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2008 Yearbook The old saying goes “third time lucky”! However, there is certainly no luck but rather a lot of hard work and enthusiasm that has gone into this year’s Sabres yearbook.

2008 has once again been a stellar year for the Southern Basketball Association both on and off the court. There have been some championships won, some near misses and some individuals who have reaped the rewards of hard work and dedication.

In particular we must congratulate two former Sabres juniors, David Barlow and Andrew Bogut who both represented Australia at the Beijing Olympics. Their hours of toil, perfecting their skills were rewarded with the highest

honour they could receive by representing their country.

Congratulations to both of you!

Closer to home, the yearbook once again celebrates and honours those who have dedicated themselves and shown that “Sabres Pride”. As always wearing the orange and blue is as much about community as it is about improving. Players, coaches, team managers, parents and supporters all combine to make the SBA a truly vibrant and wonderful place. Once you become a part of the Sabre culture it remains with you for life.

As in previous years, thank you to all who have been

involved in the Sabres program this year. Sit back and take time to reflect on the season that was, while always looking ahead at the season to come. Take time out to rest and recover but also spend time making sure that when the next season rolls around, you are ready once again, to give your all for the mighty orange and blue!

Sabres spirit is alive and well!!!

Go Sabres!

Steven Lunardon President SBA

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Season Review ABA Men We started in early November with 5am fitness sessions in a bid to overcome the heartbreak of two straight grand final losses. Five new faces would hopefully overcome the deficiencies of last season, especially rebounding and size in the paint. It gave us great depth in every position, unfortunately, like never before that depth was tested with a series of longterm injuries to key players, some able to play on, others needing lengthy periods on the sidelines, under the care of the physiotherapists at Sandringham Sports Medicine.

Finishing the regular season in third with a 15-5 record, we had only played 2 games with our full team all year due to injury. We moved past Ringwood and Dandenong in the first two rounds of the finals, but were outclassed in the grand final series versus Melbourne Tigers. We had a second chance by receiving a wild card entry to the National Finals, making to to the semi finals for only the second time in club history, with a chance to take out the National

title, unfortunately finishing third, losing the semi final to the eventual champions, Rockhampton. The ABA men’s team has now made the last 8 grand finals and 5 national finals appearances, finishing 3rd in Australia twice.

Although disappointed with another grand final loss, we often speak about the opportunity we have to play ABA and the journey the team makes throughout the season which has made the team very close over the year, which is a key to our success.

The other pleasing aspect is the support we receive from our club, in particular the juniors who come and watch every week. Having the kids come into the changerooms after a home win to sing the team theme song, talking with the floor wipers on the sideline before the game, running out with a junior player during the introductions, all makes a huge difference to the players and hopefully it will inspire the juniors to become the next generation of Sabres to run out representing the club in the ABA or Youth League.

There has also been an opportunity for junior coaches to be involved at ABA level, taking those influences back to the junior Sabres teams.

It has also been great to see the number of Youth League players attend ABA training which can only help their game and give them invaluable experience as they move into the seniors or to college in the U.S. Finally I would like to thank our coaching staff and team managers for the time they gave to the ABA program this year.

Their contribution is what makes it possible for the seniors to continue to be a successful program.

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ABA Women

The 2008 Sabres had a new look about them combining youth and experience. We welcomed three new players to the Sabres family. Jo Myers, ex WNBL player, joined us from Knox SEABL team.

She brought a wealth of basketball experience and “smarts” and her maturity, leadership and easygoing personality had an instant impact on the team both on and off the court. 2008 WNBL Rookie of the Year, Nicole Hunt also joined the Sabres, as one of the most highly sought after players in the WNBL. She had just completed her scholarship at the AIS and was the starting point guard at the last Gems World Championship campaign.

Our third recruit was Molly Lewis, also a recent graduate from the AIS. Molly joined the Sydney Flames for the second half of their season, culminating in a Grand Final appearance. Molly is an athletic forward and has both consistency and range from the perimeter.

Joining these outstanding players and putting her coaching career on hold to suit up once again was Bianca White. Our “Twin Towers” of Tegan Fowler and Alex Lough again combined to give opposition teams headaches. Sharing in the guard rotation was Therese

Arnott and Natalie Burke.

And in the forward position we had the continued services of Michaela Davis and Alice Hammond. Finally rounding out our squad for 2008 from the Youth League Team was Katie Fitzgerald and Jess Kheara.

The team had an up and down season finishing 2008 in 5th place on the ladder. For the first time in six years the Sabres women’s team had not seen action in August.

Many things can contribute to the success or performance of a team but for the Sabres the overriding factor was inconsistency through a range of areas. Injuries played a role but by no means were the definitive answer. Alice Hammond, Tegan Fowler and Jo Myers all had significant injuries throughout various stages of the season, which had an impact on the consistency of the team.

It was a talented group of players that worked very hard but for whatever reason didn’t always “click” on the floor. When they did however, they certainly displayed an exciting brand of basketball and were capable of beating any team.

Having said that, the league continued to raise the bar in terms of the standard of players and each game was a tough encounter against

formidable opposition. During the season there were 20 odd players of WNBL calibre including 7 that were either current or recent Opals or Gems.

Some individual statistics for the Sabres team: Scorers: Nicole Hunt 16.9 ppg Alex Lough 13.5 ppg Rebounder: Alex Lough 9.1 rpg Tegan Fowler 6.2 rpg Assists: Nicole Hunt 4.3 apg Jo Myers 4.0 apg Foul Shots: Molly Lewis 88.9% Nicole Hunt 83.1% Thankyou to everyone that supported the team throughout the season.

Thankyou to all the players, support staff, coaches and all the many people that do things behind the scenes to make this program the success that it is, both on and off the court.

And finally thanks also to Vince Crivelli for his advice, support and friendship and to Andrew Mirams and the Association for their continued support of the Women’s program and continued commitment to keep the program professional and striving to be better in all aspects.

Lori Chizik

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Head of Coaching At the time of writing the 2008 regular season has just ended for our thirty six Sabres junior teams and the post season now begins for nineteen of our squads. In the process our junior program has amassed a record of 332 wins 296 losses and 31 draws.

Besides the positive win/loss record, 2008 has seen our junior program field teams in eight of nine age groups in the Championship Division - a club record.

Highlights for the club this year include Shane Tobin’s U/14(1) Boys team qualifying for the Australian Club Championship to be played in Darwin in few weeks. Ian Leckie’s U/14(3) Boys team remained undefeated throughout the VJL4 regular season despite a seemingly endless injury list. Jim Kendall’s U/14(1) team finished top in the VJBL1 league as too did our U/18(2) girl’s team coached

by Phil Thomas and Scott Harvey in the VJBL4 league.

I would like to thank all of our coaches, assistant coaches and team managers for their endless efforts in helping this club to firstly exist and continue to grow. I would especially like to acknowledge the tireless work of Michael Burke and Shane Tobin in their roles as Coaching Directors.

The time they contribute to the try-outs, training sessions, venue scheduling, games, meetings, tournaments and road trips is simply beyond belief. I would also like to acknowledge the contributions made by our Senior Coaches in Lori Chizik and Vince Crivelli and the senior Men’s and Women’s players who have contributed at trainings, games and camps throughout the year for our junior teams. Finally, I would like to thank Judy Barlow for looking after us all wherever and whenever we need her assistance.

Simon Mitchell

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Jermaine Maybank FROM NEW YORK TO SANDRINGHAM.

A warm Sandringham welcome to exciting new Sabres import Jermaine Maybank. Jermaine recently arrived in Australia from the US and is working hard with the Sabres as they prepare for another strong year.

Following a successful College career at St John’s University New York and Kansas State University, Jermaine has now turned his focus to Australia and has already set the finals firmly in his sights.

Maybank said that he will bring his leadership and winning attitude to an already successful side and is looking forward to the season ahead. “My leadership and my winning attitude, coming from a winning program - hopefully I can relate that to the guys. I think we will do pretty well if we do what the coach says...I think we should win I hope to win...”

Jermaine Maybank arrived in Australia back in February, following a successful College career at both St John’s University New York and Kansas State University.

He has been a great asset to both the Senior Men’s team and to the SBA community.

