Posted on 8 September, 2008
Joel Naburgs launched himself into the limelight during the 2008 Season averaging 22.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in his debut year in the Youth League Competition. He was rewarded for his outstanding rookie season with the Most Valuable Player and Rising Star awards as well as a place in the All Star Five team. While leading the league in scoring Naburgs amassed back to back 40 point games against Bulleen and Ringwood early in the season scoring 46 followed by 47. Naburgs high flying dunks also entertained the crowd, with his athleticism making him a closely watch player by AIS, US College and NBL coaches.
Joel Naburgs Video Highlights
Scott Dixon returned for his second year in the Youth League and after leading the Kilsyth in scoring in 2007 didn’t take a backwards step in 2008. Dixon averaged 17.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game and provided solid support for Naburgs explosive scoring. Dixon was reward for his Season with a place in the All Star Five. After going down to Diamond Valley in the Preliminary Final, Dixon made the trip to the US to begin his Junior College Career. He will hope to have two quality years in the Junior College system before transferring to a Division 1 NCAA school.
Coach Rod Popp returned for his second year as Coach of the Youth League Men and after winning the Under 20 VJBL Championship in 2007 was looking to capitalise on that success with the Youth League in 2008. Coach Popp guided the team to 16 regular season wins (11 more than 2007) and a place in the finals. Despite losing to Diamond Valley in the Preliminary Final, Coach Popp was voted the 2008 Youth League Coach of the Year, an award he shared with Dandenong’s Stewart Baird.
Both the Big V Youth League Men and Women took major strides forward with young squads in 2008 and will look to build upon this base in the coming years. The quality group of young players in both teams will ensure an upcoming period of success for the Kilsyth Cobras in the Youth League Competition and provide players with opportunities to move up to the SEABL teams.
For all your off-season Big V Youth League news stay tuned to www.kilsythbasketball.com.au
