pen and Blackburn who all missed finals in 2012 Bulleen is somewhat of an unknown and as for Sherbrooke, Ringwood and Diamond have added quality recruits to their rosters, with last year’s Valley, well a host of injuries and departures could prove telling hurdles in their quest quarter finalists Warrandyte adding quality guards Johnny for a finals berth. The Hawks do have a couple of imports and that should be enough Lee and Brenton Charles to an already strong team. for them to crack a finals berth. McKinnon brings in former NBL player Moses Adepoju along A stab in the dark this far out, but how does this look for a final ladder - McKinnon, with Canadian import Kale Harrison and the Cougars will be hoping to go one step Hume City, Melbourne, Ringwood, Eltham (based on a rumoured recruit), Waverley, further in 2013. Jordan Canovan has joined Latrobe City and with the re-signing of Bulleen, Diamond Valley and Sherbrooke? Russell Permenter, the Energy will also be a tough team to guard.

LAST WORD

It would be a cop-out to say that Division 1 is too close to call but when you look at DIVISION ONE MEN some of the talent across the different team rosters it really does appear that way.

We do have one team though that we feel everyone should look out for, and it is a SNAPSHOT: team that we believe has the depth to go all the way this year- the Hawthorn Magic. Hawthorn is well known for playing hard and playing for eachother and in 2012 they Once again the Division 1 Men’s competition will be lost in a disappointing quarter final result to Geelong. When a team that strong adds structured in two 8 team conferences with 16 sides the likes of Guppy, Neilsen, Dukanac and Kaufmann the Magic are back in town and battling it out to take home the title. are going to be very difficult to beat. If the media in the off-season has been anything to go by, the competition promises to be stronger than ever with a large number of teams having a legit claim in DIVISION ONE WOMEN taking out the Championship. In the Terrill Conference last year’s Champions Mildura again looms large and although they have lost their SNAPSHOT: entire starting 5 watch out for their import duo to turn heads right from the start. Whittlesea have signed Big changes have been made to the Division 1 Women for 2013 with a straight ten import Jabril Banks and in an arguably even bigger team competition replacing last year’s two conferences of 7 teams each. signing have inked Michael Petridis to their line-up The next thing you will notice is that last year’s Champions the Warrnambool Mermaids giving the Mill Park team real confidence as we enter are nowhere to be seen. With the majority of their squad retiring or no longer playing Round 1. the Mermaids, after originally withdrawing from the competition, have returned in Perhaps the real mover and shaker off the Terrill Division 2 with what is an extremely young team they hope will be their next generation Conference is team that did not even make finals last of stars. Expect Craigieburn to again be strong with the core of their team remaining

