Before the freshly named 2018/19 VJBL rep teams take the court, one team from last season has a very exciting week ahead.

Our 14.1Bs take on the best U/14 teams from across the country this week in the 2018 Club Championships at Kilsyth.

After a successful year together, the boys are one of just 24 teams vying to be crowned national champions.

Werribee’s Player & Coach Development manager Reece Potter said it was a terrific achievement to make the Club Championships.

“The 14.1B have been a really strong team all season and they deserve this chance to top off their hard work,” Reece said.

“I know the guys will represent Werribee to the best of their abilities and make us proud. The coaches have done a great job guiding the team. They’re a talented team, they’ve shown that throughout the season, now they get to show the country.”

“To have a team reaching this level of junior basketball is a great sign that our program is heading in the right direction,” Reece said.

The Club Championships run from October 1 – 6 and the team will play pool games across the first two days, before the 24 teams are split into two divisions – Championship and Shield.

Starting the tournament in Pool F the Devils will take on Brisbane Capitals, Northern Tasmania Tigers and Sydney Comets.

Adding to the thrill of playing in the Club Championships is having the event in Victoria, meaning family and friends will be able to attend.

“Playing in your home state adds a unique opportunity for the team and the WBA community. I encourage as many of our members as possible to head along to Kilsyth and support the team,” Reece said.

The U/14 Boys Club Championships is at Kilsyth Sports Stadium – 115 Liverpool Road, Kilsyth. Tickets can be purchased here – https://2018-boys-club-champs.in-tix.com

It’s grand final weekend in the VJBL and the Werribee Devils have 4 teams to cheer on – 16.3G, 18.1G, 18.2B and 18.6B. See below a brief snapshot of their successful seasons and chances in the big one.

Rags to riches (18.6Bs)

By coach Davin Kroger’s own admission, the 18.6Bs didn’t have the perfect start the season. “I was a new coach, we had a lot of new rep players, we had a few injuries and we needed to recruit players from domestic early in the year – but now look at us!”

The 18.6Bs have stormed through the finals series and take on Eltham in the grand final this weekend. Coach Davin described the team as a “rags-to-riches” story and was immensely proud of their achievements so far.

“The boys have really enjoyed the season. Our team mirrors the Wyndham region in many ways, we come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, but on court we are definitely one unit. The boys may not be technically perfect, but they’ll take the game on and have the potential to suddenly explode.

And the chances of causing an upset against the league leader this weekend?

“I reckon we’re a 50-50 chance. We haven’t beaten them this year, but last game was very tight and I believe we can turn it around.”

If their season is anything to go by, you wouldn’t put it passed the 18.6Bs!

Drawn together (16.3Gs)

There has been a sense of inevitability about the grand final match-up between Werribee’s 16.3Gs and Westgate. They have played three times throughout grading and the season for one win each and a draw. Not surprisingly, the draw was their last meeting.

Coach Renee Dayao said she has kept an eye on Westgate throughout the year.

“As a coach it has always been Westgate as the team to beat. They have been the benchmark for the season and while I’ve been keeping a close eye on them, I’m sure they have been thinking about our team as well.”

Renee said the 16.3Gs had endured their ups and downs throughout the year but were playing the right way at the right time.
“When it mattered the girls really knuckled down and got it done. I knew if we could play our way we could match it with any team and I feel like we have the momentum.

Given the history of the two teams this year, Renee certain of one thing.

“We’re in with a great shot, but it is definitely going to be a close one.”

Toppling the league leader (18.1Gs)

Australians love cheering on a sporting underdog and we have the chance to get behind another one this weekend when our 18.1Gs take on Melbourne Tigers in the grand final.

The Tigers have been the benchmark of the competition and coach Matt Stephens said it’s going to take a huge effort to topple them from their perch.

“They’ve been on top most of the season and they’ve beaten us in both of our games, but that’s not to say that we can’t beat them,” Matt said.

After a slow start the 18.1Gs have built momentum throughout the year, leading to a grand final berth.

“There hasn’t been one moment where we turned it around, just gradual improvement. For some of these girls it was the first time playing together so it has taken time to get everyone on the same page, but once we did, we’ve finished the season strongly,” Matt explained.

There’s just one more hurdle to clear for the girls.

“We haven’t beaten them through the season, but the games have been close, so I know if we play our best, we’re in with a shot!”

Boys to men (18.2Bs)

When 18.2Bs coach Rob Swann asked his players at the start of the season what their goals were he received a few blank looks.

“I wanted to put the responsibility on the boys. We started the season with a number of experienced basketballers but also some players who were raw.”

“It was really pleasing to see our captains lead the way and all the players really embrace their responsibilities,” Rob explained.

The development of individuals and the team as a whole has been the driving force behind their run to the grand final.

