Warrnambool Seahawks under 16 team members (from left) Lachie Rhook, Ollie Bidmade, Billy Hancocks and Tanna Blackney-Noter will play in an under 18 competition in Millicent this weekend.
WARRNAMBOOL Seahawks’ under 16 boys’ championship side will step up a grade at a representative tournament in Millicent this weekend.
Coach Rebel Noter said he had requested his teenage Seahawks’ side, fresh from a grand final win at an Altona tournament, play in the under 18s competition at the two-day event.
“Warrnambool has three under 16 sides and I didn’t want them all playing each other and I wanted to challenge the boys a little bit,” he said.
“Our under 16 boys play division two here in Warrnambool as well, so they are used to playing against bigger bodies.
“Playing under 18s won’t be too much different. It’s more about playing as a team.”
Noter said he had a settled roster, with shooting guard Hamish Gurry, forward-centre Geordie McDonald and forward Nathan Lucas coming into the 2012-13 team.
The side won its first tournament of the season in Altona, downing Williamstown in the grand final after a gutsy overtime win against the same side in a preliminary game.
The Seahawks had four players foul out, leaving them short.
“We try and run a fast-paced game in transition. The boys run well and the main thing is they back each other and that was evident in Altona,” Noter said.
“A game went into double overtime and we won it with three players on the court. We won on the buzzer with a foul shot. Hamish Gurry stood up to the foul line to give us a one-point win.”
Warrnambool will have strong representation at Millicent’s junior tournament, which has attracted 77 teams from across South Australia and Victoria.
Port Fairy Pacers, Portland Coasters and Hamilton Hurricanes have also entered teams.
The tournament, in its 12th year, has under 12, under 14, under 16 and under 18 competitions.
It’s Warrnambool’s turn next weekend, when it hosts its annual Seaside Classic.
In Country Basketball League action on Saturday night, Warrnambool travels to Mount Gambier and Portland hosts newcomers Stawell Wildcats.
Hamilton has the bye.