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

talking a big game, but are entering the Big V the same, with both Whittlesea and Warrandyte looking at successful seasons after landscape for the first time since 2007. Fresh also recruiting well. Whittlesea see a number of big names joining their team including off a North East Country Basketball League Jaye Childs from Diamond Valley, the 2011 MVP and Rising Star of the State Youth championship, Shepparton will be a tough team Championship Competition. Warrandyte have also added some top notch quality with to beat. Mildura’s Amanda Hederics moving to Melbourne and joining the little town by the Yarra. Pakenham are the other ones that have shown Hawthorn look to have taken a hit with the loss of the Ross-Harris sisters who are no clear improvement in pre-season practice longer playing and Emily Matheson and Elyce Lambrou moving across to their rivals matches, backing up some of their big signings Camberwell. Altona also has lost a host of players but the Gators are planning on also with Jason Ferriere and James Topp heading to bringing up their next generation of talent from their widely successful Youth Women’s the Warriors. They definitely need to be counted team. Sunbury also look to be similar to last season and will need to rely on Emmie this year after a tough season in 2012. O’Niall dominating if they are to push for a finals birth. The also seem to be in for a good season with only 4 Then you’ve got the likes of Keilor, Melton , players remaining from last year’s group and Mornington and Western Port that will not be SEABL Supercats Anna Teague and Jessica pushovers, making for a tightly contested and Watson joining the group. Louise Johnston high quality division. Oh and a passing thought- also joins Geelong from Altona in another don’t sleep on Casey. exciting pickup for the team. LAST WORD LAST WORD From where we sit, you can’t go past Keysborough as the early favorite. On paper, they are the best team in the competition and should play to their potential. After that Listening to the experts the competition is you are looking ta Pakenham as their biggest rival and then the next bunch of teams widely expected to be decided between who can surprise. We don’t think we’ll see Maccabi doing a whole lot of damage this Whittlesea, Craigieburn and Warrandyte season (despite them being ‘Our Boys’) and they are our reluctant wooden spoon tip. but we believe one team has flown under the radar and certainly has Championship credentials. DO NOT write off the Latrobe City Energy who not only keep the core of their DIVISION TWO WOMEN finals placed team from last season, but have added WNBL star Michelle Cosier to the group for a handful of games that will no doubt give them even more firepower. If the SNAPSHOT Energy can stay injury free this is the type of roster can make a deep run into the finals and a Championship is not out of the question. Plenty has been covered in this division that has seen a lot of changes from last season. With Chelsea, Southern Peninsula and Keilor all coming into the competition from Division One, it is a whole new ball game. DIVISION TWO MEN Coburg’s championship winning team from last season may look quite different with a a number of key players opting to play Youth League this year. 2012 runner up Casey SNAPSHOT have grabbed former Sandringham big Leah Swain to cover the paint and Renee Mokrzycki will be looking to return from college. Then you’ve got some key players Like any divisions, there are some big dogs that have already marked Div Two Men as coming from former Division One teams like Lee Wilkins (Southern Pen) and Jessica their territory. Unless you’ve been living under a boulder for the last couple of months, Francke (Keilor) who will add class to the comp. you would have heard about Keysborough’s busy off-season with the pen, signing Some teams have gone super young, some are going to scrap their way to wins Nathaniel O’Hara, Tim Brook and big Kevin Benn. These are additions to a team that and others will be super quick. Don’t sleep on anyone because this division is full of was a whisker away from a championship in 2012. On paper they are the team to surprises. beat. But rumblings out in the sticks out Shepparton way have been loud. They have been

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

LAST WORD seasonal smokeys, Ringwood and Sherbrooke. There are some serious players in these teams that are well coached and prepared for basketball at this level. They both had This might be one of the toughest last calls in the Big V. Coburg and Casey are going first up wins and showed good signs- let’s see if it lasts. to be strong again but you might just see an almighty resurgence from out west. Werribee has re-stocked and are ready to remove themselves from the cellar.

With a number of Gators coming across town, they should be highly fancied this year. ‘MOLTEN’ VICTORIAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSIP WOMEN Southern Peninsula, Keilor and Chelsea will all expect to contend while Western Port and Blackburn will be rebuilding this year. But if we HAVE to pick someone, we can’t go past Southern Peninsula. They have bigger fish to fry (flake) in the future and will be SNAPSHOT ready to take this competition by storm. There probably isn’t a more unknown competition in the Big V than the Molten Victorian Youth ‘MOLTEN’ VICTORIAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSIP MEN Championship Women. Despite seeing a round or two of action, our foresight isn’t any greater than it was in in December. Nonetheless, this is a SNAPSHOT preview and we have to give it a good old stab. From where we stand, Dandenong are legit. Obviously the landscape around here has changed They beasted Diamond Valley in their opener, significantly compared with last season. In come 8 physically doing as they pleased. Apparently brand new teams, a couple of cellar dwellers are gone they won’t have everyone available every week and what we are left with is the best youth players in with players stepping up into their senior side, but the state fighting each other night in, night out. nonetheless it appears they have the depth to cope. After a successful launch of the Molten Victorian Youth Championship at the Frankston pre-season tournament, The other standout was no surprise. Melbourne we got a quick look at who’s good and who isn’t. looked good against the Spectres in their first Although it’s a small sample size, we’re happy to make game with Isabella Brancatisano, Courtney Gaze, the following claims. Dandenong and Diamond Valley Shanara Nanai-Leifi etc. all in peak form. If you are probably the two most talented sides running have to pick two standouts, Melbourne and around with Kilsyth not too far away. Jack Purchase is Dandenong have to be it. The next tier down, you’re probably looking at Ballarat, an athletic freak, Cobras Arjen Smit and Kyle Adnam Kilsyth, Knox and Diamond Valley to play finals basketball this year with the potential to have the best two-man game in the business and upset the top-sides on a good day. Time will tell how this competition will shape up. nobody should sleep on Ringwood or Sherbrooke. The talent the fans got to witness over the weekend was nothing short of phenomenal and LAST WORD it was a great way to showcase what this state has to offer. The standout names will become more evident as the season goes on, so all we have to do is sit back, relax Based on what we know (not a whole lot) Dandenong are the team to beat. They and enjoy the ball. boast a complete game, relentless attitude and strong coaching that puts them in good stead for the year. LAST WORD Next in line is Melbourne who are perennial contenders, regardless of who we think they have and their opposition. The new crop of girls coming through the ranks are as As we said in the snapshot, after round one, the standouts looked like Diamond Valley, good as ever and will turn some heads. Dandenong and Kilsyth. They were well run, bigger, stronger, faster and smarter than If you’re looking for a smokey, don’t go past someone like Knox or even Nunawading. all their VYC counterparts. That being said, the in’s and outs of youth basketball plays These two teams looked quite sharp and could surprise a few. a huge role here as always. Some of the players that were available may not be on most occasions, which changes the landscape dramatically. Perhaps that opens the door for the next tier such as Melbourne, Knox or Waverley. And then you’ve got the

