Storm sign King, Chery in Championship push

BELLARINE Storm has announced its two key acquisitions to begin its 2023 season in the Big V’s Championship competition.

American imports Jalen King and Joshua Chery have confirmed their intent to play on the Bellarine Peninsula this year.

Both boast extensive college careers and play overseas and in Australia respectively.

King, a 6’10” big man, will hope to provide an imposing presence at both ends of the court, previously playing at Eastern Michigan University, Xavier University Louisiana and most recently for Gzira Athleta in the Malta competition, where he averaged 19 points and 16 rebounds in 2022.

“Jalen has played in two really good college systems,” Storm Championship men’s coach Luke Beauglehall said.

“Firstly at NCAA1 level at Eastern Michigan University under now NBA coach Rob Murphy before transferring to Xavier University Louisiana in NCAA2 to complete his college journey.

“His presence under the basket at both ends of the court will be a real weapon for our team, as we come up against stronger competition at the Championship level this season.”

Before his arrival, King promised fans that they can “look forward to lots of dunks, blocks and thrilling action” and that he’s “excited to join the Bellarine Family”.

Chery, a 6’3″ guard/forward from Newark, New Jersey previously played at Central Maine Community College before moving to University of St Francis, Illinois.

He then made the trip down-under now playing for Ansett in the Darwin Basketball League, taking on an abundance of NBL1 and Big V State Championship players, where he is presently averaging 27 points and seven rebounds.

“He’s a strong guard who does a bit of everything, posts up guards and can knock down the three-pointer,” Beauglehall said.

“He’s also having an outstanding season in the Darwin League where he’s just had his fifth-straight 30-point game in a row.”

The Big V Championship 2023 season begins on March 18-19.