He has loved his time here in Australia. Asked what the highlight has been Jermaine had no hesitation in replying “beating Dandenong and hitting the game winning shot”.

in the National All Star Five, Jermaine flew back to the USA. He certainly loved his time here in Oz and definitely hopes to return to continue his basketball career.

During the2008 Big V Championship season, Jermaine averaged 17.1 points per game, 6.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

“I would like to thank Vince for giving me the opportunity to come to Sandringham and play. It’s a wonderful program and everyone is so loyal and dedicated to the players. As an import I certainly felt well looked after and I would recommend it to anyone!

I would also like to thank the whole senior team for embracing me and making me feel comfortable and at home. Thanks also to everyone involved in the running of the program, Craig and Rob (De Nardis – physio) On Sunday 31st August, following the 2008 National Club Grand Final, where he was named as All Star Guard

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Youth League Men Well another season is over and it has been an interesting one for our team.

This season we have had some great wins and some very close losses. In a season where we failed to make the finals I feel the youth league program has come a long way and in the coming years we will see much more success on the court. We had probably the youngest team in the competition and were more than competitive against every opposition.

Whilst we didn’t achieve finals it was great to have some of our players step up to the ABA team and have a positive impact. This is what the youth league program is all about, providing a pathway for our junior players to play elite level senior basketball.

Hopefully with some hard work you will see a couple of youth league players getting regular court time with our senior side next season

thank Andrew Knell for his help as assistant coach I know all the boys enjoyed your advice and shooting games.

I would also like to thank all the players for their hard work and commitment over the season, hopefully this will continue in the future. It was a pleasure to coach a group of young men who were intent on learning and improving as much a possible. With this attitude we are going to have a great amount of success.

Finally I would like to wish Matt Turner and Michael Nowlan the best of luck in America as they chase their dreams of a good education and the ability to play basketball every day. I’m sure they will have some good stories and basketball knowledge to pass on when they come home.

Also I would like to make special mention of my team manager Neil Taylor, without him I would have been lost. It was fantastic to know that everything I needed would be organized without having to ask. I cannot thank you enough for this and it is people like this that keep the game running, so thank you Neil. I would also like to

See you next season GO SABRES David Pummell

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Youth League Women Preseason was intense.

Training sessions were intense.

Games were played with intensity.

The team had a determination this year to be physically and mentally stronger than in past years. They acknowledged that for this goal to be achieved they would all need to work hard individually, and work together at becoming a true unit. The catch cry of the season became “have each others backs”. With long term injury sidelining Beth and niggling injuries to Brydee we played most of the season height challenged. Although we didn’t make finals, the team had its best results for some time, and it was acknowledged often by opposition coaches in post match speeches that this was a team to be reckoned with.

As hard as the team worked on the court, they also put in some serious time off court having fun.

With Loz Morecrofts alter ego ‘Laurel’ present the team was in good company at social outings. Combined with

Aunty Kate keeping tabs on the aged challenged pair of Tom(Eilidh) and Jerry(Arly) all was in place for responsible fun!!!!

The secret powers of the ‘sour straps’ is still a mystery.

Were they the reason for the transformation of the mild mannered Jess Khera into the poker playing card shark???

There was no chance that hunger would be a concern in this team with Marcus’s bbq skills, Shelley’s famous vanilla slices, and Coopers ability to find Subways(not), “I’m sure there’s not one here”..wrong again Cooper.

Unique methods to improve skills were taught by coach Timmons. A glass and 20 cent piece for fine motor skills, and a pool table for hand eye coordination may have fallen short in having an impact on the teams on court skills, but it didn’t fall short providing plenty of laughs off court.

The final words of this seasons summary belong to Teegan, “and then I found $50”

Good luck to Sarah Fraser Jones on her return to the U.S to suit up for West Kentucky University.

All the best to Shelley Keating who has retired from the team. Her input both on and off the court was valuable.

Thank you to Gavan for keeping the bods in shape.

Thank you to Fiona for the Leagues best post match spread each week.

Thank you to Nola- you know why.

Handy hint of the season: “You kick a bench, you get a sore foot” (ask Coops).

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Boys Program HOOP’S & DREAMS

Once again we are approaching tryout time.

Once again young athletes will arrive to begin a dream Around 1994 such a young player tried out for our club.

He had hopes dreams , a yearning to to be the best his talent would allow him .

When he was old enough he would ride his bike to and from home to shoot hoops , such as the young athletes of today .

Lets hope that when this years tryout begin , we can nab another David Barlow , a person whos dreams to shoot hoops led him to play at a VC level with Sandringham , earn state selection , progress to college at metro state, win a number of NBL titles with the now defunct Sydney kings & and now Melbourne Tigers , play for Australia at the Olympic games in Beijing .

We run a very successful junior program , one of the best in This state , with state representation on a yearly basis .

Thankyou to all the coaches & team managers for season 2008 , you do the program proud , and your hard work and dedication will pay off in years to come.

Shane Tobin Junior Boys Coordinator

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Girls Program 2007/08 has been a long season. And I doubt that many programs throughout the State have had to deal with the degree of bad luck that the Sabres girls program has had to endure. Two teams (Under 12 and 18VC) had opportunities to make the VC finals in the last week of the season, and both just missed out- the Under 12s having to endure the shock of the top team losing to the team that took their place in the Finals. Several teams had mini-stretches of good form, but could not sustain it through the entire season, due to absences of key players or close defeats (Eddie’s Under 14-2 team managed to lose three games in a row by less than four points). Other teams had bad luck with injuries and/or retirements from the program, that made it an achievement just to field a side each week. I joked with Jim Kendall (Under 14-1 team) throughout December/January that no-one should stand next to him for fear of getting caught up in the tornado of bad luck that hit his team during grading. Throughout all this, kids continued to apply themselves to improving their games, coaches and team managers gave up their time to aid this improvement, and parents continued to be generous in both their efforts and their enthusiastic support.

We were fortunate to have five new coaches in the program (Paul, Fleur, Sam, Jo and Joe), one returning coach (Marcus), got one coach from the boy’s program (Gary), and retained nine other coaches from the previous season.

With sixteen teams, our girl’s program was probably overstretched. We were fortunate to have the help of Simon on several nights when coaches were absent, and I thank teams for recognising the significant problems we had to endure with coach absences.

As with last year, I’ll let individual team coaches and managers document their successes and stories. I’d like to congratulate all our players on their continued

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commitment, improvement, sportspersonship, good humour and friendship. Our players carry themselves magnificently both as athletes and as people. I’d also like to thank Judy Barlow for all her support.

I know that this year, the girl’s program has been difficult with numerous requests made to the VJBL, and Judy has handled all problems with great patience and skill.

This will be my last year of co-ordination. I know that these reports are generally very positive and we pat ourselves on the backs. But I think resignation allows a certain honesty. There are two major changes to the girls program that will need to happen before we can claim to compete with the major clubs.

1) We need to make serious inroads into coach education. Championship coaching is difficult; it requires long-term planning and basketball insight.

As a club, we have not serviced volunteer coaches well with coach education.

After twenty years of coaching, I now realise how little I knew when I started, and how much I still have to learn.

2) Our players need to work much harder on their games outside of training. Sport performance experts now suggest that elite sporting players need at least 16 hours of training per week.

Most children and families do not have sixteen spare hours, and the club can support about three hours of team training per week.

That maths requires two things- better and more efficient use of training time + as much outside practice as young bodies and members of families can do. In addition, for the short amount of time that players are on court, they need to dedicate themselves both to learning new skills and to practicing with intensity.

Mike Burke

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U12 Girls Reports

U12-VC

2008 has been full of great memories and highlights for the girls U12 VC team. Firstly, few expected them to reach VC. We did in three games.

Even then there were low expectation against the “top” sides.

It was suggested that our next goal be to make the Classic. With one game to spare they made their target. Such a high level of basketball, it was with great grit, and possibly the worst draw, the girls made it to the last eight.

Now it was with great audacity that the call was sent out to now make the finals. The top of the ladder is tight, with two or three teams who deserve a place about to miss out. Hopefully it will not be us, but if it is it will not be for a lack of trying.

A whole years effort will rely on two game results!

