🏀 𝗪𝗢𝗟𝗙𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗖𝗔 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗦 🏀

What a weekend for our Wolfpack at the Echuca Tournament! The first tournament of the season and our teams really showed up across all age groups!

From dominating wins to nail-biting finishes, we couldn’t be prouder of you all!!

Thank you Echuca for having us - we love being apart of the good vibes that you provide, every single year!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 12 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 1

A solid effort with 2 wins and 2 losses, including a tough semi-final.

The boys fought hard but were taken down by Echuca 36-23. Great fight, boys and a great performance all weekend!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 12 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻

One win for the weekend! These boys showed heart and resilience, playing with determination in every game. They have wild spirit and we know that they’ll keep building & bringing it as the season continues!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 12 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝘆

Two wins, including a standout 62-point victory! Though they were defeated in the quarter-final by Rochy Tigers 28-21, they’ve shown us what they’re made of and we know we will see it more throughout the season!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 12 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 1

NEXT LEVEL WHO?!! After having a tough time at Champs last season, these girls went undefeated this weekend until a narrow 2-point loss in the grand final against Echuca.

Their progress is INSANE and the way that they played with grit and determination shows just how far they’ve come! We’re so proud of these superstars journey; keep pushing girls! With a few new, very valuable players, what an amazing little team you are! This season is going to be incredible!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 12 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 2

A fantastic weekend for these legends with only one loss and they brought home the grand final win! Wolves 34 d Myrtleford 11. Well done girls - what an incredible season that you have ahead of you!!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 14 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 1

This team was undefeated throughout the weekend and fought hard in the grand final, but narrowly missed the win. Wolves fell 37-33 to Echuca in a close match. A brilliant effort from these boys all weekend, a very strong team indeed!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 14 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻

Five wins, one loss… including a grand final victory! Wolves 43 d Griffith Diamonds 36.

They showed determination on the court and they should be proud of the way they played together as a team!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 14 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝘆

An incredible run, going undefeated throughout the entire weekend! In a tough semi-final matchup, they faced off against their fellow Wolves in the Maroon team.

Despite their best efforts Navy fell short, with Maroon coming out on top 37-24. These boys demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship, with the true spirit of the Wolfpack shining through all weekend!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 14 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 1

A solid weekend with five wins and two losses. A tough grand final match saw Wolves fall to Echuca 39-17, but their spirit and effort all weekend was AMAZING!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 14 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 2

Three wins, one loss – they showed great teamwork and resilience throughout the weekend, battling hard in every game! Well done girls!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 16 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 1

A perfect weekend going undefeated and winning the grand final! Wolves 39 def. Echuca 32. The entire Wolfpack is proud of their effort and grit and we know that this is only the beginning for them. Well done boys! bring on the rest of the season!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 16 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻

Two wins, two losses! They faced tough competition but the boys showed great resilience and a fighting spirit in every game!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 16 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝘆

The boys were on fire all weekend, going undefeated through the weekend until the grand final. Tatura Titans 39-25. A great effort all weekend long!

You should be so proud of yourselves! We are!!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 16 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 1

The girls were unstoppable this weekend, going undefeated and bringing it all the way home! These girls played with grit and determination in every game, showing us their skills on both ends of the court.

In the grand final, they came through with a tough but strong 22-15 victory over Shepp Gators!

Way to come out with a bang ladies - keep it up!!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 16 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 2

Undefeated throughout the weekend, but a tough grand final saw them fall to Mansfield Eagles 30-27. A close game and an incredible fight!

These girls are tough, quick, fast thinking and are going to have a fantastic season and we are all here for it - keep it up girls!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 18 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 1

Undefeated until the grand final, where they faced a close 33-28 loss to Wangaratta. What a performance from the boys, not only in the final but all weekend! We can’t wait to see what you do this season!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 18 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 2

Another undefeated team until the grand final, where they narrowly missed out falling 36-33 to Wangaratta. This is just the beginning for this powerhouse team, amazing effort boys!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 18 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 1

The girls showed us their talent and determination, dominating the competition throughout the entire weekend.

Their hard work paid off as they secured an impressive 20-point grand final victory, with Wolves 58 defeating Shepp Gators 38.

The girls show great teamwork, skill, and resilience and set the tone right from the start!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 18 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃 2

Three wins, two losses including a nail-biting grand final where they fell by just one point. Wallan 25 d Wolves 24. So close and we are so proud of the performance from you all, all weekend! What an incredible effort!

 We couldn’t be prouder of our Wolfpack!

Whether it was a win or loss, every team played with incredible heart!

So many of our games came down to the wire, especially in the grand finals and the effort that you all put in was nothing short of amazing!

This is just the beginning of the season and we can’t wait to see how far these teams will go!

𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐎𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐒!

A note from the President

Presidents report: 2024

Wodonga Basketball continues to be in a good financial position. The annual budget presented to the board has indicated that the next 12 months are however tight due to increased wages and projects.

We have 1200 registered participants which shows the growth in Basketball in our region over the past few years.

2022 - 957

2023 - 1169

2024 – 1200

Female participants gradually increased.

2022 - 231

2023 – 239

2024 - 252

We have had to cap the number of senior teams because we do not have the referees to referee senior games. We could have filled all 5 courts at 9:10 instead we have only 3 games and we have 7 teams on a waiting list. There are currently 41 teams.

I am proud of what the Board and WBA volunteers have achieved over the last year. In my years of being involved in various roles, the members of this board have been some of the best I have worked with and their dedication and passion for the sport have shown through the achievements we have made with sometimes differing opinions it can be tough, but we have got some great programs running and in place.

