The Melbourne Tigers NBL team will return home to Victoria to face the 2009/10 NBL Runner’s Up, the Wollongong ahm Hawks, in a two game series to be played in Traralgon and Kilsyth.

The Tigers kicked off their 2010/11 NBL campaign with the successful International Pre Season Tour where the team visited Ireland and China. In Ireland the Tigers faced off against the University of Pittsburgh collegiate team, the English National team and an Irish All Star Irish select team. The new look Tigers took a 2-1 record away from Ireland into the Lu’An Invitational in China, which included teams from Spain, Korea and China, along with a late inclusion from the NBL, the New Zealand Breakers.

The Tigers have so far played one game in China, defeating the Shanghai Sharks by 55 points, and are scheduled to arrive back in Australia on Monday the 16th of August.

Upon returning from their international pre season tour the Tigers will be in full training ahead of the two game series against the Hawks, scheduled to be played at the Traralgon Sports Stadium on Friday the 10th of September and at the Kilsyth Sports Centre on Sunday the12th of September.

It will be the first chance for Melbourne fans to see the new team in action, a team which sees 7 new players from the 2009/10 season. Sharpshooter Eric Devendorf will join pint sized dynamo point guard TJ Campbell (5’8) on show, along with giants Luke Nevill (7’2), Wade Helliwell (6’11), Matt Burston (6’11) and Cameron ‘Trigger’ Tragardh (6’10) who will face his former club in the Hawks.

Tickets for the game is on sale now, please see below for all ticketing and game information.

Melbourne Tigers vs. Wollongong ahm Hawks
Sunday 12th September @ 2.30pm
Kilsyth Sports Centre

Ticket Prices
Adults     $15
Child       $5
Family (2x adult, 2x child)  $35

For more information and to purchase tickets to the Kilsyth game please contact Kilsyth Basketball on (03) 9728 1033. To book tickets online please click here.

Wallace has amassed a 105-93 record in his 198 games in charge of the Swinburne Cobras and taken the team to two conference finals in 2005 and 2007.

Wallace, who became the Club’s longest serving Coach in 2010, is eager to continue rebuilding the team which was so close this Season, “I am very honoured to be given the opportunity to Coach this great Club again in 2011.”

“We worked hard to promote our Junior Cobra players through to the program in 2010 and believe we have begun building a foundation for the future,” said Wallace.

Club Director of Coaching Rod Popp was pleased to finalise the reappointment of Wallace in a timely manner.

"The Club is very pleased to have Grant back aboard. He will provide experienced leadership for the team,” said Popp.

"This early announcement will allow Grant time to recruit a strong roster for 2011 which will again include a number of talented local players, the future looks bright for the Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras" said Popp.                  

The 2011 Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras roster will now begin to take shape as Wallace builds a team that can take the Swinburne Cobras to the next level.

In another positive announcement, Wallace has also been appointed as the Under 20 Victorian State Coach for the upcoming U20 National Championships.  Wallace will shortly begin selections for the side which will contest the titles in Maitland, NSW in February 2011.

Stay tuned to www.cobras.net.au for all the off season signings and Swinburne Cobras updates.

Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) has made a significant commitment to the Kilsyth Basketball community helping to support numerous participation and development programs.

Kilsyth Basketball General Manager Grant Wallace welcomed CCA to the Kilsyth Basketball Community noting their commitment to grassroots sport and the synergies shared by both organisations.

“It is great to see organisations such as Coca-Cola Amatil supporting grassroots sports; we believe this partnership has enormous potential due to the synergies between our organisations. CCA already supports our local entertainment venues Club Kilsyth and Club Ringwood as well as a number of our existing sponsors including McDonalds Bayswater North.”

“CCA is also a proud sponsor of the Melbourne Tigers NBL side and will be supporting a number of initiatives between Kilsyth Basketball and the Tigers including the upcoming pre-season game against the Wollongong Hawks.”

“We are excited to have CCA supporting Kilsyth Basketball for the next five years and we hope the basketball community will enjoy an ice cold Coke, Powerade, Mount Franklin water or Nestea during their next visit to our venues,” concluded Wallace.

