Basketball
26 September, 2024
Youthful Hornets aim to be faster
After finishing runner-up to Mt Gambier in the 2023/2024 Country Basketball League season, the Hornets are tackling the 2024 season to go one better with a younger and faster team.
The season fixture has changed. The season now consists of nine rounds, kicking off on October 5 and finishing on December 1, with the Grand Final on December 15. The season features more double-headers on Saturday and Sunday, making it more challenging.
Damien Skurrie has retired, and Max Bryan and Matthew Brown have both left the team from last year, allowing the younger players to step up.
Scott Benbow will coach again with Matt Lovel as his assistant.
Johno Lovel is joining the team, and another newcomer, teenager Charlie Campbell, is a wildcard. The Hornets are excited about his prospects, and Benbow is excited about what the youngsters can do this season.
"The team looks a bit different this year, and Charlie looks good. He is very athletic," Benbow said.
"All our kids are also a year older, and the inclusion of Johno will give us a bigger body replacing Damien Skurrie.
"It's all looking good. The kids are looking good at training. They are really fast, and we are all excited."
Matt Lovel will play a similar role this season as an assistant coach.
"Matt will be a bit of a plug and play, and if we need someone in the guard position, he can play that role," Benbow said.
"We will see how the season pans out. He will play the dad role; if the kids play up, he will smack them on the bum."
With many double headers and players missing from last year, it will give the youngsters a chance to step up, and Benbow likes what he is seeing from them.
"Freddy Frew, Tarkyn Benbow, Ryan Pfitzner; they are all looking good," Benbow said.
"It's their time to shine this year, and they are ready for it.
"Charlie Campbell is the unknown. He looks good at training and will excite the crowd."
Mitch Martin will return as captain and is already looking sharp at training, according to Benbow.
"Mitch brings energy and noise at training, and even though he is hard to take seriously at times, he helps bring everyone up," Benbow said.
"He is shooting the ball the best I have ever seen. He only just finished football season and only picked it up, so it's looking good."
"Cody Bryan is our MVP from last season and can be anything. He is good enough to play NBL1. He can run the 100m in 11 seconds. He is a freak."
"Austin McKenzie has finished his football season and will be in good nick coming into the season as well."
Benbow expects Mt Gambier to be the team to beat again.
"We know Mt Gambier will be the benchmark again," Benbow said.
"I am also hearing bits and pieces about other teams, and there may be some good players jumping into the league, so we will see how that goes."
Benbow is looking forward to the game style they will bring this season.
"We will always back ourselves in with our team ethos," Benbow said.
"Our plan will be to pace ourselves and move the ball fast, so we will be an exciting team to watch."
The Hornets have a tough opening weekend. Next Saturday, they travel to Millicent to play Millicent, and then on Sunday, they play Ararat in Ararat.
The Hornets have a bye in round two before their first home game against Mt Gambier on Saturday, October 19.
2024 Lineup
Coach: Scott Benbow
Assistant Coach: Matt Lovel
Team Manager: Damien Skurrie
Roster: Cody Bryan, Tarkyn Benbow, Austin McKenzie, Freddy Frew, Mitch Martin, Jake Hobbs, Matt Lovel, Hugh Dogherty, Johno Lovel, Charlie Campbell, Ryan Pfitzner.
Development Players: Michah Livingstone, Toby Lakin, Arkie Ellis.
Next Generation: Aiden Reinheimer, Rory Cameron.