AN experienced mentor says the Warrnambool Seaside Junior Basketball Classic’s drawing power is a testament to the excitement surrounding the sport nationwide.
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Shane Smith, who coaches the Seahawks’ under 16 division one boys team, said it was pleasing to see 108 teams across 19 divisions converge on the south-west for the two-day tournament.
Teams played at five venues – the Arc, Brauer College, St Joseph’s Primary School, St John’s Primary School and Koroit – as organisers tried to squeeze games in.
“It is amazing. Basketball is in a really great position,” Smith said.
“We have a lot of great role models in our local area in Nathan Sobey and a few others. Having so many teams come down and want to play basketball and compete, it’s really great for us as a team to compete against them and get better.”
Smith said his roster used the tournament to kick-start its squad season.
“Like anything we’re starting to learn how each of the players plays and how they play together and different combinations. It’s a really positive start,” he said.
One of Smith’s players, Malakye Cunningham, said ball movement was one of the team’s biggest assets.
“We’ve got two really big dudes who nobody can really guard (too),” he said.
Under 14 Seahawk Massi Da Ros said the carnival was a great way to spend a weekend. “I enjoy making new friends and meeting new people and just having a shot around,” he said.