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

YOUTH LEAGUE ONE MEN entries in Coburg and Southern Peninsula who will add to what is an already strong SNAPSHOT competition. Altona, who were runners up last season, This would hands down have to be one of the closest look to be extremely young and may competitions we will see this season with the bottom four of have what we call ‘a rebuilding year’. what was SCY1M and the top 6 of SYC2M combining this The Thunder, Venom and Pacers will be year to make Youth League 1 Men. Not much will separate sporting very similar teams to last year these teams this season so come to expect some great and with already having that year of games even some unexpected results. experience as a group, improvement is definitely on the cards. Bendigo, who will be unknown to many, have re-entered the competition with a very young group from what we’ve Hannah Lowe has taken over the reins as heard. It may take them a little while to settle in but when head coach down at Hawthorn and to they do should fare well against the others. Now just an say she will have great talent to work with explanation, Bendigo were originally in VYC but decided is somewhat of an understatement. One YL1M was a better fit for them and swapped with Bulleen. name that straight away comes to mind is Hume City and Whittlesea had long seasons last year but Melissa Prior. She was a great contributor to the Magic’s success last year but with Prior things are certainly looking up for them this year. Werribee will be the team to watch playing a part in their D1W, we may not come to see as much from her this season. and have the great pleasure of being our dark horse this year. The Jets will be young again this year but with Naomi Stevens still on the tarmac you’re Altona and Western Port have taken big hits to what were successful 2012 squads. always in a good position. Stevens will be looking to lift her team to the next level with The Gators lost MVP Scott Dysdale to neighbouring club Keilor with the Steelers having a better W/L record and cement themselves as an up and coming team. their own loss in Kade Marra. The Vikings have managed to keep one part of Walker Brothers Inc with Raemon Walker still young enough to run around once again. Even with injury playing a major part in her 2012 season, Erin Hastings still managed McKinnon and Sunbury have bolstered their squads to make sure they’re there when 16 points a game for the Cougars. Now hopefully at full strength, what numbers will we finals come knocking. see from her this season?

LAST CALL LAST CALL

When you look at a competition like this it is hard to put your eggs just in the one There is a strong 4 in this competition but in what order they will finish is anyone’s basket but at this point it’s the Cougars who are barely holding onto the title. Lurking in guess. Hawthorn and McKinnon look to be the front runners at the moment with the the shadows behind them will be the Thunder, Devils and Jets who are all capable of Magic hunting down back to back titles. Craigieburn will find themselves in finals yet stepping up when push comes to shove. Now the wooden spoon, such a tough one to again with another well put together team this season. Warrandyte will round off the hand out, but unfortunately it belongs to the Gators this year. top 4 who are definitely the dark horse this season. Unfortunately the Sharks have been dubbed this season’s wooden spooners purely because of the ‘unknown’ that surrounds them. YOUTH LEAGUE ONE WOMEN YOUTH LEAGUE TWO MEN

