Saints prepare for basketball start

MYRTLEFORD’S basketballers will hit the court this weekend for the start of the Country Basketball League season, but the complete picture is still a bit up in the air. Women’s coach Kory Batt is concerned about player numbers for the women’s side, with the idea of the side folding a very distinct possibility. Anyone interested in playing for the Saints in the women’s CBL competition is urged to contact Kory Batt on 0404 430 551, or by email at korybatt1@hotmail.com. Meanwhile, the men’s squad are primed to commence their season under the watchful eye of new coach Sam Gebauer. Gebauer has coached at Benalla and Euroa at a representative level, and is currently serving as an assistant coach with the North East Bushrangers youth league, complimenting his many years playing and coaching basketball. An 18-man squad was announced back in July after a strong showing at try-outs. “With such an amazing turnout to try-outs, and such a strong group to choose from, I wholeheartedly believe that this squad has what it takes to go a long way,” Gebauer said. “This squad will look to build on the extraordinary success of last year’s team, and provide realistic development pathways for younger athletes coming through. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with these men, and as a group we will represent MDBA with pride.” Gebauer said his involvement with the Saints started as an off-hand joke after a Bushrangers match. “I was involved with the North East Bushrangers program and I got quite close with the Cusacks, Brendan, Hugo and their family,” he said. “After a game once, we talked about the upcoming CBL season and the fact that I had no allegiances to anyone at the time or any idea of what I was going to do. “They asked me to come as a player, but I’m more of a coach – I do enjoy playing my basketball but I definitely lean more towards the coaching side of things. “I, as a joke, threw out that comment that I should apply to coach the team, and it grew from there, but here we are, and I’m very excited to be in the position.” The Saints have to wait until Sunday to begin their campaign, up against the Wodonga Wolves at Wodonga Secondary College from 2pm. “I know most of the Wodonga boys, I got to know them through the Bushrangers program and a lot of them were in the under 18s team from last year,” Gebauer said. “I got to attend their trainings and help out a bit, so I’m familiar with the players as individuals and the coach. “It’ll be a good match up, but I definitely feel like we have the upper hand just based on experience “I think it’ll be a fast-paced, very defensive game, it’ll be good.”

Saints prepare for basketball start

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