Led by Bond, Victoria out to nab Coombs Cup

A STRONG Geelong contingent will descend on Ballarat in April to represent their state in the under-18 national basketball championships and the Kevin Coombs Cup.

Teenage Leopold wheelchair basketballer Mitch Bond will lead the Victorian side in the Cup, fresh off his trip to Japan in November where he played for the Australian Spinners under-23 side.

Coach Ben Hodgens said the Victorian side was well placed to take the trophy of titleholders Western Australia.

“We have a group of players that are already very familiar with each other, having played together for a number of years and been part of developing a strong culture of teamwork and support,” Hodgens said.

“I’m really excited with our team and think we are strong contenders.”

Geelong United’s Jasmine Whatley will have familiar faces on the bench when she plays for the Victorian Country under-18 women’s team, with United coach Ainslie Howard to hold the whiteboard.

She will be supported by David Herbert, who will be an assistant on the team.

Brenton O’Brien will be on the bench for the men’s country side as an assistant, with Geelong’s Jake Collis and Oliver Northam named as emergencies.

“I think last year we had a group of seven bottom-agers and there have been a couple of changes but the majority of that group has come through again,” O’Brien said.

“They did a really good job considering the experience levels they had so this year we should be in with a good chance to medal.”

The championships will be held from April 17 to 24.