CCA’s Victorian State Manager Michael Boyden said that CCA was very happy to be associated with the Kilsyth Basketball community and all its participants, staff, players and supporters.

“We know that our premium beverages such as Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Powerade and Mount Franklin Spring Water will help keep everyone refreshed and hydrated at both the Kilsyth and Lilydale Stadiums.  We are proud to partner a healthy active sport like basketball and great organisation in Kilsyth Basketball.

Coca-Cola Amatil products are now officially available at both the Kilsyth Sports Centre and Lilydale Basketball Stadium.

For more information about becoming involved as a sponsor of Kilsyth Basketball please contact Ben Turner on 03 9728 1033 or ben.turner@kilsythbasketball.com.au

Auryn's Highlight Video

Follow his progress at;

http://www.langen-basketball.de

Grant welcomed several new players into the fold over the off season, including the important additions of Fernandez Lockett, Matt O’Hea and eventual SEABL East Youth player of the Year Ryan Bathie. Grant also had the fortune of having one of the League’s premier defenders in East Men defensive player of the year Quincy Henderson on his roster. But unfortunately Kilsyth was not able to progress to the SEABL championship after they lost both the Semi Final and Preliminary Final by a combined total of three points. This is Grant’s third Coach of the Year award.

One of two Bendigo Players in the East Men’s Team, LUKE MEYER has had a spectacular debut season in the SEABL. Averaging 18.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game throughout the season, Meyer was also instrumental in the Braves win over Knox in the East Conference final, with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

CJ MASSINGALE can be regarded as one of the premier players in the Leagues’ recent history. Now in his sixth year at the Raiders, Massingale has built up an impressive resume including three Leading Scorer titles, and two East MVP awards. Massingale has also developed a reputation as a clutch player, with his game winning shot against Kilsyth in this year’s playoffs an example of his calm under pressure.

FERNANDEZ LOCKETT was part of a Kilsyth team that took out the Minor Premiership in the East Conference. His 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game helped the Cobras to a 19-8 record, and he was instrumental in developing the side into a formidable outfit. Lockett’s ability to shoot from anywhere, combined with his rebounding prowess and overall quickness gave opposition sides many headaches throughout the year.

One of the best players in the League at the power forward position, ASH CANNAN has made it to the SEABL East Men’s team for the second time. Opposing teams rarely had an answer for his combination of strength and deft shooting touch, and his Brisbane team powered into the playoffs largely thanks to his 18.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. In a sign of his dominance at the 4-position, Cannan had 14 double-double’s for the season.

The Bendigo Braves can largely thank IVAN MCFARLIN for their meteoric rise in 2010. In only his first year in the league, McFarlin averaged a double-double every time he stepped onto the floor with 19.4 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. In his 29 games at the time of writing, he has failed to get into double figures with points and rebounds only three times, and on three other occasions, McFarlin has had 20+ boards.

Other players receiving votes: Greg Vanderjagt (Bris) 7, Adam Gibson (Bris) 5, Drake Reed (Ball) 4, Lester Strong (Knox) 3

Four players are awarded a position on the All SEABL Women team for the first time and Amy Denson receives her second consecutive selection despite changing teams.  The "All SEABL Team" is decided by the coach and captain of each team. The team is selected by playing position from a list of players that received Most Valuable Player votes throughout the regular playing season.

Leading the League in assists, SHARIN MILNER is an obvious choice at the point guard position for the 2010 All SEABL Women’s Team. Milner is the architect in a Tornadoes side loaded with talent, driving the offence, yet also managing 2.4 steals per game. She can also be deadly from long range, nailing it at an amazing 43.4% of the time.

Apart from narrowly missing out on the playoffs, DEANNA SMITH has had a stellar season. She was second only to Elizabeth Cambage in scoring for the League with 21.8 points, and second only to Sharin Milner for assists with 5.1 per game. Yet Smith also helped out on the boards with 7.3 rebounds per game. Blessed with amazing skills and reflexes, it was her on court leadership that was possibly her most valuable asset this season, lifting her teammates and forming a formidable duo with Youth Player of the Year Ellie Manou.

