The Whyalla Basketball Association comprises of six affiliated clubs that compete in grades from U10’s (starting at 7 years of age) thru to Senior A grade competitions as well as many lower social grades, down to Women’s F grade. An “Aussie Hoops” skills development program for kids 5-10 y.o. is ran each school term.
The WBA run 2 seasons (Winter and Summer) both are approximately 15 weeks in duration plus finals. With over 1100 players competing per season we are the largest participation sport in Whyalla and one of the biggest basketball associations outside of Adelaide.
The “Steelers” are the WBA’s representative arm, they complete around the state against other associations in Under 10’s to Under 18’s as well as Men and Women’s senior teams.”
fun FACT
68 forfeits for the Summer Season!!
Sadly this is not uncommon but it’s terrible. That’s 136 teams that didn't get to play. This significantly corrupts our premiership tables and our MVP data.
Upto rnd 7 we were doing really well had a respectable 13 forfiets, then BANG 55 in ...the last 8 rnds 😞
Breakdown:
16 - Men's forfeits, worst was MF 9 forfeits
30 - Women's forfeits, worst grades, WG 7, WE 6 and WF 6
21 junior forfeits, less than 30% of the total, Mainly from teams who were struggling.
Worst week, 9 forfiets in Rnd 12,
MF frid night trial was arguably fail with 9 forfeits the worst in the league.
18 of the forfeits were at 9pm, 30% of the total
Bevan 4 forfeits
Demons 20 forfeits
Norths 11 forfeits
Roopena 8 forfeits
Titans 9 forfeits
Wildcats 11 forfeits
The only good news is that we had less than 10 unnotified forfeits.
For Winter season the WBA are refining the process that they accept players and teams. Don't stress, all this administration happens at club level and most members don't see what is going on in the background.
The main change is we are asking clubs to be more open and upfront than... in previous seasons, to allow a smother grading process.
To do this players/parents must be organised earlier than in the past to allow clubs to submit realistic team lists.
Summarised GF results from last night.
Well that’s a wrap for the 2023-24 Whyalla Basketball summer season. An awesome day/night yesterday capped off a week of some extremely close results , overtime games and upsets.
Whilst there were some last minute hiccups which saw some extremely tough decisions having to be made overall... our grand final day was memorable for all the right reasons.
Some thanks first of all for ensuring the day ran as smoothly as possible.
The usual suspects as always;
Darren Hoffman - umpiring, master of ceremonies and fixing last minute basketball connect issues
Phil Sweeney - for everything he does behind the scenes, ensuring trophies ready for each round’s presentations, Mr fix it and so much more.
Jo Murphy - countless hours in the canteen
Fiona Spry - likewise ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Notable assistance in the canteen who we thank so very much;
Maxie Payne
Karen Shooter
Anita Marie
Carlye Maher ( who got smashed in the bar).
Mel Wilson - Games manger all day and night, kept the day flowing on schedule with minimal fuss.
Congratulations to Wildcats for pulling off the double act in winning both the Men’s and Women’s A grade Premierships.
Looking at overall results it looks like Norths in their first year within the competition has walked away with the most grand final wins, congratulations.
We thank all referees for their efforts yesterday, most had around the four games to ref and should be rightly proud if of their efforts. The WBA paid for Jo to come from Adelaide to mentor and assess our refs who are progressing through various levels, her feedback was invaluable and it will only improve the level of reffing players get week in week out. The WBA understands that continued training of our refs is needed to ensure the game remains enjoyable for all.
Special thanks goes to Kim, Macca and Jo who reffed the Men’s A grand final, in what was a match for the ages, played in great spirit, high intensity, massive amount of skill on show and a very close result. We instituted the 3PO combination for the game and it worked very well and resulted in some very strong calls, congratulations to the players involved in the game and also to the ladies who controlled it so very well.
Well that’s it for a little while now, please
remember that winter season regos open on Monday, I know registrars would like to know sooner rather than later you intention of playing that season, it allows for grater planning rather than thr last minute rush in the day or two before the new season starts.
Look after yourselves and see you back out there again soon.
Coaches/Team Mangers:
Save any courtside drama today by checking in your players WELL before the game!
It’s grand final day. Congratulations to all participating teams today, it’s a long season but that hard work has seen you and your teams earn the right to play today.
Congratulations to our referees, we utilise Whyalla umps as recognition of their commitment to our Association throughout ...the year, so thank you all.
Please enjoy the day, respect the officials in all areas, both on and off the court. If you witness or are subjected to any anti-social behaviour seek out any WBA official or call the Games Mangers phone on 0474 367 794.
Have an awesome day everyone
CLUBS
1955 – GIANTS
GIANTS– Starting in 1955 making them won of the founding clubs of International rules Basketball in Whyalla.
1955 – JAFFA’S
JAFFAS – Starting in 1955 Jaffas were won of the founding clubs of International rules Basketball in Whyalla.
1955 – MORMONS / LATTER DAY SAINTS (L.D.S)
LATTER DAY SAINTS (L.D.S)–In 1955 the Mormons basketball club became one of the WBA’s founding clubs.
1955 – POSTALS
POSTALS – Are one of the founding clubs of the WBA. They started as a group of workers from the South Australian Postal Institute.
1955 – TIGERS
TIGERS–In 1955 the Tigers beat the 30 -9 in the 1st season of International rules Basketball ever Played in Whyalla.
1957 – KNIGHTS
1957 – TARANTULA’S
TARANTULAS – Started in 1957 in the Inaugural season of Women’s International rules Basketball in Whyalla.
1960 – Y M C A
YMCA– Formed in the early 60’s the YMCA consisted of a number of men’s and boys teams.
1960 – DRAGONS
DRAGONS – Formed in the early 60’s by a group of Westy footballers the dragons and competed into the late 60’s.