“The boys are like a little family now and they’ve really matured throughout the year,” Rob said.

That growth was highlighted in their second game for the season against grand final opponent Broadmeadows. After losing their first encounter comfortably, the team were in a winning position late in the return bout.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t hold it together late, but it proved we can match it with them and if we keep our heads we’re a good chance this weekend.”

Regardless of results, Rob said he was proud of the team’s efforts through the year.

“If these boys keep playing, the future is bright for Werribee Basketball senior program.”

The WBA is pleased to announce our Coaching Leads for the next two VJBL seasons are Mason Rogers and Jackie Gibson.

Jackie joins Werribee from Collingwood Basketball Association as Boys Coaching Lead, while Mason returns as Girls Coaching Lead.

Jackie enjoyed a distinguished Big V playing career with Altona, Hume City, Melbourne University and Collingwood – where she was captain of the senior side in 2017. She also played in the New Zealand Women’s National League for the Auckland Lady Hawks.

Alongside playing, she has developed her coaching resume with coaching stints as New Zealand U15 and U17 national talent coach, in the Big V, VJBL at VC level and as coaching lead of various age groups at Collingwood. Jackie has also been a Basketball Victoria NITP and State Performance Program Coach.

Jackie has acquired many hours of volunteer coaching work at every level of junior basketball and brings a wealth of experience to the role. She holds an Association (level 2) coach accreditation.

Impressively, during her time at the helm of Collingwood’s U16 Boys, Jackie became the first head coach in the association’s history to lead an U16s team to VC and her team is playing in the championship game this weekend.

Jackie said she couldn’t wait to hit the ground running in her new role at Werribee Basketball.

“I’m very excited about this new opportunity as Boy’s Coaching Lead and am looking forward to building new relationships across the club.”

“I am very passionate about the development of coaches and junior players, in helping to create pathways through to senior programs and continuing to foster an environment where Werribee’s juniors can thrive on and off the court,” said Jackie.

Mason returns as Girls Coaching Lead for the 2018/19 season after a successful year with our program in 17/18.

Mason is an experienced head coach having lead his own VJBL teams and our Youth League Women’s side in 2018. He has also coached in Basketball Victoria’s NITP and has been involved with junior state teams at number of levels. Mason also holds an Association (level 2) coach accreditation.

His time at Werribee was preceded by successful VJBL coaching stints at Bulleen and Nunawading, including at VC level.

Mason said he’s thrilled to be continuing in his role as Girls Coaching Lead and was excited about the direction of our program.

“I am really excited to see the progression the junior representative program makes heading into the 2018/19 season. After a year of implementing our club curriculum and creating consistent teaching across the board, I truly believe that we will see a huge improvement in individual player development, naturally leading to our teams being more successful across the board,” Mason said.

Werribee Basketball is pleased to open registrations for the 2018/19 Werribee Devils Junior Representative Tryouts.

CLICK HERE to access the 2018/19 Werribee Devils Junior Representative Tryouts Information Pack

What is VJBL & what is Representative Basketball?

The Melb Utd. Victorian Junior Basketball League incorporates competitions conducted state-wide and provides the highest level of junior competition in Victoria. VJBL boasts almost 1300 representative teams from over 55 associations across Victoria. The competition includes the U12 to U21 age groups, in a graded structure from Victorian Junior Championship League to the Regional Competition. The Victorian Junior Championship League serves as a benchmark for excellence in competition and is the premier competition for junior teams in Victoria. The VJBL has been a key pathway for many of Australia’s best players including Andrew Bogut, Penny Taylor, Andrew Gaze, Ben Simmons, Elizabeth Cambage and Michelle Timms just to name a few.

Playing representative basketball requires attendance at 2 weekly practice sessions and a Friday night game. All Werribee Devils VJBL Representative Teams have coaches that are suitably qualified, holding a minimum level one coaching accreditation and a mandatory working with children check. All coaches work under the guidance of the Player & Coach Development Manager and the Representative Coaching Leads. Werribee Basketball aims to have a program that strongly aligns with the Basketball Victoria and Basketball Australia player development pathway, and provides opportunities for all players to play at the highest level they can achieve.

Werribee Basketball encourages all players looking to take their game to the next level to attend these tryouts.