AMY DENSON built on her performance from 2009 into becoming one of the premier players in the competition. Able to shoot the turn-around jump shot with deadly accuracy, she stretched opposition defences to breaking point. But her shooting skills perfectly complement her inside ability; she had more than 120 boards than the next best rebounder on her team. Furthermore, Denson had great hands, leading her team in assists – an ideal choice at the first forward position.

RACHAEL JARRY almost redefined the power forward position this season. Able to score inside and out, rebound at will, and able to win games off her own back, Jarry is the prototype for power forwards in the future. Standing at 6’3” and with a decent turn of speed, the Lady Miner is the main reason for Ballarats return to the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

Following on from her All-Star 5 season in the WNBL with the Bulleen Boomers, LIZ CAMBAGE burst onto the scene in her first year of SEABL competition. Cambage smashed the scoring title with 27.3 points per game, well ahead of her nearest rival Deanna Smith with 21.8 points per game. She was also second to only Cayla Francis in League rebounding with 11.5 boards per game. At 6’8”, she is unstoppable in the post area, and forms part of Launceston outfit that went from last in 2009 to the Championship game in 2010.

Other players receiving votes: Natalie Purcell (Bris) 9, Marianna Tolo (Nuna) 8, Renae Camino (Sand) 7, Carly Wilson (Nuna) 6,

Although finishing with the Minor premiership the Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras exited the playoffs with two disappointing losses, but Bathie has been rewarded for his individual game this year with this award and was also selected to the Australian SEABL Select team to tour China in September. 

Ryan averaged 14.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2 assists for the season including a season best 36pts@75%, 7rebs in round eight to earn Player of the Week recognition.  Ryan scored 20+pts on six occasions and finished the regular season with nine straight games scoring double figures. 

Bathie joined the Swinburne Cobras after a season as development player with the Melbourne Tigers and despite not getting a position with an NBL team this summer is still on the radar of many coaches’ minds.

2010 EAST MEN VOTING

ELLIE MANOU (Swinburne Kilsyth Lady Cobras) wins the SEABL Women Australian Youth Player of the Year Award in her first SEABL season.  Ellie has been a dominant force inside the paint for the Swinburne Lady Cobras and finished the season averaging 14.6 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists. 

Kilsyth recruited heavily in the off-season due to many departures and a new head coach for season 2010.  Ellie is a past AIS scholarship holder and was a member of the Sydney Flames 2009/10 WNBL team.  Manou joined the league with many credentials and delivered a great performance in every game.

Manou recorded 12+ rebounds on ten occasions including a season best 17 on two occasions and finished as the third best rebounder in the competition.  Ellie started the season strongly with a 19pts, 17rebs performance in round three and also recorded 22pts, 14rebs, 2blks against Dandenong in rd19.

2010 WOMEN VOTING

This award recognizes improvement and development in players throughout the 2010 regular season.  To be eligible to win this award, players must have Australian Basketball Nationality and be 23 years or under.  It is not a requirement to be a first year player. 

Kilsyth Basketball General Manager Grant Wallace complemented McDonald’s® Bayswater North on their community minded approach and spoke of the positive impact the Day will create.

“The McDonald’s® Community Basketball Day, with the support of McDonald’s® Bayswater North, allows Kilsyth Basketball to showcase our sport to the wider community.”

“Kilsyth Basketball is a proud member of the local community and being able to partner like minded organisations means events such as the McDonald’s® Community Basketball Day can be held.”

McDonald’s® Bayswater North is a proud supporter of the local community and are excited about partnering Kilsyth Basketball.

McDonald’s Bayswater North licensee Howard Armitage said: “We, as an organisation, are committed to promoting and encouraging active and balanced lifestyles by engaging in grassroots sporting activities.”

“Working with Kilsyth Basketball, we will be able to extend this commitment in the local area by activating two open days.”

“McDonald’s has built up solid foundations in the local community and we hope that our strong links will help to further promote basketball to inspire families to unite and participate in the sport.”