The years top 6 highlights1. Making V.C 2. Easter at Adelaide 3. Making the Classic 4. Watching the girls bring on the championship men at the final 5. Fantastic Friday night entertainment 6. Hopefully making the finals?

Some memorable quotes for the year: 1. LIVE THE DREAM—Paul Gilcrhist 2. I have a good feeling about tonight girls, it maybe the drugs, but I have a good feeling---Len Halprin

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3. Woof woof woof ---Sophie Noone The team has 9 girls who all have three things in common: TALENT, SKILLS and DEDICATION. They then all have their own special traits that have combined to form a winning

combination. Thanks girls, from all the families for a brilliant year, your efforts have kept us entertained and swelled us with pride.

As a first year team, we have improved greatly through the year, and a lot of this is due to our fabulous coach, Paul Gilchhrist. To have been doubly blessed with Mike Burke’s knowledge and care during the season was being spoilt!

7 Lucy Burke: Our bottom age player. Wonderful outside shot when open. Working very hard to improve her inside game she will be a key player in next years side.

9 Rachael Fairhurst: Starting point guard with leadership skills to match her ball skills. Shot selection and ability to get to the basket when neede.

10 Sophie Noone: Her defensive presence and additional scoring option made a huge difference to our campaign.

11 Lucy Ansell: All teams need a left-hander, and ours is one of the quickest in the competition.

15 Emma Kellock: Hard working and determined. Team defense, passing skills and always unselfish.

33 Rebekah Halprin: Bek knows only one way to play the game. Get the ball and put it in the basket.

41 Laney Callahan: Often guarding players much taller than herself, her ability to block shots was outstanding.

43 Frankie Kaye: Our 1st year centre performed extremely well. Continually working on her game to improve, she has become a scoring machine as

well as a defensive brick wall.

53 Paige Gilchrist: This team has given Paige the confidence she requires to believe in her abilities.She has developed into a strong and solid guard, quick on the break, and very unselfish.

GO GIRLSGO SABRES Sheona Callahan and Julie Fairhurst, Team managers.

U12-2

The Under 12/2 Girls squad has had a fantastic season that has passed far too quickly!

Despite many of our achievements not showing on the scoreboard, the whole team kept smiling and kept pushing themselves each training and each game.

Coming up against some very very tall opposition, the girls developed fantastic speed and fitness to become more than worthy opponents.

Despite all the girls would bounce back the next week and arrive at each game smiling, laughing and excited for the next challenge. By the end of the season we had mastered an unbeatable end ball play that guaranteed us baskets, with the interesting name of “Banana’s”, resulting in some funny looks from the spectators!

An amazing group of girls coupled with wonderful parents means an unforgettable season and high hopes for next year.

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U12-4 the tournament undefeated, eventually beating Sabres 4 in an exciting Grand Final.

U12 -3 Who would have thought that a year ago, the 9 girls that were selected to represent Sandringham in the 3rd team would turn out to be some of the most courageous, gutsiest, passionate and proud girls to complete a successful season.

It all started in November last year when I took the team off to compete in the Southern Peninsula Tournament.

It was a tough ask for the girls but the playing experience would prove to be invaluable for the future. As well as coming runners up at the tournament the kids and their families all had a great time bonding with each other and making new friends.

Next came the Dandenong Tournament. Even though we did not win a game all weekend, the girls held their heads up high as they played VC and Metro 1 teams and again learned some valuable experiences. Once again team bonding was the main focus with several parents sporting sore heads for most of the weekend.

So we approached the 2nd half of the season feeling pretty positive about the style of game we had been playing. It has proven to be harder than we thought with a couple of losses, a draw and a few wins to round out the year.

Our fantastic start to the season created us with the opportunity to compete in the finals where I am sure all the players and parents will do their best to bring home the goods.

So now it is time to reflect and say thanks to all of those who have made this journey such an exciting and enjoyable one. I want to thank the club for the opportunity it has given me and the players. I wish to thank the families for putting up with me and most of all a great big thanks to Tailah, Bridgette, Cassidy, Tea, Eliza, Chrissy, Ebony, Kel and Ellen for taking me on an amazing ride.

Thanks girls.

Good luck for next year and hold your heads up high and always remember if you dream to believe, you believe to succeed.

Well Done Team

The Sabres U12-4 girls started enthusiastically, ranked 81 at the start of the grading games. With some talented and dynamic players we consistently won, highlighted by our 70:1 victory over Knox 6. We slowly moved up through the pools qualifying for Metro 3.

The season proper saw all the players developing their skills and displaying good team structure under the guidance of Coach, Sam. Mid way through the season we were happily placed 3rd on the ladder, with 6 wins and 3 losses.

The second half of the season was more challenging. Despite player absences and injuries we were able to make the finals.

The highlights of our year were also our successes at both the Eltham Dandenong and Nunawading Tournaments finishing the top of our pools and runners up in both finals. Special mention goes to Ellecia Baker who received a “Most Determined Player” award at the Eltham Dandenong Tournament and Caitlin Demetriou who was awarded “Best Player on Court” trophy in the final of the Nunawading Tournament.

Overall all the players learnt a lot, improved their skills and enjoyed the Sabres experience with special thanks to Sam. Off the court the U12-4 families enjoyed the Friday Night Games and dinners out afterwards. The players have become good friends bonding together with many social activities during the season.”

Fleur Mills-Coach

By the time the season proper arrived we were all quite fatigued as I had kept the team pretty busy with training and team bonding activities.

We started the season off better than expected by going 9 and 0 for the 1st half of the year. At the half way point of the season we went into the Nunawading Tournament feeling pretty happy with our achievements so far. We went through

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u12s

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Dandenong Tournament

Australia

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Day

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U12 Boys

U12 -1

It has been an exciting season for the boys from the day the team was announced back in October last year.

The team qualified for VC in the opening round of grading games so were able to enjoy the Christmas holidays without too much pressure!

On January 26th the team came together for the ElthamDandenong tournament and after 3 torrid, tiring days, these Sabres boys became the official Under 12 Champions, winning the grand final against Blackburn.

During the season the team has fared well in competition and there have been standout games for each and every player, shared by all.

Qualifying for The National Junior Classic was another milestone for the team and placing 3rd in that tournament was one of the highlights of the year – although if you asked the players, they would probably say the water slide and wave pool at MSAC held a greater attraction!!

U12-2 Coach – Michael Mullan

To Judy Barlow – thanks for your help and guidance in so many areas throughout the season, and thanks also for the ability to name-drop at will; we share your pride.

Finally to Jamie – always a cup-half-full coach who has led by example in his respect for the boys and their voices; by his punctuality and attentiveness; and by his patience (a big ask when coaching 10 & 11 year old boys!).

It has been a pleasure to be involved in Sabres U12 Boys and I wish the team all my very best as they head into finals, and to the individual players and to Jamie, good luck for the next stage in their journeys.

Victoria Pidhirny – Team Manager

First came the tryouts and then came the grading games.

10 nervous boys and various parents with melways in hand found their way to Corio for our first game – our coach was the only one to get lost. The final team came together for the Dandenong competition on the long weekend in January. The boys played really well making it to the semi–finals and used the games to really get to know each other with a great afternoon swimming between games followed by a combined dinner at Subway.

Right from the start under the firm guidance of Michael our boys showed enthusiasm and great team work. The rapport between the entire team was obvious and it has carried through the entire season. As the emails went around every Wednesday night planning the car pooling for those away places that we had never been to let alone heard of – every one pitched in often with three or four boys in each car. The main topic before each game was “I hope they have a coffee machine” and the main topic after every game being “Where is the nearest KFC”.

With great friendships made over long car rides and buckets of KFC we have all had a fantastic season and look forward to repeating the experience again next year.

Thanks to Coach Michael Mullan whose patience and dedication have turned our boys into disciplined players

The boys have grown as players and friends, as have their parents and support crew, most especially during the tournaments when leaving isn’t an option! There have been many shared rides to far-off destinations and I would like to thank all of our supporters for their tireless help and enthusiastic encouragement throughout the season.

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with an unbeatable team spirit. Their determination has kept us high on the ladder and qualified us for the finals. Thanks to all the parents for their help and support. Good luck to all in the under 14’s next year.