Rep Tryouts Dates & Times

U/12 boys & girls (Athletes born 2008 – 2010)

Session 1 – Friday 14^thSeptember, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Session 2 – Sunday 16^thSeptember, 8:00am – 10:00am

Session 3 – Sunday 23^rdSeptember, 8:00am – 10:00am

U/14 boys & girls (Athletes born 2006-2007)

Session 1 – Sunday 16^thSeptember, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Session 2 – Friday 21^stSeptember, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Session 3 – Sunday 23^rdSeptember, 11:00am – 1:00pm

U/16 boys & girls (Athletes born 2004-2005)

Session 1 – Friday 14^thSeptember, 9:00pm – 10:30pm

Session 2 – Sunday 16^thSeptember, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Session 3 – Sunday 23^rdSeptember, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

U/18 boys & girls (Athletes born 2002-2003)

Session 1 – Sunday 16^thSeptember, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Session 2 – Friday 21^stSeptember, 9:00pm – 10:30pm

Session 3 – Sunday 23^rdSeptember, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

PLEASE NOTE U/21 tryout dates are TBC (Athletes born 1999-2001)

Tryouts will be held at Eagle Stadium – 35 Ballan Rd, Werribee.

Representative Age Groups for the 2018/19 VJBL season

U12 – players born 2008 to 2010

U14 – players born 2006 to 2007

U16 – players born 2004 to 2005

U18 – players born 2002 to 2003

U21 – players born to 1999 to 2001

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WERRIBEE DEVILS VJBL TRYOUTS

*All players trying out must complete the online registration form

*Please ensure all information is accurate and correct

Cost of attending tryouts

The tryout registration fee is $15.

Information for players trying out from other associations

All players trying out from other associations must provide a signed “Permission to Train” (PTT) form. If this form is not provided, you will not be allowed to tryouts. This form can be found on the VJBL website.

Registering on the day of tryouts

We are encouraging all athletes to register prior to their first tryout, however if athletes are unable to do so, they can register on the day. Registration on the day must be paid for by a credit or debit card. No cash will be accepted on the day.

Information for players unable to attend tryouts

*Please note that attendance of at least 2 tryouts is required to be selected in a team.

*Any player unable to attend 2 or more tryouts MUST apply for an exemption by emailing reece.potter@wyndhambasketball.com. Exemptions will be granted at the discretion of the WBA Player & Coach Development Manager.

*Any player unable to attend 2 or more try outs MUST still register and pay online.

*Players who are injured are still required to register and attend tryouts to observe. Injured players must provide a medical certificate and apply for an exemption as above.

*Players who are ill are not required to attend tryouts while ill, but must still register and pay online. Players who are ill must provide a medical certificate and apply for an exemption as above.

Please note the WBA understands with these tryout dates there is potential for some teams to be still playing finals in the 2017/18 season.

See below an overview of potential impacts.

LEVEL	DATES	IMPACT
VJL 5 and below	Grand finals on Saturday 15^thSeptember	Athletes available for 2 or more tryout dates and therefore are not impacted
VJL 1-4	Grand finals on Friday 14^thSeptember	Athletes available for 2 or more tryout dates and therefore are not impacted
VC & VC reserve	Finals on Friday 14^thSeptember Grand finals on Friday 21^stSeptember	Where athletes are impacted, exemptions can be applied for as per the normal process

Please note – more information will be emailed to athletes/parents once they are registered and prior to the tryouts commencing.

Questions can be directed to the Player & Coach Development Manager, Reece Potter.

Email: reece.potter@wyndhambasketball.com OR Phone: (03) 9742 5440

Werribee Basketball is pleased to announce our 2018/19 VJBL coaches for the Werribee Devils Junior Representative Program.

Werribee Basketball Association received over 50 applications to coach in the program this year and we thank all who applied. WBA would like to congratulate all coaches on their appointments and thank them for their commitment to the Werribee Basketball Junior Representative Program.

Click the below links to see age-level and gender coaches:

U12 GIRLS

U12 BOYS

U14 GIRLS

U14 BOYS

U16 GIRLS

U16 BOYS

U18 GIRLS

U18 BOYS

U21 GIRLS

U21 BOYS

Please note: The WBA does not allocate coaches to specific teams (e.g. U12.3 boys) until the end of the Representative Tryout process. This is to ensure that we uphold the highest amount of integrity and transparency in our selection and tryout process. This method is also in place to protect coaches against scrutiny surrounding selection of teams being based on who they coached last year or players they have built relationships with. Finally it protects our parent coaches against accusations that their child only made the team because the parent is the coach.

Questions can be directed to the Player & Coach Development Manager, Reece Potter.

Phone: (03) 9742 5440 OR Email: reece.potter@wyndhambasketball.com

Werribee Basketball is pleased to announce a new coach education initiative for domestic coaches.

As part of Werribee Basketball’s investment in the development of coaches at all levels, the new Domestic Coach Education Clinic provide FREE high quality coach education to ALL Werribee Basketball domestic club coaches.

The Domestic Coach Education Clinics will run once each term on a wide-range of topics.

The first clinic topic will be focusing on shooting technique and finishing.