SNAPSHOT SNAPSHOT

This competition is going to be one to watch with some clubs going to some lengths to make sure they are a step above their former selves. Player and coach movement has The Youth League 2 Men’s competition is going to be full of unknowns for the early certainly been the focus in the off-season so look out for new faces, players with new part of the season with the edition of 5 new teams to the competition, Camberwell, stripes and former players taking their turn in the coaching ranks. Take note of two new Chelsea, Corio Bay, Keysborough and Melton. With new teams comes an abundance

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

of new young talent and we look forward to seeing these guys in action making a name for themselves in 2013. The rest of the competition will be filled with the bottom 5 of last year’s SYC2M, Coburg, Craigieburn, Mornington, Southern Peninsula and Warrandyte.

Camberwell have certainly made a statement securing D1M gun Mark Jeffers for the season. Having Jeffers as a permanent member makes this Dragons team a strong force to contend with.

The Keysborough Cougars have taken advantage of their off- season with Matt Walker joining the club. Walker was a beast for the Cavaliers last year and will be a hard man to stop at either end of the floor. As for the other 3 newbies, well we’ll just have to wait and see.

Now to….let’s call the originals. Southern Peninsula has one notably big out in Matthew Pollard which will see the Sharks struggle to make much ground this year. Casey were originally in YL1M after finishing in the top 6 but after massive losses they felt that YL2M was better suited to where their program is now at and had a straight swap with Sunbury. Coburg, Craigieburn, Mornington and Warrandyte have remained relatively unchanged with maybe a few young ones making their Big V debut.

LAST CALL

There is a strong top 3 at this point in Keysborough, Camberwell and Chelsea with the title just leaning to the Cougars. But when finals come around, the Cougars will need to watch their backs. Down the other end of the scale, the wooden spoon must go to someone and unfortunately it belongs to Southern Peninsula. Their loss is just too hard to look past so a long 2013 season is coming up for them.

HOW DID OUR TIPS GO? #BIGVTIPS #OTMAG

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

The Big V Pre-season Tournament in SEABL squad, so they get the training of Frankston over the Moomba long weekend a higher level, but come back and play did more than showcase Big V talent, give with us, so it bridges a gap for the kids that clubs the opportunity to test-run structures aren’t quite there. It gives them the option and rotations, and size up their opponents. to continue to represent their club at this It officially opened the Molten Victorian level,” he said. Youth Championship, a competition that is the result of some long hours around the Head coach of the Diamond Valley Molten board table, long yarns on the phone, and Victorian Youth Championship team Trevor emails darting back and forth between Lee agrees. representatives from Basketball Victoria, Big V and the Basketball Victoria D-League. “There’s a lot of effort put into these young guys all the way through,” he said. “A lot of Coming together to agree upon the them have played VC all the way through foundations of a league that promises a their VJBL career. They get to a point where lot, most of which surrounds its potential they come out of 18s and they go into to forward the development of basketball U20s — which isn’t as strong a competition talent in Victoria at a critical age, hands — and really, the next stepping-stone eventually shook, and the potential is the Youth League. So for me, the showcase has already delivered so much, league has to be there for them to make only a couple of weeks into the action. that next step,” he said.

At the end of this season, a post-VJBL “We’ve got Australian kids running around basketball competition will crown an in this league, kids who played in the U17 undisputed Victorian Champion for the first time in many years. If that’s not enough to add some extra flavor to the spectacle, then consider that the League boasts the next crop of College prospects, NBL, SEABL and Big V State Championship stars, not to mention current National squad members and the list goes on.

For head coach of the Knox Women’s Molten Victorian Youth Championship team Robbie Baldwin, it feels like history repeating, but with some very beneficial changes.

“It’s kind of back to the future in a way,” he said. “All the development teams of Knox and Nunawading and so forth used to play in the Big V before, except now, they’re playing against kids who are just 23 and under. Before, you also had a spattering of 29 and 30 year olds playing for a couple of teams.