Fiona Homann TM

U12-3 The U12-3 Boys have had an exciting season of ups and downs, but most importantly have enjoyed their basketball and developed into promising young players who “have a go”. Our team is made up of bottom age and double bottom age players who excelled themselves in the grading season and ended up in League 3 in the Victorian Junior Basketball League. To the parents delight, we were in a pool with other teams that were on “our side of town”, however all but 3 of the teams consisted of top age players.

The boys have recorded a few significant wins, beating top of the table Eltham2, Frankston 4 and Keilor 2.

There were many highlights in our games that contained all of the players in either clutch situations, or creating beautiful on ball screens, layups, rebounds and the odd collision or two!! All of the boys played with passion and the desire to combine well with their team mates to follow Coach Dave’s instructions.

I would like to congratulate Super Coach Dave on his efforts with our boys, all of those early Sunday trainings and Tuesday evenings where drill after drill, was practiced to absolute precision! Dave

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was a stickler for players being ready to listen and moving quickly to his instruction.

He showed them about commitment, dedication, practice and a passion for the game. I would like to thank Dave for his commitment to our boys and for passing on his knowledge of the game so well.

I have enjoyed the company of the parents and the beginning of the Sabres journey with the boys.

Congratulations to all the boys for their efforts on the floor, you are developing into a talented group of basketballers!

Liz Heath

U12 -4 What a great bunch of potential basketballers we were given, Antonio, Lewis, Tyler, Zac, Nathan, Lachie B, Johnny, Sam and little Lachie. Also with the inclusion of a new Sabres coach in (Tristan Sever) it was going to produce opportunities galore for before him. Everybody involved was looking forward to the upcoming season and hopefully we can shine on game night.

A big challenge was ahead of us to get these boys to adapt to a new level in basketball that they previously had not experienced.

Moulding them into a formidable team, exposing

them to new drills and game plans was always going to stretch their capabilities, and it did in the end. Although in saying that we got off to a great start by winning the majority of our grading games, but unfortunately we lost the most important one which relegated us into the lower level competition (North/ South), hello petrol stations.

When we finally started the real season the boys took awhile to adjust to the tempo of the games, which meant that basically we struggled to play to our potential.

Results at the half way mark (round 9) saw us with 3 Wins, 4 Losses & 3 Draws, and looking forward to the second half. It was noticeable to all that the boys in their short basketball careers thus far were being exposed to new skills, team plays and drills which was taking its toll on them and thus created adverse responses on and off the court. The coach was riding the junior sport roller coaster ride of his life trying to find a winning formula but it wasn’t to be with our second half games only producing 4 Wins, 4 Losses & another draw.

At present we are in the middle of a finals campaign with one loss against a very well drilled team in Southern Peninsula, although we did lose the boys started to believe in themselves with a great defensive game that held them out for most of the game. We now are looking forward to lifting our intensity to win the first semi final against Frankston 5.

Well done to the coach, players and the parents.

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U14G Reports

U14-2 ball handler, controls the play, terrific steals is a major asset to the team.

Sophie Lynch – is an awesome rebounder and shooter when she is ‘in the zone’ Amanda Batemanprovides great energy, great ball skills, and rebounds really well.

U14-1

We started the grading season a little shaky, with a few of the girls carrying a few injuries, and unable to play. As a result we didn’t make VC, but the girls settled in well to Metro 1, growing in confidence with every game and every win. And there was lots of wins, some very close (Two wins by a point, one win by 2 points and 2 games were a draw!) Definitely not good for the parents heart rates!

It was a great season for the girls. They developed into a close knit group with Jim having to pull them in to line, and stop the chit chat and giggling that sometimes went on at training! However it all paid off in the end, with the girls finishing on top of the ladder! It was really great to see the girls’ skills, and confidence in their own ability grow under Jim’s GENTLE encouragement!

In January the girls played the Dandenong /Eltham tournament with half the team away with injuries and other commitments. We watched newcomer to the club Cassie Hill, blossom, and step up as a real asset to our team. An aggressive player she attacked the basket consistently.

Every team member has added to the overall success for the season:

Lauren Hulse- grew in confidence as the season progressed, in her dribbling skills and shooting skills.

Jemma Lawrence- grew in confidence under Jims coaching, in reading the play and attacking the basket.

Kate Hore- a really solid player, with great skills all around the court.

Tilly Gillan- a reliable and solid Ball handler grew in confidence as the season progressed.

We were all delighted to see the return of Issy Say midway through the season, after a long absence with Osgood-Schlatter Disease in her knee. She is a solid player and a great shooter and her return to the team gave us added confidence.

When I asked the girls what was the high point of the season, with no hesitation at all, they responded “the road trip!” Now I am not sure if it was the basketball or the social side of the trip that was the highlight!. But without doubt the friendships formed, the fun and the good times they had together, will stay with them forever!

It was a big year for Jim, marrying his lovely partner Jo, (who is Steph’s Mum.) Congratulations Jim and Jo! May you have a very happy fulfilled life together.

Steph Collins grew to her height of 6’, to become the teams most awesome rebounder, and highest point scorer for the season.

I have really enjoyed my time as team manager of the girls U14/1 and I wish the girls all the best for their basketball future!

Georgia ‘Tonka’ Tonkin- Great

Claire Lawrence

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Well it’s that time of the year again as the season draws to a close – in some ways it only feels like yesterday that we were putting the team together and going through the grading process.

The girls had a great grading season and almost qualified for Metro 1 with a one point win against Frankston 3 – only to find out that the score sheet was wrong and the game was in fact a draw.

The girls had given everything during regular time and the end of extra time saw Frankston 3 come out on top.

The Australia Day tournament was again a tough start to the year with 5 hard games in three days taking its toll on the young girls knees – Emily Kay and Kim Myer particularly who both took a few weeks to fully recover.

The girls improved throughout the tournament and started to bond as a team just missing out on a semi finals berth.

Metro 2 was no walk in the park with a close 1 point win against Dandenong in the first game and then 5 losses in a row leaving us with one win in six games. The girls lifted with a win in round 7, 9 and 10 that elevated us into 7th position after round 10.

At the Nunawading tournament we got off to a great start winning our first two games with all girls playing well and sharing equal court time. The next three games the girls just kept improving playing as a team and shooting well, we went on to beat all teams in our pool. Then into the grand finial against Eltham also undefeated in the A pool, it was

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undefeated in the A pool, it was a close first half then we settled in offence played much harder in defence to take out the finial winners all girls played their heart out and Isabelle Shea was MVP of the tournament .It was a great result and weekend.

The girls finished the season 6th with some very strong results towards the end of the season. A three point loss to the top team Camberwell showed that the girls could mix it with the best when they played well.

Perhaps the highlight of the year for many girls was the Road Trip. The trip proved to be an exciting and memorable occasion for the team. Playing whilst on the road can be a challenge, and our girls showed their focus on the court with some highly competitive games and big wins. Whilst in Canberra the girls were fortunate to tour the AIS with some basketball scholarship holders and saw the Opals line up for their final selection tryout for the Olympics. Off the court the team had fun at each stop, seeing new sights and getting to know the other players on the tour. In all it was a great experience and one that they will remember of their junior basketball years.

Big thanks to all the kids, parents and volunteers who made the season possible.

Special thanks to Linda Morwood who coached the girls in the many games when Eddie was overseas and during the Nunawading tournament and team Manager Craig Tucker.

U14-4

U14-3

2008 saw us draw together a strong team with both bottom and top age girls. A gruelling try out season saw the girls bond together as a strong unit and start the season with a great work ethic and high expectations.

The tournaments during the season saw the girls grow in ability and work really hard at the basics to develop as a team able to match it with the best in the competition.

Thank you for all the support from the parent group and to all the hard work that Natalie put into training the girls.

They have certainly developed from the timid young girls at the start of the season to a much more disciplined seasoned team that gave their all every time they took to the floor in the orange and blue. Well done girls and good luck in your future at the Sabres.

The Under 14-4 girls certainly had a topsy turvy season. We were hit with injuries to players and to our coach – Scott Middleton, we had players leave and new players join in. Our grading phase went well but we had limited success on the court during the proper season.