Coaches attending the clinic will learn to teach:

The set/load/release components of shot technique
The Shadow shooting and form shooting series
Game-like and competitive shooting drills
Layups, dead ball moves and adaptive finishing

Clinic #1 Details:

Topic – Shooting technique and finishing

Date and time – Sunday 9^th September from 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Location – Eagle Stadium, Werribee (Court 8)

Cost – FREE

Coaches attending the session must register online HERE

Questions can be directed to the Player & Coach Development Manager.

reece.potter@wyndhambasketball.com OR (03) 9742 5440

This post is just to let everyone know the dates as early as possible. Registrations and other information will become available at a later date.

2018/19 VJBL Tryout Dates

U/12 boys & girls (athletes born 2008 – 2010)

Session 1 – Friday 14^th September (7:00pm – 8:30pm)

Session 2 – Sunday 16^th September (8:00am – 10:00am)

Session 3 – Sunday 23^rd September (8:00am – 10:00am)

U/14 boys & girls (athletes born 2006 – 2007)

Session 1 – Sunday 16^th September (11:00am – 1:00pm)

Session 2 – Friday 21^st September (7:00pm – 8:30pm)

Session 3 – Sunday 23^rd September (11:00am – 1:00pm)

U/16 boys & girls (athletes born 2004 – 2005)

Session 1 – Friday 14^th September (9:00pm – 10:30pm)

Session 2 – Sunday 16^th September (2:00pm – 4:00pm)

Session 3 – Sunday 23^rd September (2:00pm – 4:00pm)

U/18 boys & girls (athletes born 2002 – 2003)

Session 1 – Sunday 16^th September (5:00pm – 7:00pm)

Session 2 – Friday 21^st September (9:00pm – 10:30pm)

Session 3 – Sunday 23^rd September (5:00pm – 7:00pm)

Note: U/21 tryouts are TBC and will be held later in the year

After extensive consultation with key stakeholders throughout the WBA, we have decided to hold our tryouts earlier this year.

This approach provides our athletes and coaches with the best chance to create a positive team environment prior to the commencement of grading phase 1. This extra time together will greatly help the preperation of each team and allow them to perform at the best of their ability, ensuring they grade as high as possible.

It also provides our athletes a legitimate 2-week break before commencing pre-season. This benefits our players physical and mental prepareration for the season ahead.

On top of the on-court benefits for players and coaches, parents/guardians also get more time to organise logistics, including sourcing the required uniform and attire.

Please note the WBA understands with these tryout dates there is potential for some teams to be still playing finals in the 2017/18 season.

See below an overview of potential impacts.

LEVEL	DATES	IMPACT
VJL 5 and below	Grand finals on Saturday 15^thSeptember	Athletes available for 2 or more tryout dates and therefore are not impacted
VJL 1-4	Grand finals on Friday 14^thSeptember	Athletes available for 2 or more tryout dates and therefore are not impacted
VC & VC reserve	Finals on Friday 14^thSeptember Grand finals on Friday 21^stSeptember	Where athletes are impacted, exemptions can be applied for as per the normal process

Please note that attendance of at least 2 tryout sessions is required to be selected in a side.

Any player unable to attend 2 or more tryouts MUST apply for an exemption. More details on exemptions will be provided when registrations are opened.

A wonderful evening at Eagle Stadium on Saturday night as the Devils went pink for our Youth and Senior Women’s double header.

The night was a celebration and raised much-needed funds for The McGrath Foundation, raising money for breast cancer nurses across Australia.

Werribee Basketball’s High Performance Camp was a great success on Friday, with participants and parents alike raving about the high-intensity clinic.

The first of our four School Holiday Camps this July, High Performance Camp gave VJBL representative players the chance to test their skills using draft combine-style testing with professional testing company Primco Testing Solutions.

Atheletes also had a terrific session with NZ Olympic Coach Kennedy Kereama. Coach Kereama stayed throughout the camp and provided invaluable advice that will help participants develop their on-court skills.

Parents and athletes have already started to let us know what they thought of the camp.

Participant Tyler Evans’ mum Sonia said:

“My son Tyler really enjoyed the high performance camp. We’re stoked to hear that he got the second highest in the vertical leap! It was well run and gives my child a starting point on where he needs to to improve on his skills”

Participant Leo Li said:

“It was fun and inspiring! It taught me a lot of stuff. It was very enjoyable! Epic!”

Josiah Beaten’s father Hugh said:

“My boy was so happy with the way you guys ran it. As a parent who has sat through a few of these and having watched some of yours today I was impressed with the drills you were getting the players to do. More please.”

Devean Lyons’ parents Megan and Clayton said:

“Devean had an awesome day, camp was action packed and well run, look forward to next week’s shooting camp. Job well done WBA! #welovewerribeebasketball”

There are still some places available for our three Holiday Camps coming up in the second week in the holidays: Domestic Shooting on Tuesday, Elite Shooting on Wednesday and Game Play Super Camp on Friday.