The Board reviewed and has updated the By-Laws, Representative guidelines and Modified rules and will continue to review guidelines over the next 12 months.

Some successful programs have been.

• 3x3 Competition

• Aussie Hoops

• School Sports Program

• Social Media Profile

• Junior and Senior Representative program

• Masters Tournament

This is the second year since 2017 that we have run the 3x3 competition this time holding it during the school term but will revert back to holding the event over the school holidays This will continue to be a school holiday highlight and we hope to progress this program into a senior 3x3 program.

Aussie Hoops continues to be popular with Blacklock Ford coming on Board as a Major sponsor for the program. We are running the program on Saturday mornings and thanks to Dave Mackinlay and the support from a great group of helpers, Aywen Urquart, Lily Wright, Braydon Taylor, Allira Cullinger and Harper De Koeyer. Their enthusiasm for this program is appreciated.

The Association had some excellent results during the Senior and Junior Representative seasons and many athletes being selected to attend state and National events.

Southern Cross Challenge – Maisy Moscrop, Jett Bradshaw, Sam Lupo, Sam Oguche and Lily Purss

Country Cup – Lily-Anne McClure, Lily Wright, Edward Ockenden

Jamboree – Maria Hanley, Siella Spierings, Quinn Cohen, Jagger Pendergast and Noah Pierce

Our Senior CBL teams finished 3rd in the conference for the Ladies and 7th in the conference for the men and we are looking forward to the upcoming season commencing in October Headed by Kylie Murphy and Tony Hill.

Wodonga held the Masters tournament in November last year with 20 teams participating in the two-day event this included 7 women's teams which was an excellent turnout. We received a lot of positive feedback from the event and look forward to hosting this again in November 2024.

Albury Wodonga Bandits – Wodonga had good representation in the NBL1 East Competition with Lizzy Murphy, Jess Freeman, receiving significant court time with the Lady Bandits. Our Youth League players include Molly Moylan, Sophia Kotzur, Lily Wright, Lily-Anne McClure, Crystal Holdsworth, Ben Skalic, Jack Fisher, and Alex Massey.

Alumni members of Wodonga we continue to acknowledge Steph Gorman, playing NBL1 for Cockburn Cougars and had a successful first year playing WNBL for Perth Lynx making it to the WNBL Grand final and being recognised as Rookie of the Year.

Sienna Harvey has also been rewarded for her hard work by being awarded the 2023 Victorian Junior Athlete of the Year. She is completing her third and final year at the Centre of Excellence in Canberra. Named the Most Valuable Player of the Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp. Represented Australia in the under-19 world championships in China and again was selected to represent Australia at the U17 FIBA Oceania Championships in Papua New Guinea.

Referee Program

Karin Berrysmith has been doing an amazing job coordinating the referees. With Oceana Dodds being selected to represent Wodonga at the upcoming Jamboree.

We currently have 64 Referees registered with WBA which has increased from 44 this time last year.

Some programs that have occurred over the year are.

• Return to the whistle.

• Player Recruitment

• Domestic Action Day before the Junior tournament

• 3 beginner schools

• 2 A Grade Referee Schools

• 2 B Grade Referee Schools

• Green Whistles Program – Once referees are out of green shirt, a green whistle identifies them as juniors.

All administration is now up to date with an extensive database, including banking and ATO forms. Certificates are awarded to referees achieving the next level and grade.

Currently, implementing a succession plan with the training of a couple of A grades to assist in supervising Thursdays or Fridays

A Few Thank You’s

Nic Conway departed the board and Rep coordination this year and I wanted to make note of his support and tireless work that he has done over the years.

I am sure he will always be around to bounce off and ask questions or tap into his wealth of knowledge and connections in the local and wider community.

Matt Bramich took on the vice president role and is the Child Protection officer for WBA. His level head and the support he gives me is constant and I appreciate all that he brings to the Board.

Jade Moscrop and Tye Speirings for picking up the Rep coordination, I know you have hit the ground running and have already made a huge impact on the Junior representative program. Jade, I love your drive and passion for the program and want to make it a positive experience for the Players Coaches, Team Managers and all involved in the coordination.

Tye taking on being a representative on the Albury/Wodonga Basketball Council, I am glad you are there at the table for these discussions.

Kaily Cullinger and her committee coordinating the Junior Rep Tournament it is a huge effort to run a tournament and takes months of organising. The smooth running of the event was because of your commitment.

Tim and Jake, even though you only joined the Board in recent months your passion and commitment to Wodonga Basketball is exciting, you are not shy to put your hand up for a job and always offer advice and feedback. I look forward to everything I know you will bring to the Board in the future.

Carmel, coming on board only a few months ago, it has been great to have you on board and we appreciate your professionalism, in collating meeting and agenda items.

Allyssa, treasurer, and often my sounding board, she keeps me on the straight and narrow. You continue to manage the governance and finance optimising the financial planning and the onboarding of new staff and the consistency of processes. Managing the treasurer role and all that comes with the position.

I want to acknowledge the local community for their sponsorship, particularly Big River Roofing, Blacklock Ford, and Ultimate Windows for their continued support of Wodonga Basketball, as well as the many small businesses who have supported WBA along the journey.

To our dedicated staff, Madi Zago and the Admin team, Karin Berry-Smith and her team of supervisors and referees, Brett Harvey Director of Coaching, and Mark Bywater, Bookkeeper. Thank you, the board acknowledges the hard work you do.

To the many volunteers who continue to contribute with little recognition. Mark Bywater for organising the score bench. The parents for coaching teams, scoring games or managing teams during rep season. THANK YOU. Our volunteers truly do an amazing job, and it cannot be said enough without your help our association would not be as strong as it is.

No Games 13th September