SBA grand finals sound off on stellar summer season

Under 16 division 1 champs Torquay Tornadoes after defeating Warriors 30-28. Photos: SUPPLIED

SURFCOAST Basketball Association (SBA) has held a successful grand final weekend to farewell its long-awaited summer season as Wurdi Baierr Stadium hosted hundreds of families seeking domestic-level glory.

Leading association officials such as president Dave Scott were extremely happy to see countless smiles on the faces of parents, friends and players over the weekend as disrupted seasons dating back to mid 2020 have had a dramatic effect on local basketball.

“It was amazing to see everyone turn out for grand final weekend,” Scott said.

“It really stuck with our core values here at the SBA, just those elements of inclusion, effort, and enjoyment.

“Grand final weekend always brings together a community and we saw that this year without a doubt as well as some terrific competition.”

Under 18 winners Allstars after knocking over Untitled 36-32.

Boys’ and girls’ games ranging from under 12s to under 18s provided enjoyable play for spectators, but Scott mentioned the tireless work of the association’s staff in making the season a memorable one.

“It’s been a while since we’ve held a weekend like this,” Scott said.

“I’m so grateful for the work that everyone has done since the start of the season, allowing us to see these kids playing the game that we all love each and every week.

“The magnificent turnout that we saw on grand final weekend was a testament to that.”

Under 10 division 1 champions Torquay Nets after defeating Sharks 19-18.

Basketball across the Surf Coast, Geelong and Bellarine is fully underway with record numbers of participation being observed by associations and Scott confirmed that trend for the SBA.

“We’re certainly seeing record numbers here at Surfcoast,” Scott added.

“I can only speak for us that we have seen another 20 per cent increase in participants for the winter season so it’s certainly going strength-to-strength moving forward off the back of high numbers this past summer season.

“We certainly see a lot of benefits having basketball played across the region and it seems that the community thinks that too.”

The SBA also currently exhibits men’s and women’s Big V senior sides, a first-ever for the association.