Throughout all this though the girls were always smiling, always tried hard and never gave up. It was very obvious that they all enjoyed playing basketball together and were always there for each other. When I took over as team manager the parents were all very supportive and everyone helped out and were a real part of the team. The Dandenong Tournament was a lot of fun and helped the girls bond even further. From my observations every girl in the team experienced success over the season, from hitting some great shots, to some great defence, improving in team play and hanging on to win a close game. Well done Jamie, Hannah, Maddie, Maddy, Rachael, Tani, Dajana and Diddy. And a big thanks to Scott for being our coach this season.

Anna Williams Team Manager

Go Sabres!!

Report by Eddie Ragauskas, Linda Morwood and Jenny Davrain

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o eem t s t ’ n did th year s i me wi h o t d s e r n ab re ctio the S ir sha restri t a r f a e r t t i he Wa pac ning t ch im w u o m d e s o hav arge fluid! nch t g e ng ch n b u i o h e s y th fre our th. ar re et to e g l c o t r brea e u h d o t o y o f g o ch lways d cat a n a s i r It ate ome w s n w do ne r y Pay a r r inato u d M r o o zine C Maga

Drink

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Breaks

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U14 Boys Reports

U14B1

The year started with VC qualification prior to Christmas, which makes for a relaxing christmas period.

Once the New Year arrived, it was time for some beach training. This is a tough ask on days when the thermometer is reading 35+ degrees, but the boys proved their dedication to the task at hand.

Additionally, Kim & Greg Dullard (Nick’s parents) very kindly hosted the boys to a week end away at their beautiful family holiday house in Coronet Bay (Philip Island way)– This was a wonderful time of team building which included swimming, cricket, barbeques and 10 boys sharing one bathroom. Zak Pantelis was elected Captain, and momentarily thought he was superman as he proceeded to walk through a screen door.

Back home, Shane’s annual beach training program proved to be the ideal preparation for the Eltham-Dandenong tournament. The coaches were happy to get 4 or 5 games under our belt to blow out the cobwebs, but the guys had differrent ideas. They showed flashes of brilliance throughout the rounds, making it into the grand final. A big start to the season with an unexpected 2nd place finish with only a couple of points separating the 2 teams (Sandy & Knox) and only in the last 60 seconds of play.

We started the VC season in dramatic fashion with Haayu hitting a 3 on the

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buzzer to beat Broadmeadows.

We went on to win the next 3 leading into the break and the Easter Classic in Adelaide.

The annual journey to Adelaide is one of the many highlights to the season.

A one point loss (to a team we ‘belted’ during the Melbourne Classic in June) effectively cost us a spot in the QF’s . Although we didn’t achieve the result we wanted for this tournament the guys gained some valuable game experience, in unfamilar circumstances.

This was yet another one of the many team-building experiences for this talented group of players.

A special thanks to Amanda for organising all of the adults and mothering all of the boys on the trip.

Queen’s Birthday week end is essentially a basketball smorgasbord – from Ballarat, to Tasmania and Nunawading and of course the invitational Melbourne Classic – held at MSAC for the U12’s and 14’s.

First up Saturday morning we met with our old foes from the Dandy/Eltham tournament G/F (Knox). After a sluggish start our boys turned on the heat and made a real game of it but eventually went down by 4. In our second game against Forestville SA, our boys showed how efficient our game is when we move the ball from the back court to the front court quickly.

Sabres won 56-38. This was the team that beat us by 1 point in the Adelaide classic – and I am sure they would have been wondering if this was the same team the played against 2 months earlier.

Game 3 was against Nunawading (whom we were to face off in a challenge match for the final spot to this year’s Nationals in the forthcoming weeks), and Shane was up to his tricks

again by not showing his ‘poker hand’. Usual starters Zak (already hitting big numbers in the previous games) and Elliot (not being risked because of a light injury) did not get any action in the first quarter. One of the Nunawading parents on the score bench questioning JP why number 34 was not playing and what was the Sandy coach up to???

NSW Road Trip – 10 days of sightseeing in a bus, playing great BB, sleeping on gymnastic mats, being billetted out, eating lollies, drinking softdrinks, seeing the physio daily and having a holiday all at the same time.

Friday 1st August, Shane surprised the boys in their last time out of the Diamond Valley game (we were up by about 7 and they beat us by 6 last time) by telling them that if they beat DV tonight, they are off to the Nationals. The 5 players that took to the court in those last few minutes stood 7’ tall with the biggest baddest smiles ever – finishing DV off by 13.

Last game of the regular season - August 22, we belted Bulleen to take over their 2nd place on the ladder and consequently earning the second chance in the finals play offs. First game against Bullen was a 2 point game at half time, but sadly blew out to a 22 point loss. This time around we won by 9.

It really seems as if the Eastcoast Roadtrip had an extraordinary impact on this team because since they have returned from their basketball pilgrimage, they have been almost invincible. Their only loss for the 2nd half of the season was to ladder leaders Keilor by 1 point. We were up 24-12 in the first quarter but as with any level or age group (we see this with professionals and ask ourselves ‘how can that be?’) Turnovers will cost you.

Anyway. VC finals beckon.

Nationals in Darwin (and more fundraising) beckon.

All in all a great year for the team with many memories made and a few more to be created before the boys move up an age group next season.

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U14B2

What an exciting season.

Coming together this group of boys had mostly played in different teams to one another. This team was made up of kids from four different teams as well as two boys that were new to the Sabre program. It did not take long for the boys to gel and look like a side that had played together for years.

The season was packed with games, as the team participated in the Australia Day tournament as well as the East Coast Road Trip which I am sure was the highlight for the team.

As a Coach it was really exciting to see each player develop individually, whilst seeing the boys really coming together and becoming a successful team.

U14B3

What a season it has been, it is hard to believe that ten months have now passed since the boys began their journey under the guiding influence of coaches Leckie and Boland.

Grading passed by in a blur with only two losses, one of which to a team we dispatched of two weeks later by 41 points. In between was a victorious assault on the Australia Day tournament that helped to really launch the second phase of the campaign. There have been many memorable

I would like to thank all the boys for making the season fun and successful. Best of luck for the future and keep working hard to be your best.

Ben Theodore Coach

moments that helped shape this group of young players into a successful team that really loves to get out on the court each Friday night to play for each other and the orange and blue. We had an unforgettable road trip to beautiful Launceston in the middle of an icy winter, a courageous victory at Craigieburn with only three fit players and an unbeaten 18 game run that saw the team finish the regular season well clear on top of the ladder with seven of the victories exceeding thirty points. Throughout the season

the training sessions have been well mixed centring on skills and fitness in a neverending variety of ways, along with special guest coach appearances, which has helped the players learn and develop greatly over the season.

It will be sad for both the players & parents alike to see the season end, but the season will be long remembered for the spirit and style in which all of the boys played the game.

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U14B5

We’ve had a great season. Starting grading in the lowest group, were able to make East 2, losing only one match along the way.

U14B4

First of all, I would like to congratulate everyone involved on another successful season for the Sabres.

To the coaches and players for putting in the time and effort on-court, the parents for their continued support and encouragement of their kids and to Judy Barlow and everyone else who works behind the scene to make this a great club... a big thank you!!!!

I would also love to thank everyone involved with the under 14-4 boys team for an extremely rewarding and enjoyable season.

To the great group of parents for giving up so much of their time this season, and to Carolyn Geer for her fantastic work as team manager, team photographer and lolly supplier.

Congratulations to the guys on a great season. They are a very talented group of players but their ability to continually work hard every week was the most pleasing aspect of the season.

I wish each of them all the very with their basketball endeavours in the future!!!!

Then at the Dandenong tournament we met an East 1 team in the grand final. One point down with eight seconds remaining Tim took the defensive rebound, passed to Darcy on the break who was fouled, then made both free throws for a glorious one point victory!

In the regular season we finished on top. We played great defence right from the start and have learnt several offensive plays, including our famous zone beating “ZOFF” and the 3 point “FIST” option.

We have beaten teams through our team work rather than individual efforts and have had many games where all players scored.

We were great because of Blair’s left hand, Andy’s free throwing, Johnnie’s cuts, Dan’s never ending efforts, James’s huge post improvement, Jack G’s driving, Jack P’s endless enthusiasm (but not his knees), Darcy’s defence, Ben’s focus on his role and Tim’s amazing leap.