“It gives the kids who are coming out of juniors, the chance to play senior basketball,” he said. “A lot of the kids, their skill level isn’t quite up to the SEABL or Big V Championship level at this point. So, like with my group, eight of the girls are in the

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

basketball in general, it’s a great step and both of those teams have been very Australia team and finished runners up in forward. To have the best kids in the state well coached, the talent level there is very the World Championship — there’s a lot of playing against each other, you can’t good. Perhaps the difference right now those guys who have left the league this ask for much more than that. There’s a with my squad and theirs is that we go year and gone on to the AIS and gone on lot of guys out there that would like to deeper than a lot of the other teams.” to College, so it really bridges the gap. be able to coach in this league. It is an elite League. You’ve got the best kids in Ultimately, at seasons end, a men’s team “Some of the kids are possibly good enough the state running around, so it’s critical and a women’s team will be crowned best to go on and play Championship, but for that they’re all back together, I’ve been Youth team in the state. And for Victorian those guys that are borderline, it gives looking forward to it. It’s fantastic. Basketball clubs, who all take pride in them a chance to develop. Our role as seeing their juniors become elite senior coaches in this league is to ensure that If there were any doubts about the basketballers, that title will only grow in their fundamental skills and their overall evenness of the converging clubs, whether meaning as the years roll on. skill-package is continually improving — pundits may have felt that one lot of something that they may get less of at the teams would have the edge of the other, “You really will find out which is the best Championship level — so that they are the results from the first weekend put that Under 23 program throughout the state, ready for the next step,” he said. “I look at notion to bed. In the Women’s side of so there’ll be some bragging rights there,” it as a four year period, as you would with a things, teams coming from D-League had said Baldwin. College program, and push them through.” the edge with six wins to two, while in the Men’s draw, teams coming from Big V’s “There are some clubs that don’t place On hand to cut the ribbon at the official State Youth Championship in 2012 got the a lot of emphasis on Under 20s, so for the launch were new BV CEO Nick Honey, Big edge by a factor of six wins to two. Youth Championship to crown a state V Chairperson Daryl Neal and Molten Sales champion, I think it’s fantastic,” added Manager Dave Fletcher, launching VYC “The teams we’ve played against so Lee. “It’s a real big step forward for and declaring it open for business before far have been good opposition,” said junior basketball, or for those guys in that the first round of action, coinciding with the Baldwin, who’s have shown intermediate bracket that are coming our pre-season tournament for the senior Big V they will be one of the front-runners in the of juniors into seniors — into that transition teams. Women’s competition. period. And as coaches, it’s the League we want to coach in. It’s an elite league Using the results and placings of 2012 from “We’ve played Ringwood and Melbourne and it’s great to be involved in it.” the Big V State Youth Championship and D-League, pools were selected in the fairest possible way. First place from D-League topped one conference, while the Champions from 2012’s State Youth Championship headlined the second, alternating on the way down the list.

It was the first time teams who hadn’t played each other at this age group ever, got the chance to end the discussion about who would beat who, and let their games do the talking. Perhaps the highlight of the opening was this monster tip-dunk from Melbourne Tiger and Australian national player, Jack Purchase, a sign of things to come. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=17nUPlf8K9A

“When we had that split years ago, I was disappointed that we didn’t have the best kids playing against the best kids each week,” said Trevor Lee. “I think for

