Trevor Jackson
THE Country Basketball League season kicked off last week, with the Lakers to hit the court for the first time on Saturday.
The men and women will travel to Portland to take on the Coasters, with all in place for a solid season.
Both sides boast big squads, which should provide a solid lineup each round.
For the men, Kane De Wit has stepped in as coach and is keen to hit the court, after a couple of years of disrupted competitions due to the Covid pandemic.
“We are looking pretty good,” De Wit said.
“We have about 16-17 guys which is good.
“Sadly it means not everyone will be able to play each week, but with CBL, generally people are out and doing things and miss games.”
That will be the case in the first game this weekend, with the wedding of Simon Berkefeld taking a few players out.
That includes both Simon and Matt Berkefeld, but De Wit expects Matt back next weekend for the first home game of the season.
The squad includes De Wit as playing coach, along with the likes of Kyle Tipene, Toby De Wit and many others.
De Wit said that should provide a strong nucleus to ensure a solid season.
“Normally we are in the last game or around the mark,” he said.
“We have a few guys who have been around for a number of years and have been a big part of the success the team has had.
“Everyone is keen to get going so hopefully we can piece it together and have a good season.”
As for Portland, De Wit said he does not know too much about the squad, but expected something similar to recent seasons.
“They played last week and have a few of the same characters who have played for them in the past,” he said.
“We are pretty light on, with probably about six or seven guys going.
“That might affect us a bit but hopefully we can still get the win.”
The Lakers will play their first home game next weekend against Colac, with a good balance of home and away contests.
A big highlight for the side will be the completion of the new sports complex, where the Lakers will then play their home games.
“When the new stadium is done, we will play there,” De Wit said.
“That is supposed to be done in December and we are supposed to move in in January.
“Hopefully we get a few games in there with the Lakers.
“It is a bit easier to get to so hopefully we will get a few more people to the games.”
This weekend’s games see the women tip off at 6pm Saturday night, followed by the men at 8pm at the Portland basketball stadium.