Thanks to Maree the marvellous team manager and Dave. And thanks to the boys for making it fun and playing well so that I didn’t have to yell too much.

U14B6

The year started with two teams (Under 14-5 and 146) but only one coach. This seemed to work ok until they had to play each other in the last game of Grading Phase 1.

Now things started to get a little tricky for Coach Brett.

It was after hearing of Brett’s’ predicament I offered to come onboard and coach the team. From there we went straight into Grading Phase 2 with only a couple of training sessions under our belts and the boys coming to terms with me as coach and some of my strange ideas.

After we got through Grading and into the regular season the players started to understand what I was after and were starting to play some good basketball. The games varied, some we won easily, some were nail biters and one consisted of a record 44 fouls (24 for us and 20 for the opposition). It wasn’t a rough game; I just think the players were called for just thinking about fouling.

But one of the highlights of the year, which still brings a tear to my eye, was watching Dylan do the splits as he went after a pass and slipped on the floor. Maybe not intentional, but perfectly executed all the same. Some very loud gasps echoed around the stadium at the time!

Danny Kelly - Coach

Brett Lindstrom - Coach

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U14 Road Trip We headed to the border to play Albury, sought out scholarship holders at the AIS (to guide us around the complex that many basketballers aspire to be accepted into), tamed the highly fancied Illawarra “snakes” at the Snake Pit, fought Manly on the Sydney beaches, searched for (and destroyed) the Rebels (Gosford Rebels) north of Sydney and found and won over the Entrance on the Central Coast of NSW’.and all in 9 days of travelling on our road trip through Victoria, the ACT and NSW. Yes, this was the annual Under 14 NSW road trip that included a tour party of 20 boys, 16 girls and 17 adults (parents, coaches and a physiotherapist). Apart from the basketball there were some great places that we visited and sights that we saw including a Buddhist temple, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opals women’s basketball team (training for the Olympics), staying with

the coach of the Illawarra Hawks (for two lucky boys on the tour that were billeted with his son), exhilarating coastal scenery south and north of Sydney and the tranquil setting of our stay at Avoca Beach.

Many thanks are due to the businesses that donated generously to the Auction night as part of the fundraising for the trip (including Parkdale Plaza Fruit Shop, Bayview on the Park and Mentone Saab), and to the City of Kingston, Bayside Council and Glen Eira Council for their sport grants.

Thanks are also due to the coaches and parents that travelled with the children to ensure that they arrived safely and prepared for their games. Particular mention should go to Rob De Nardis, the travelling physiotherapist, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the children were physically prepared for each game, including a rigorous warm

up and warm down programme.

He could often be seen attending to children during and after games to ensure that any muscle issues were remedied immediately.

A very special thanks goes to Shane Tobin (Sabre Herd leader) for organising another great basketball tour that the children (and adults) will remember fondly for years (probably decades) to come.

[The full story of the “Road Trip” (the daily blog) can be seen on the new Sabres Web Site – www.sabreshd. jamwareonline.com go to Junior Sabres and then News]

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U16 Girls

U16G VC

The under 16-1 Girls had a tough season which saw them learn many lessons, develop as a team and improve their individual skills. The dedication and commitment shown by these girls was motivating and contagious. The team had a great pre-season and graded in the Victorian Championship. The girls were excited about the season and although results did not go our way, they were resilient and played with great pride.

The team challenged some of the best teams in the state and gave everything they had, often ending in tears and disappointment, but with determination to improve and work harder. The season provided plenty of highlights which included attending the Adelaide and Ballarat tournaments. Not only do they love basketball, they share a love for music, laughing and odd sayings. Some of the memories include the pregame speech by football legend Allan Jeans, “dancing Paulie”(on youtube), Jay’s collection of music, ‘the low riders’, Laura’s long bombs and the statistical analysis at macca’s after each game.

couldn’t understand how it happened, but it did, and to top it off her dad was scoring (Sorry Paul). It’s funny now, but not back then.

In some games we would struggle to get 20 points, then the following week score 70 points. We never knew what would happen each week.

U16G2

The girls started first phase of grading without a coach and were still Met 1 contenders at the end of phase one, also winning the Australia Day Tournament along the way. I came on board for the second phase of grading. We lost 2 crunch games at end of grading which put us in Met 2. We started the season on fire. We won the first three games then things went a bit haywire and we lost our way for about 4 weeks where anything that could go wrong did, from going to Bulleen with 6 girls who were told by the refs that 4 can’t dribble because they carry, double dribble and travel all the time.

(Not bad considering the girls have played for years) then we lost on top of that.

Then we went to Broady where I found out that it’s not a good thing to have 2 girls with the same name and similar numbers, because sooner or later things will get mixed up. Even if one girl is on the bench!! Then she comes on, hits 2 nice shots and then is fouled off. I

Then we went to the Queens Birthday weekend tournament (Ballarat) which we also won (Top Tournament Team!!) As the season progressed, we won some and lost some, which put us in the position of needing to win the last game to play finals. Unfortunately we lost by 4, although we were equal with 40 seconds to go. We just couldn’t seal it, so our season ended. But I must say that how the girls played in the course of the season and especially the last three games, shows how they had grown and matured over the season and showed that they will fight till the end. Thanks Girls.

I would also like to thank Fran our Team Manager for looking after the girls.

Thanks Brett Pearce - Coach

U16 3 How does one define success over the course of a long season? Should it simply be based on the number of wins and losses? Over the course of this past season every single one of the girls proved this to not to be true.

Since taking over a team I knew nothing about I have had the pleasure of getting to know 8 great girls. Girls who gave their all every time they stepped out onto the court.

I am extremely proud of the team and the goals that we have achieved. These girls played and trained with maturity beyond their years, which made it a special season to be a part of. There was no other team that these players wanted to play for and there was no other team that I wanted to coach!

Paul Graham Coach

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U16G5

It has been a wonderful experience coaching the U165 Girls. I would like to thank all of the parents for their support during the season, with a special thank you to our team manager, Trish Kiploks.

U16G4 It can be safely said that this was never an easy season. Many injuries during the course of the year made team cohesion tough, but through it all the girls never gave up or backed down.

Through many tough defeats and some amazing wins the girls left everything they had on the court, giving everything they had to achieve victory.

In the end what more could a coach ask for? A team of girls who gave it their all.

A group of parents who gave up their time to take the team all over the country side including tournaments.

I would like to thank all involved for a great season.

I hope the girls learnt as much from me as I did from them and I look forward to seeing them around the club next season.

Ryan Heggart

The under 16/4 girls have had a very interesting season.

After starting very low in the grading pool they eventually made it to Metro 3. This was a great achievement as these girls are all bottom age.

The girls finished 6th on the ladder.... only missing out on 5th position by one point.

After chatting with the girls they all agreed that the highlights of the season were the tournaments and, of course, the McDonalds after the games. I think they have been saying this since they all began in Under 12’s!

They are a great bunch of girls and always finished every game with a smile, a laugh and a handshake for the opposition!

I remember the first training session that we had with the U16-3 Girls. After initial team and player introductions, Michael Burke walked in and introduced himself to all the girls. I observed everybody’s faces – they were all shocked by his fierce passion towards his teaching of the game.

I recall a particular game in Balwyn. We were sitting having coffee with two other families when I decided to ask for the score sheet, only to find that we were in the wrong stadium!! With fifteen minutes to spare we all raced very quickly to the correct stadium.

There was also a game in Mornington where Sammy forgot her runners on game night. Luckily one of the parents had the same size feet and saved the day!

It has been a great season and the girls have progressed very well together. They have all become very good friends.

At the start of the season we had a team of very nice and polite girls; now, at the end of the season they have become an aggressive and passionate group on game nights.

I wish all the girls the best of luck in the pursuit of their goals in the future.

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SABRES ROCK ADELAIDE! Southern Basketball Association sent approximately 60 athletes off to Adelaide to enjoy some awesome basketball, good friends and great times.

The teams, together for their first road trip, arrived at various times during the day and night on the Thursday preceeding Good Friday and set up house in the Adelaide Shores Holiday

Village in the beautiful seaside suburb of Westbeach.

The 125 hectare park complete with 2 golf courses, 5 pools, entertainment centre, tennis courts, playgrounds and beachfront outlook would be home to these athletes for the next five days.

