Bellarine Storm secure four-time Olympian after sacking coach

BELLARINE Storm has moved swiftly to appoint a new men’s coach Ray Borner after sacking Luke Beauglehall last week.

The Storm fired Beauglehall just six rounds into the Big V championship season.

They are 11th on the ladder with two wins and seven losses, including six defeats in a row.

“With the team enduring a difficult start to the 2025 season, the club determined that a change in leadership was necessary to refocus and realign the program moving forward,” the club said in a statement released on Thursday last week.

“Luke has played a significant role in the development of our senior men’s program, serving as the inaugural head coach from our entry into the Country Basketball League (CBL) through to our elevation into Big V.

“His leadership and recruitment helped lay a strong foundation, allowing the program to establish itself quickly and successfully.”

 

 

Beauglehall delivered the club’s first senior title, winning Division 1 in 2022 and gaining promotion to the championship division.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Luke and his family for their commitment, time, and contributions to the Bellarine Storm,” the club stated.

“He leaves a legacy as the coach who delivered our first senior title, and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

New coach Borner brings a winning pedigree and wealth of basketball knowledge as a four-time Olympian, NBL MVP, and member of the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame.

“Ray’s experience at the highest levels of basketball, both as a player and coach, brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our program,” BPBA general manager Nick Stamatopoulos said.

“His passion for developing athletes and building strong team culture aligns perfectly with our values at Storm.

“We’re confident Ray will play a key role in guiding our men’s program forward and continuing to grow the game here on the peninsula.”

Borner said he wanted to assist in any way he could.

“When I saw the club had an opening, I reached out right away.

“I’m so excited to continue growing the game at Bellarine and get involved in their devoted basketball community.”

Borner will make his first appearance at the helm this weekend.

The Storm play Wyndham this Saturday, May 24, at 7.30pm and Pakenham this Sunday at 2pm in a home double header.