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG OVERTIME MAG

your sporting organisation as the place to buy And so it is with branding and marketing for you that product from! and your sport. Whether you know it or not, you have a brand and a marketing system already. WHY SHOULD I Chances are it is not as good as it could be, You need to build a branding and in fact it may need a total overhaul. But and marketing system there are solutions – simple, logical solutions that people in business all over the world are The more closely you look at high-performing using every day to help them stand out from the CHOOSE YOU? teams or players in any sport, the more pack and be successful. apparent it will become that they have a system Effective branding and marketing is about – a set of structured routines that are performed having a structured plan and executing it well. in order to get a better result. This includes While you should certainly ensure you have In this edition of Overtime, positions on the field of play, the way that you a budget for branding and marketing, it’s Managing Director of Acorn work with other team members and the way the execution of a good plan that will make practice sessions are structured. the difference – not only having a plan, but Brand Design and Big V Board executing the plan … taking action! What you will find, if you look closely enough, Member Ned Coten presents is that there are systems just about everywhere This completes Part 2 of ‘Developing your part 2 of a 4-part series on in sport, business and life. They may not marketing. Part 3 will be in the next edition be immediately apparent, but if you look of Overtime. developing your marketing hard enough they are there. This is more to attract new customers and obvious with higher performing teams in any environment. If you went into an Olympic keep the current ones happy training centre tomorrow, would you expect to see people moping around, wondering what and engaged. to do next? No! It’s likely that there will be a system for everything, with plans and training Before anyone buys anything, they ask routines written on wall charts, meetings themselves two questions: and training sessions starting on time, and everything is very clear about what is going on. 1. Is this the product (or service) I want? brand. No-one goes to McDonald’s to get 2. If so, is this the place to buy it from? a 5-star meal! We know the food is a great burger before we go in (and because they are Both of these questions are important, but so consistent we are never surprised by this). nearly everyone in sport thinks only about Be honest: would slightly improving the quality the answer to the first one. They spend time, of the food at McDonald’s lead to a significant money and effort making their product better. improvement in sales? I doubt it! The food is They focus on the facilities and the quality of not the primary reason we go. the equipment being used, and on making sure everything runs to plan. I’m not suggesting you We go there because our kids want a Happy shouldn’t pay attention to this, but don’t make Meal, or because we want a rest while they it your primary focus at the expense of building play outside, or because we want a quick and your brand and implementing great marketing. easy McCafé coffee, or sometimes because Why not? Because everyone else is doing we just want a quick feed and don’t really care the same thing. They are all making their too much what it tastes like. We know we will products just a little better, tweaking things to always get the same thing, it will cost the same, get them just right. However, they would have and it will be served in an environment we better results if they focused on finding a great know and trust. McDonald’s has answered the answer to the second question. And so would second question by creating an experience and you! You need to get a great answer to the marketing themselves accordingly. question: ‘Why should I choose you?’ So don’t just focus on providing a product – Think about McDonald’s. I use them here as make sure that your potential customers see an example because everyone knows the

MARCH 2013 EDITION MARCH 2013 EDITION OVERTIME MAG THE BACKBOARD WITH BETH CHARLES

Geelong Veteran Vicki King has been a consistent part of the Geelong program since 2005. The combo- guard was an important contributor to the Lady Cats’ maiden State Championship Women’s tiltle in 2010. Following that success, King retired to start a family, giving birth to daughter Leilani in June 2011. However the lure of the hardwood saw King end her retirement when Geelong re-entered Big V in Division One in 2012. It’s a family affair on game day with husband Tom part of the Lady Supercats’ coaching staff. VICKI KING LIVES. BREATHES. HOOPS.

WORKS AS OPERATIONS MANAGER @ BELLARINE PENINSULA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

HAS A DAUGHTER NAMED LEILANI BORN 7/6/2011 FAVOURITE PLACE FAMILY & FRIENDS Our backyard. It’s “I’M ORGANISED. “We have a photo board in 2010 CHAMPIONSHIP somewhere to wind I HAVE TO BE” our lounge room, covered in “Amazing to be a part of a down and relax. I like to photos of the many people who winning team, but to have play host, and at every “ADMITTEDLY, THERE’S are (or have been) important done it with some of my opportunity we like to get SOME NIGHTS WHERE to us.” closest friends made it that a crew together for a bbq I DON’T GET DINNER much more memorable.” and drinks. COOKED, OR THE HOUSEWORK’S NOT DONE. BUT WE MANAGE. WE DON’T GO HUNGRY, AND THE HOUSEWORK WILL STILL BE THERE TOMORROW.”

What we didn’t know... ‘S I have represented Geelong at a state level in four different sports, being Basketball, SHAWSHANK Netball, Baseball and Athletics (Javelin). REDEMPTION I didn’t play basketball as a junior. Started playing rep basketball at age 23. & It’s more difficult learning fundamental skills as an adult, than it would have been as a kid. LASAGNE

MARCH 2013 EDITION