NEWS –
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WBA & STEELERS NEWS FEED
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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.
... See MoreSee Less

68 forfeits for the Summer Season!!
Sadly this is not uncommon but it’s terrible. That’s 136 teams that didnt 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 - Mens forfeits, worst was MF 9 forfeits 
30 - Womens 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.
... See MoreSee Less

For Winter season the WBA are refining the process that they accept players and teams.  Dont stress, all this administration happens at club level and most members dont 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. ... See MoreSee Less

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.
... See MoreSee Less

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!
... See MoreSee Less

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
... See MoreSee Less

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
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MEMORY
LANE

Ray Girvan – Nomads and Me

My name is Ray Girvin.

I was a founding member of Nomads Basketball Club, in Whyalla in 1971 where I ended up playing more than 250 games over a 10 years period with them.

Mike Osborne’s Whyalla Experience

I arrived in Whyalla in January 1972, newly married and school teacher at Whyalla High School.

I had played some District basketball with Glenelg and had taken up coaching early in my career and loved it.

Spencer Hotel Super Challenge – 1986

November 1986 when a touch of NBL came to Whyalla.

By 1986 the National Basketball League was becoming established in Australia.

Alan Castle – Life Member Testimonial, 1995

Details of Alan Castle Former President and Life Member of the WBA.

Background and playing career.

Barry Wadingham – Life Member Testimonial, 1995

Dear Publicity Officer,

I hope what I have sent is of some use to your committee. I have written those names I can remember on the back of the photos, the actual dates I am unsure about.

Parker Dix – Life Member Testimonial, 1995

Dear Publicity Officer,

Darren, sorry I’ve taken so long to write but I’ve been a bit slack in trying to put things into words.

Roy Lydeamore – Life Member Testimonial,1995

With reference to your request for information concerning my involvement in Basketball in Whyalla over the years I wish to advise that I worked as gatekeeper for 30 years, firstly at the McBride Terrace courts, the rec centre and at Jubilee Park.

Hall of fame for NT’s ‘Magic Johnson’, 2012

IT has been confirmed that Darwin and Australian basketball great Michael AhMat will be inducted into Basketball Australia’s Hall Of Fame later this month.

INTERVIEWS
& VIDEOS

John Spooner

Our latest 3 part Video instalment is with ex WBA President John Spooner.

It was filmed last year but has taken interviewer Trevor Castle some time to edit due to the amount of content John provided.

Tia Bails, 2019

From Steelers to Rockets.

This Months video interview instalemnet by Trevor Castle features another one of Whyalla’s young female high flyers.

Ray Girvan, 2019

Ray Girvin is a true basketball tragic.

He fell in love with the game when he played his first game for a team called Nomads back in 1971.

U16 Nationals – Jorja Eldridge Interview, 2017

Get to know one of Whyalla’s young stars!

In January Jorja played in the Under 16 Girls Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup in Albury then chosen in the ACJBC (Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup) team.

Keith Lenon – Past President Interview, 2017

Keith Lenon was a basketball pioneer in Whyalla.

When basketball began in Whyalla it was at the old Aerodrome (just behind where the wetlands are now) in 1955 and there were just 5 teams.

Allan Castle – Past President Interview, 2017

WBA Life Member Allan Castle moved from Pt. Augusta to Whyalla in 1969 and immediately became involved in the management committee of the Whyalla Basketball Association.

Army Challenge Video, 2016

Highlight footage taken by the Army at the first of our Army Vs Civilian Challenges during their July 2106 Exercise Hamel operations.

It was Grand final type atmosphere but better due to the amazing response from the local community to this charity event.

President Jeff Spry, 2016

Jeff Spry was elected to the position of WBA President at the AGM last year.

I caught up with Jeff in the middle of this term to get to know him a little and to talk about what he sees as the biggest challenges facing Whyalla Basketball at the moment.

Darren Quinn, 2015

Following his recent retirement from playing basketball at the end of Sumer Season 2014/2015, Darren Quinn, Whyalla’s most decorated player, agreed to sit down and tell his story.

Grant Application – Larry Bird in Whyalla, 2015

The WBA are currently in the process of applying for some grant money to start a lighting upgrade.

We applied to Holden for a grant via their Home ground advantage support scheme.

OUR PAST 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

PAST CLUBSThe Knights Basketball Club came into being at the start of the 1957/8 season with the formation of an U16 boys team to enter the new competition created by the association. The team was made up by a number of school friends and who played colts football for...

1957 – TANGO

TANGO – Were part of the first season pf Women’s basketball in Whyalla.

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.

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