ROUND 1 NBL1 Booklets

SEASON Round 1

2025

Game Preview

NBL1 basketball is back!

After one of the most successful seasons in our program ' s history, the Wildcats are looking to build on that momentum in 2025!

Your Wildcats NBL1 Women feature some exciting new faces this year, including Canadian import Kennedy Dickie, rising Queensland star Lil Dart, and sharpshooter Jayde Cadee. They’ll be joined by returning stars Rebecca Pizzey, Taylah Short (formerly Wynne), and Lily Scanlon.

Your reigning champion Wildcats NBL1 Men also welcome several new players, including Australian Boomer Mitch McCarron, 2023 NBL1 South All-Star 5 winner Gabe Hadley, and new import Xavier Bledson, who will be arriving in the coming weeks.

Alongside them, some familiar Wildcats juniors and long-time players Josh Sykes, Sam Short, Sam Whelan, Ovie Magbegor, Lachlan Wood, Zak Cunningham, and Zahn Agosta.

Tonight, we face local rivals, the Ringwood Hawks, who feature some former Wildcats and returning star players.

SATURDAY

MAR 29th

Home Opener

SATURDAY

APR 26th

ANZAC Round

SUNDAY

MAY4TH

SATURDAY

JUN 21ST

SATURDAY

JUN 28TH

SATURDAY

JUL 5TH

First Nations Round

MAY 24TH

SATURDAY Pride Round

SUNDAY

JUL 13TH

FRIDAY

MAY 31ST

SATURDAY Heritage Round

SATURDAY

JUN 14TH

JUL 18TH

Mental Health Round

Quest Bundoora NBL1 Women Team

HC: Matt Bongetti

AC: Hunter Santamaria, Debbie Coulson, Carly Stones

TM: Jodi Vine

Lil Dart

Taylah Short

Rebecca Pizzey

Emily Maltezos

Eleanor Trout

Lily Scanlon Kennedy Dickie

Jayde Cadee

Kayla Salmons

Charlotte Ogier Marley Pascoe

Air Fusion NBL1 Men Team

HC: Craig Stratford

AC: Chris Cameron, Steve Smith, Rod Degenhardt, Dean Gluyas

TM: Jodi Vine

4 10 2015 56 023 1211

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Sam Whelan

Josh Sykes

Harry Stones Zahn Agosta

Sam Short Gabe Hadley

Sam Alexander Zac Anderson

Zak Cunningham Mitch McCarron Lachlan Wood

Mitch Blackburn

Ovie Magbegor

Ringwood Hawks

ABOUT US

The Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club began with humble origins, emerging from basketball activities at Eltham High School. After a series of informal games against various schools, the club entered its first two teams into an official competition the Presbyterian Men’s Basketball Association during the winter season of 1965.

Since then, the Wildcats have grown into a thriving basketball community, now catering to over 7,500 participants of all ages and skill levels. Our operations are supported by a small team of full-time and casual employees, along with a dedicated network of volunteers who are the backbone of our club.

We are committed to providing pathways for players, coaches, technical officials, and administrators through a structured development framework. This includes:

Beginner programs for those new to the sport

Junior domestic Wildcat teams competing in the EDJBA

Junior championship teams competing in the VJBL

Local adult competitions running Monday to Thursday nights

Elite-level men and women teams competing in Basketball Victoria’s Big V Youth (U23) competitions and the NBL1 South Competition, where our NBL1 Men’s team claimed the 2024 championship.

Beyond the court, our club exists to serve the community by offering opportunities for recreation, enjoyment, and the pursuit of excellence welcoming everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability.

A highlight of our legacy is our annual January tournament, which we have hosted for over 50 years Since 1996, we have partnered with the Dandenong Basketball Association to make this the largest junior basketball tournament in the world, drawing teams from across Australia and New Zealand. In 2025, we set a new record with 1,804 teams and over 18,724 players participating.

In 2025, we proudly celebrate 60 years of Eltham Wildcats Basketball 60 years of competition, growth, and community. As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering a love for the game and providing opportunities for all.