Basketball bonanza for Warragul
A basketball bonanza will blaze into Warragul on Sunday, September 16 when the Melbourne Boomers take on the Bendigo Spirit as part of the inaugural Women’s National Basketball League triple crown tournament.
Originally announced as a two-year deal and now expanded to three years, the partnership also will include training sessions, junior clinics and coaching classes across the region, benefiting local students and players.
The three-year partnership with the Boomers has been forged as part of the state government’s $85 million sports and community package.
Baw Baw Shire councillor Jessica O’Donnell said Baw Baw Shire is excited to work in partnership with neighbouring councils to host a stage of the triple crown event.
“We can’t wait for the Boomers and Spirit to showcase their skills to our community,” she said.
“Basketball is the highest participatory sport in Baw Baw, so for council to provide the opportunity for our community to engage directly with elite level competition is something we are thrilled about and looking forward to continuing into the future.”
The match will be the final of three games in the pre-season tournament, with lead up games to be played at Traralgon on September 13 and Maffra on September 14.
Three Gippsland based rising stars will also be afforded the opportunity to play in the triple crown event, giving them a taste of life with a WNBL club.
Boomers general manager Justin Nelson announced the three-year agreement during a school holiday girls basketball clinic at Drouin.
The Gippsland pre-season tour will also feature a host of community activities in Baw Baw Shire including school visits, junior clinics, Aussie hoops sessions, open trainings, fan signings and photo opportunities.
“Gippsland is an incredibly rich region for all sports, in particular basketball and we can’t wait to help promote participation across the community via our player, coach and management visits over the next three years,” Mr Nelson said.
The Boomers’ latest signing, 15-year-old Jade Melbourne from Traralgon, joined fellow Gippsland player Chelsea D’Angelo and star player Monique Conti for the visit to Drouin.
“I’m pleased that Melbourne is playing for Melbourne,” Mr Nelson said.
“Chelsea D’Angelo is a world-class junior from Traralgon and has just signed with us for the next four years.
“Jenna O’Hea is one of Australia’s very best players and also comes from Traralgon.
“Jaz Shelley is from Moe and has just joined us, while many budding young players continue to develop their skills across dozens of basketball clubs throughout the Latrobe Valley.”