MILLICENT’S Peter Seebohm Basketball Stadium will come alive this weekend when the inaugural Limestone Coast Basketball Competition finals series kick off.
The senior basketball competitions were designed to meet the needs of the participating associations, with Millicent and Mount Gambier not able play in the Country Victoria Basketball League 2020/21 season, while Bordertown and Keith have limited opportunities to play at inter-association standards.
The organising committee, led by Peter Seebohm, has been buoyed by the popularity of the competitions. Several neighbouring basketball associations have already registered interest in future competitions.
The finals day starts at 11 am with the women’s semi-finals, where Millicent plays Naracoorte on the main court, while Mount Gambier takes on Keith on court one.
Millicent Magic, undefeated and bench mark of the women’s competition, is favoured to take out the title.
The team goes deep in terms of ability and experience, with Emily Winter and Jasmin Howe their on-court leaders, complemented by talented juniors led by Lucy Denton.
Mount Gambier Lakers women’s Coach Bryan Green is pleased with the improvement made by his squad and spoke positively of the benefits of this competition.
Pioneers’ squad members Maddie and Olivia Wormald, along with Keryl Ousey and Sarah Ritter, will be pivotal to the Lakers’ performances this weekend.
The Keith/Bordertown women’s team has been strong and responded to the challenges faced in competing at this level.
The team has been competitive against the Magic and Lakers in their previous encounters.
Naracoorte women have also been genuine competitors and have played out the full 40 minutes of each game to date.
Experiencing higher standards of basketball competition will be one of the benefits for Keith and Naracoorte.
The men’s semi-finals start at 1.45pm as Millicent takes on Bordertown on the main court, with Mount Gambier v Keith on court one.
All four Associations are considered genuine contenders for the title.
Millicent Magic is undefeated at this stage of the competition, but the finals scene is different.
An under-manned Lakers went within a whisker of beating the Magic in Keith and went down by a single figure in Round 2.
Pioneer Erik Burdon suiting up for Magic further added another dimension to their impressive talent base.
Keith – led by the Robertson’s – and the Lakers stand at one win apiece going into the finals.
Their semi-final clash on Saturday will be one of the many highlights of the day.
Sam Stafford, Kurt Rodis and Braiden Ousey, if fit, have been the consistent trio for the Lakers.
Kyle Tipene, Duncan Reid and Toby deWit added depth in Round 2.
Bordertown men bounced into contention in Round 2 when they proved tough assignments for opponents. Former state junior Jacob Grosser and Kraig Hull were telling inclusions.
The winning semi-finalists will play off in grand finals to conclude the competition.
Millicent Basketball will host a two-ourse dinner for players, coaches, referees and supporters from 6pm following the grand finals.
Presentations will follow at approximately 7.30pm.
Invited guests Nathan Grosser, president of SA Country Basketball Council and Des Noll, Mayor of Wattle Range Council will assist in the presentations.
Program: 11am, women’s semi-finals, main court Millicent v Naracoorte; Court 1 Mount Gambier v Keith.
1.45pm, men’s semi-finals, main court Millicent v Bordertown; Court 1 Mount Gambier v Keith.
2pm, women’s consolation game, Court 3 – Losers of semi-finals.
2.30pm, women’s grand final, main court – Winners of semi-finals.
3.30pm, men’s consolation game, Court 1 – Losers of semi-finals.
4.15pm, men’s grand final, main court – Winners of semi-finals.
