The 2024 Spalding Waratah League is off to an exciting start as all basketball divisions have commenced their journey towards the summit after completing five rounds. This season promises to be the most thrilling yet, buoyed by widespread regional media attention, fiercely contested matches, and the return of star players.
Kicking off with a remarkable 40% increase in completed games, as highlighted in our fixture release article, the season has kicked off on a positive note. Credit is due to the 32 league associations for their efforts in hosting and participating in matches, contributing significantly to the league’s expansion.
Here are a couple of noteworthy stories from across our associations:
Moss Vale’s first ever Youth Women Game:
On Saturday, April 20th, 2024, Moss Vale witnessed a historic moment as its Youth Women’s basketball team took to the court for the first time. This game held special significance as it paid tribute to Keith Williams, one of the esteemed ‘founding fathers’ of the Moss Vale & District Basketball Association, alongside Graeme Phillips and Brian Whyte. Keith, a former player and president of the MVDBAI, left a lasting legacy in the community.
Adding a personal touch to the occasion, one of Keith’s great-granddaughters, Lily Bentley, assumed the role of co-captain alongside Isabel Moran. Lily etched her name in the team’s history by scoring the very first basket for the MAGIC in the Youth Women’s competition. Her contribution proved pivotal as the team secured an impressive 70-61 victory against the Central Coast Waves.
-Submitted by Moss Vale Magic
3 Point Scoring Up for Waratah League
The following divisional leaders have risen to the occasion in 3 Points Made during the 2024 Spalding Waratah League Season:
Waratah Men: Zacchery Maloney – Wagga Wagga Heat – 22 3PM (PICTURED)
Waratah Women: Madison Goddard – Central Coast Waves – 5 3PM
Waratah 1 Youth Men : Dusan Saric – Camden Valley Wildfire – 15 3PM
Waratah 1 Youth Women: Lucy Corke – Hills Hornets – 13 3PM
Waratah 2 Youth Men: Nathan Bietola – Penrith Panthers – 23 3PM
Waratah 2 Youth Women: Amara Cherry Kapigeno – Central Coast Waves – 7 3PM
Keep letting them fly!
Help your association with the score table, supervising or refereeing!
It takes many hands to run home games in the Spalding Waratah Leagues, so we encourage those who want to help their association to help with the scoreboard, court supervision, or refereeing in the league!
Have you never used the score table before? No issues, we have a YouTube video that covers everything!
Never court managed? Right here, we have information, resources, and tricks!
Are you an AA referee or higher? Let your referee officer know that you’re keen on refereeing!
Themed Rounds Coming Up for 2024
Alongside the Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East competition, the Waratah League is also participating in themed rounds to help grow engagement and connection with the local community. Those rounds are:
JUNE 1st and 2nd – Heritage Round
Share the history and growth through the years of your local association this weekend. We encourage associations to contact BNSW about wearing old kits, and also encourage those to invite their older members along to share stories around their association.
JULY 6th and 7th – First Nations Round
Running alongside NAIDOC week, with the 2024 theme being: Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud
The Basketball NSW senior competitions will be running the First Nations Round to recognise and celebrate the history and contributions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia, and especially in the local communities. An excerpt from the NAIDOC website explains the 2024 theme choice:
The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
BNSW looks forward to seeing all the activities across the state!
Waratah Women Central Venues Return for 2024
With nine teams across the entire NSW state, from Lismore to Canberra, the division returns to playing games at central venues in 2024. This exciting development offers a convenient opportunity for fans to come out and support their teams! With various activations planned and an enhanced viewing experience promised, attending these games is bound to be a thrilling experience. We’d love to see you there cheering on your favourite team!
Those Central Venue dates are:
MAY 11th and 12 – Niagara Park Stadium
JUNE 15th and 16th – Newcastle Basketball Stadium
JULY 6th and 7th – Port Macquarie Basketball Stadium
JULY 20th and 21st – Minto Indoor Sports Centre
AUGUST 17th and 18th – Sportz Central
Don’t forget you can view the results/ladder via Gameday HERE.