The Easter Classic brings together some of the best teams in Australia and New Zealand for 4 intense days

of basketball pressure.

The fixtures had tems pitted against highly ranked VC teams from their Victorian league as well as teams from all over Australia.

The basketball was going to be tough but the players were totally prepared and ready to give their opposition a run for their money.

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U16 Boys Reports

U16-1

What a challenging year, after a demanding grading season the boys made Victorian Championship (VC) only to be placed in a very tough VC pool. A great start had the team challenging the top teams and either winning/ drawing or just missing a game by a point or two. In March the team travelled over to Adelaide for the Norwood Classic, the team competed at a very high standard, taking many prized Victorian and interstate scalps in the tournament. The boys had a fantastic time in Adelaide, instigating quite a bit of havoc in the course of the week. Practical jokes planned throughout the summer months were executed in Adelaide with precise precision, to this day the boys still run and hide when they spot a parent from the 16/1 girls team walking through the Sabre Dome.

work over the year, to the parents who were always willing to help on game night and tournaments and finally to the boys who over the year have brought tears to our eyes with their countless amusing stories and incidents.

The 16/1 boys are developing into outstanding young men and fine representatives of the Sabres Basketball club.

U16-2 The Under 16-2 Boys team, coached by “Patch” Batish, had a roller-coaster season filled with thrilling wins and heartbreaking losses. They played in Victorian Junior League ONE, a strong conference with ten teams from the Melbourne metro area. The boys finished the season with a 9–9 record, which placed them 6th on the ladder – one more win would have put them into the playoffs. Throughout the season the boys continued to mature as a team at both ends of the court. At the Nunawading Tournament held over the Queen’s Birthday Weekend they posted a record of 5–1. And, without a doubt, they ended the season on an absolute high even though it was a game in which they lost. On their last night together, they played on the road against top-ranked Werribee. In the end, they lost by 4; but they gave the top team in the league the toughest game of their season.

Greg Uhe ~ team manager

The latter part of the season was not so easy, injury; school camps and players on leave reduced team numbers on Friday evenings. Some games the team was reduced to 6~7 players, making it hard to play out the tough ones but the boys would always regroup to play the following week.

Overall it was a great season and as usual the team had lots of fun together.

A big thank you to Josh for his diligence and hard

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quick. Jay’s weekly effort is unsurpassable. Matthew is very athletic. Daniel is a clever left hander. Ryan is a driving force. Kalin loves to shoot.

Ollie is straight ahead.

We were lead by Stephen Walsh and assisted by Peter Dixon.

U16-3

A bottom aged team making Junior League 2 following grading was a great achievement.

Playing top aged boys throughout the season was going to be a tough assignment. The boys started with 3 close wins followed by 4 losses, it was going to be a very unpredictable season!

The season become more complicated as football commitments took up any spare time, not that there was much to start with, and of course injuries started to mount.

As the games rolled on our bench became thinner, to the point where 2 games in a row we were down to 6 players.

Nevertheless, the Sandy boys stuck together and recorded memorable wins with only a single bench player against teams at full strength.

U16-4 Boys Our 16-4 boys have really enjoyed a great year of development, mateship and a season of ups and downs.

Our season started off on a great high coming runners’ up in the Dandenong-Eltham Tournament. After a slow start to the season proper and a very solid result in the Nunawading Tournament, we made some huge inroads in the last half of the season, with the highlight defeating Frankston who were the ladder leaders on their home court. Brilliant!!

We have an interesting team of young men!

Jackson has intensity for the ball and game. Stefan has the skills. Arran is cool and calm. Jordan is very

Our parents were very supportive to the team during the season. Who can forget Peter Arthur’s passion for the game in his support for his son and the team? Mandy Kempster suppling everyone with a lifetime supply of chocolates. Kim Dillon’s driving escapades with four kids playing rep. we are not sure if Kim actually watched any basketball! Peter was very helpful when he was actually able to make to the games without running out of petrol or getting flat batteries!

Coach and team manager going to the wrong venue, what hope???

Most of all the company we all kept together during the season was special, and I am sure more friendships have been built from the experience.

By the way thank you to everyone that made this season so much fun for the boys!! Well Done Team!!

As Always- “GO SABRES” Tony Barca - Team Manager.

The team has made finals [finishing 5th] with the knowledge they have beaten all the teams above them during the season. With a bit of luck and remaining injury free, something special may happen in the finals.

Many thanks to our coaches Jerome Parot, Tom Bicknell and Lori Chizik who have guided the boys this season and our parents, the loyal band of supporters who have travelled near and far on Friday evenings.

Paul Belza – Team Manager

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u16s Page 46 SabresMagazine2008.indd 46

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Under 16-6 Boys

The opposition teams may have laughed about the fact that they were playing Sandy Sabres (6) at the commencement of the season but that didn’t last long. It was clear through grading that this team had skills that would serve them well.

Despite all of that the teamwork took longer to develop and despite flashes of brilliance it took hard work through the season to really bring the team together.

Sabres U16-5

We started off the season with 4 new members to the team- 3 brand new to Sabres.

We had a terrific start to the year winning The Dandenong –Eltham tournament in January.

We also took part in the Melbourne Tournament using it to keep up our skill level in the July holidays. The boys had mixed success but a lot of fun improving their watermelon shooting skills!

This newly acquired skill must have been beneficial judging by the number of 3 pointers out team shot in their last game. It was unbelievable!!!

We have got lost on the way to venues and also had some slippery experiencesthe best of all on courts at the Diamond Valley stadium! (extremely dusty &dangerous).

The boys have bonded well over the season which has not been without its events.

Unfortunately Lachlan Mirams injured his leg during a game at the beginning of the season and required surgery. Alex Dent knocked himself out after meeting up with a wall during a game.

We also lost Alex and his family to New Zealand.

He will fly over for the Grand Final. (if we make it) Social events included swimming at Dandenong Oasis mid Dandenong tournament, Pizza evening and a Sunday Barbecue and swim at the Dent’s home enjoyed by all.

To cap off the season our last game was held at Traralgon against Latrobe almost an over nighter! We hired the Community bus and 8 players and 2 adults headed east. The boys enjoyed this time of bonding and the Traralgon folk were very welcoming serving pizzas after the game. Lachlan made a welcome return after his long term injury. There was a slight increase in heart rate when the bus failed to start on the trip home! - but all arrived home safely at 12.30 pm. All in all the boys have had a great season finishing fourth on the ladder. They’ve played some good basketball in a fairly even competition and improved their skills, learnt new plays and enjoyed their basketball and new friendships. We wish them well as we go into the finals.

Many thanks to coach Paul and the families for their support. GO SABRES!!

Sabres is an interesting team-building experience.

Throw together individuals from a range of domestic teams and it is understandable that the plays and awareness takes a while to develop. It was around the Nunawading tournament that the teamwork built. At this time a session was conducted by coach Paul Dungan, where the boys shared their views on each other’s individual strengths and weaknesses.

Ordinarily this could have been disastrous but it is a credit to the team that they took the process seriously and gained from it.

So it was that Jack “Magic” Ocweija, Ben “Kobe” Wilde, Matt “Lebron” Broadley, Tristan “Carmelo” Barker, Mitch “Iverson” Thompson, Rhys “Nash” Dunstan, Kyle “Parker” McDonagh, Simon “Wade” Hunt and Alex “Jordan” Shulman built their season. The team finished second on the ladder and have just crushed McKinnon in the qualifying final – hope it continues! All credit to Paul Dungan who despite pulling out his hair (luckily he has lots) kept the faith and brought out the best in the team when it counted most.

Goo Sabres 6!!

Coach: Paul Dungan Team manager: Chris Broadley

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Time

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Outs

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U18 Boys

U18B 1

The U18s selection process was extremely difficult with an outstanding level of ability turning up during the try outs.

Once the team was chosen it was on with the business at hand. Winning games!

The Classic wa swell fought out and the tournaments a highlight of the year.

Three boys in particular stood up this year with Josh, Michael and Jack all making the State U18 team with a gruelling selection process really making them work hard.

The season was an experience with both close wins and nail biting losses.

Thanks to all the parents for their support over this year and the many years before, it would’t be the same without the cheering from the sidelines.

