SIXTY-five teams will do battle at the Warrnambool Senior Seaside Basketball Carnival which gets under way today.
Teams from as far away as Adelaide will play in the three-day carnival which is now in it’s 41st year.
Committee member Rebel Noter said there were also a number of teams from Melbourne along with 16 local entrants.
“We have about two or three extra teams this year,” he said.
“It’s been a while since we have had a full seaside carnival. It’s going to be a busy weekend.
“The Eastern Mavericks are coming across from North Adelaide and last year’s champions East Preston are also returning to defend their title with a few ex-Melbourne Tigers players in their line-up.
“Melbourne University is bringing down six teams to play across the fixture as well.”
Noter said the men would play across five divisions — A grade, A reserve, B grade, masters and a new under 23 category.
“We have a lot more local teams playing this year, which is great to see,” Noter said.
“Five of the six teams in the new under 23 category are local, with the Warrnambool Seahawks fielding teams in the A men’s and the under 23 section.”
There are also two women’s grades, with a Warrnambool Mermaids outfit competing in the 14-team B-grade competition.
The B grade men’s section is the biggest of the seven grades, with 26 teams entered.
Noter, who is also the Warrnambool Seahawks Big V division one co-coach, said the tournament provided an opportunity for Big V teams to have a look at some of the younger players.
He said tonight’s Country Basketball League game between the Seahawks and Portland and the seaside carnival’s under 23 competition would be a good chance for him and Seahawks co-coach Tim Gainey to have a look at the emerging talent.
“We will have a look at those games to see if we can identify anyone who can come across to our Big V squad,” Noter said.
“Melbourne University also use the tournament as a selection for their Big V team.”
Noter said games would be played at the Arc as well as Brauer College, starting at 9am today.
“We will play until 9pm tonight then start back again at 9am tomorrow, with finals played on Monday,” he said.
jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au