Get down to the Kilsyth Sports Centre on Sunday 29 August 2010 between 10am-2pm to see what the sport has to offer.  The Kilsyth Sports Centre is located at 95 Liverpool Road Kilsyth.

McDonald’s® Community Basketball Day Highlights

• Participate in a clinic run by the Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras – register at http://www.cobras.net.au/index.php?id=294

• Register to join a local Domestic Club or the Aussie Hoops program – the first 50 new players to register will receive a $20 Rebel Sport Voucher.
• Have fun with free mini golf, giveaways and autograph signing sessions with the Melbourne Tigers.
• Participate in a 3 on 3 competition for a chance to win $300 cash – register at http://www.cobras.net.au/index.php?id=293
• All attendees 12 years and younger will receive a McDonald’s® Community Basketball Day

For more information on the day or to register for a clinic visit www.cobras.net.au  

Alana Wallis receives her second consecutive All D League Team award averaging 13.3pts, 3.5rebs, 2.0ass and captained her team to the championship. Wallis scored a season best 27pts on 24th July against Sandringham.

Sandringham Sabres 18 year old Jessica Kaufman has had a breakout season averaging 11.2pts, 7.7rebs, and 1.9ass, all well above her 2009 averages. Kaufman scored five double double games this season, including a sensational 12pts, 10rebs, 4blks and 3stls on 29th May against Ballarat.

Frankston Lady Blues Chelsie Bull led her team in points and rebounds this season averaging 12.6pts, 7.6rebs and 1.7stls. Chelsie returned to the D League this season after a few years with the Championship team. Bull had a great game on the 17th July against Nunawading with 24pts, 6rebs and 3ass.

Rounding out the frontcourt positions is Kilsyth Lady Cobras forward Rebekah O’Donnell who averaged 11.8pts, 8.8rebs and 1.1ass. O’Donnell was a dominant player all season and received a vote from every coach. Rebekah had 28pts, 10rebs, 4blks, 2stls and 1ass on 25th July against Dandenong.

Sportsmart Kilsyth also offers each junior domestic club the opportunity to join the Club Advantage program and earn rebates on their members spend.

Michelle's Sewing Basket, located at 2/54 Wantirna Road Ringwood, are an award winning Sewing Machine store, they prides themselves on providing customers a very high standard of customer care, and a broad range of product. You will find a treasure trove of sewing delights, including machine embroidery designs and blanks, a comprehensive range of threads, a wide range of patchwork and craft patterns and books, an eclectic mix of dressmaking, craft and patchwork fabric, and of course a fantastic range of sewing machines, embroidery machines, sergers, quilting machines and accessories.

SearleIT are your local computer specialists.  Warren Searle is a great supporter of Kilsyth Basketball and will provide computer support services to the Association as well as maintain all Stadium Scoring computers.

Bunnings Bayswater signed as a supporting sponsor back in June and will support the U9 Boys and Girls Grand Finalists by sponsoring their premiership and runners up pennants. Representatives from Bunnings Bayswater will be on hand at the upcoming grand final to present the teams with the pennants.

Stay tuned for some big sponsorship news next week, as we announce a five year deal with a new major sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship with the Kilsyth Cobras visit www.kilsythbasketball.com.au

SPORTSMART CLUB ADVANTAGE & KILSYTH BASKETBALL

Kilsyth Basketball is now signed up to Sportsmart’s Club Advantage program, which offers great benefits to us and our club members.
Our Club Advantage number is 800031.
Quote this number every time you make a purchase from Sportsmart to get two benefits:
1. For you - an instant 5% discount off the normal selling price
2. For our club - your purchase will boost our club rebate (Kilsyth Basketball gets 3% back in rebates so we can put this into the purchase of equipment and can reduce our running costs!)
In addition to your discount and our club rebate, Club Advantage also gives Kilsyth Basketball access to exclusive promotions, VIP nights, coaching clinics and special offers.
We thank Sportsmart for supporting Kilsyth Basketball.
www.sportsmart.com.au/clubadvantage