We wish all the boys the best in the upcoming years with their basketball careers.

U18B-3

U18B 2

It was an early finish to the season this year with the guys just missing the finals.

This team had some great offensive moments on court during the season with some good wins but unfortunately too many close losses where consistency for the 40 minutes cost them.

The guys trained hard and gave it everything in the second half of the season making it tough for every opposition team and held up the Sabres competitive spirit.

The bus trip to Ballarat and burgers at Macas on the trip home was a highlight again.

The commitment of this team is embodied by an incident in a grading game where one of the guys ended up semiconscious and concussed and at the end of the game.

No permanent damage done and the opposition team showed great concern and followed up after the incident.

Basketball is indeed a great sport to be involved with.

The early grading games showed promise. This promise was confirmed when the team won their grade of the Dandenong-Eltham tournament.

The second grading also went well and the boys were to play in VJL (formerly Metro) 3. The first seven games of the season saw the team undefeated. After a narrow loss to Collingwood, the rest of the season could best be described as an extended example of Murphy’s Law. What could go wrong – a player left the team, injury, illness – did go wrong, again and again.

Not surprisingly, this took a toll on the confidence of the players and the team as a whole. To their credit, they played out the season and no-one could question their effort or commitment. Thanks to our coach, Andrew Knell, and the playing squad of co-captains Jesse GordonManley and Calvin Norris and Max Burstin, Rex Esmeralda, Lachlan Hardisty, James Hooper, David Jurd, Nick O’Donovan, David Townsend and Sam Walsh.

Thank you, too, to the parents for their commitment to training, games and the joy of scoring – which is always so relaxing!

Patrick Jurd (Team manager)

Richard Hollands

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U18s

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comes t i n e wh k you a e takes r b y r d o o ke ryb wn n ma d eve a n c a heir o y e t r o s c The a s l y h em e fina rybod ke th e v a E m to th . an sly hey c seriou t m f e i h t but s! quirk g goe n i e l h t t t li any then t n u co e Payn y tor a r Mur rdina o o C zine Maga

Free

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Throws

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U18 Girls

U18-VC

This season was one of highs and lows.

The season began on a very positive note for the team, winning our way into VC without too much resistance from the opposition teams.

Coach Marcus Timmons was committed to developing this team of talented players to become more independent in their decision making on the court and to work together as a cohesive unit. All was going to plan when injuries began to mount up leaving the team with six and seven players for a good part of the season. Although not making finals, this group should be congratulated on their performances on court throughout this season. What they may have lacked in number of players, they certainly didn’t lack in the heart they showed every time they took the court.

U18-2 Girls

At the Under 18 level, the girls were faced with greater issues. With school, work, other high level sports and their ever increasing social lives, our team worked through it all, just in order to get together to train and play every week.

After a tough grading phase, in which we played a single team three times, we finished in Metro 4, with an excitement to develop and continue to grow as individual and team players. Both Scott & I wished to focus on the development of these girls because of their training and more future involvement with the Youth League and Senior Sabres teams. The girls relished this difference in coaching, and became a hard working unit.

We finished the regular season 16-2 on top of the ladder, losing the opening and closing games. Not including finals, I believe our best game though was during the Ballarat Tournament.

With half the girls travelling to Ballarat for the semi-final (leaving home at 6am), and playing against a Metro 1 Werribee, we were able to be extremely competitive and only lose by 2 points. This loss was by far our best game of the season. A hard-working loss sums up this season for these girls!

It has been an absolute pleasure coaching and being involved with such talented, hard-working and fun young ladies and we wish them nothing but the best for their future basketball endeavours.

Anything they achieve will be well earned.

Thankyou to all the parents for their continued support of both players and coaches.

Phil Thomas & Scott Harvey Coaches

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Our Junior Graduates

ors f juni o p u o gr t s tha ate a r u e d y a a r pl e g our Young ear w . y m e to a y c r i r g v r o r e Eve e f s or p ith th ars o r seni w e u y o y y a o l t p man of longer given o n e Hours v n . a e a h g c nd a m but ots a their l a o r d t g n o l a pr due severa sweat anks e r f r o r a o s i e jun giving ucket t. Her b r r e o , t p e f p c i r a g su pract is yea eamin h r t c s h f nis e. lots o will fi nd blu a o h e w g rs ran playe the o r o f all guys! their s p a e s h Thank e Payn y tor a r Mur rdina o o C zine Maga

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U18s

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Our

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Coaches

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n u F 4 t s u J

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Just 4 Fun

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Sabres U20 Men’s Team 2008 The season that was ..at the start of the season this team was ranked 21..at the end of the season we are now ranked 3 going into finals.

A stupendous effort by all. coach, players, couldn’t have done it without all twelve of them, parents and supporters.

Profiles: Kelvin Bowers (KB): KB never shies away from his responsibilities as our coach, be it motivating the boys at a time-out, telling us how good he used to be in Division 1 NCAA, or wearing a different leisure-suit to every game/ training. Seriously, we’ve never seen him wear the same shoes twice. Great guy, always positive and upbeat, and has no doubt contributed to our success this year.

Dan Ella: Such a fluid player, Dan goes quietly about his business, week-in, week-out.

Graceful on the court, glides through defences like he’s the only one with skates on an ice-rink. Has a deadly shot, and will knock it when needed, Dan leads by his actions.

Neal Mueller: Apart from telling us all about the girl at uni he nearly got, Neal hasn’t done much this season.apart from single-handedly digging us out of holes against Diamond Valley, Whittlesea, Nunawading Our go-to guy; it’s been said before, but this man is clutch.

Rob Kugler: Most athletic person this side of the bay.

Rob is a phenomenal athlete, and sometimes it’s just not fair what he can do. Can dunk off one step, or with either hand, Rob adds some flair to a “white-boy” team.

Great scoring punch, and can shut anyone down defensively.

enviable all-round skill set.

Adam Walsh: The man’s hair might look like a clown-do, but when he steps on the court there’s no joking around. Walsh readily bangs himself around in the paint, and pound-forpound is one of the strongest bigs in the league. Continually undersized at the 5, he works tirelessly on the court and provides some steel to the team along with a great presence inside.

Tom Sapountsis: Ever since his pretty face appeared at the Sabredome, Tom has made sure his presence has largely been felt by us all. Although he came from the enemy (Waverly), he has proved to be a great asset to the team this season and is a good team player. Hopefully Tom will stick around Sandringham in the future as he not only has great potential to become a male model, but has also the ability to develop into a fine basketball player Israel Jones: The big Iz has dibs on the league’s sixthman award; he brings energy and amazing scoring off the bench. Has contributed allseason long, is always positive and one of the loudest voices out on the floor, Izzy can get his shot off anywhere, anytime.

Ian Churchill: Churchy is pretty much the best bloke going around. Church has stuck by the team despite seeing limited playing opportunities, and never has a bad word to say ‘bout anyone.

An import from Chelsea, who has returned to his roots, at the

Sabredome. Has a sweet 3 point shot.

Tim Clark: Tim’s game has developed outtasite this season, and will continue to do so in years to come. Tim is our biggest big, and has provided great support to Walsh and J-Mac all season.

Loves to step outside and hit the ‘J, be it a 5-footer or a 25-footer.

Miro Djurkovic: The boy from Bosnia has kept us all entertained this season. His hair cut leaves much to be desired, and his antics about his formal date have left us all a little confused. But Miro produces so much energy at trainings and at games, he is never without a smile. An underrated shooter, Miro has a sweet looking shot, which he makes at a high-clip.

“Ill” Will Hassall: Will is an old-school baler, he bangs around inside without fear, and has a great knack of finding the basket. He has a good-looking shot, and is one of the better shooters on the team. Has provided great support this year, in whatever role he’s played.

Michael Cook: Another import from the quality opposition, Waverley. A bit of a mystery man, but willing to come and train when time permitted.

Always see the man down at the stadium training and shooting through out the days.

James Mackinnon: J-Mac is the consummate professional.

Always willing to sacrifice himself for the team, J-Mac has been one of our most consistent and valuable performers for the year. He is everywhere on offense, defense, and occasionally the bench when he gets T-ed up Amazing player with great athleticism, J-Mac has an

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Referees

! s y u g x n a h T

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Signatures

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