Posted on 11 March, 2009
Sandringham and Dandenong have moved from the Big V Competition to the SEABL, NW Tasmania women were forced to withdraw from the competition due to the Global Financial Crisis and the League launched its own Development League made up of the Victorian Clubs.
On the Clubs front, Swinburne University Lilydale have become the naming rights sponsor of the Kilsyth Cobras SEABL teams for the next two years which will see the teams known as the Kilsyth Swinburne Cobras.
Joe Werner has returned to the Men’s team and has been joined by Wisconsin Native Quincy Henderson and former Cobras Chris Cameron and Michael Wheeler.
The Lady Cobras signed former Arizona State standout Amy Denson and Katy Werner to replace Desiree Glaubitz and Jessica Lonon for 2009.
Coach Grant Wallace will be looking for an improved output from the 2009 team after finishing with an 11-15 record in 2008. After a season riddled with injuries the Cobras have completed a smooth pre-season in 2009 and will look to kick start their season against the Braves. Joe Werner will be called upon to continue with his impressive 20 points and 15 rebounds per game figures and with new front court partner Chris Cameron will cause headaches for the Braves.
Bendigo have recruited three bigs to their roster with NZ Breaker Adam Tanner (206cm) and Imports Matt Trannon (200cm) and Keith Davis (198cm) joining the line up. They will have their hands full to contain the Cobras big guns who have combined well in the pre-season.
Gerard Leonard (19.4ppg, 2008) will be keen to continue his impressive end to the 2008 Season and provide the scoring punch for the Cobras. New Import Quincy Henderson will play the small forward position and provide the glue for the Cobras outfit. Already in the pre-season his high energy and tough style of play has been applauded by the team.
The Kilsyth Swinburne Cobras will take to the court following the Lady Cobras game at 8.00pm.
Prior to the Cobras game the 2008 SEABL Championship will return to Bendigo after their memorable Preliminary Final victory last year. The Lady Cobras have fond memories of the 2008 Championship and have committed themselves towards going back to back in 2009. Desiree Glaubitz will not play with the team in 2009 after deciding to have the SEABL season off to rest. Lady Cobras coach Jason Knight has recruited Amy Denson to fill the hole in the middle and from all reports the 6″1 US College standout will provide the needed punch for the team. Katy Werner, wife of Cobras import Joe Werner will also line up in 2009 and with the core of last years championship returning Season 2009 looks like being another successful year.
Clare Papavs and Sarah Parsons will again be called on to provide the scoring for the Lady Cobras but they will need to find a way to make up for this in the round 1 as both players will be missing through injury and WNBL Grand Final commitments respectively.
Bendigo enter the 2009 Season with a new coach for the first time since 1996, long time head coach Berni Harrower has passed the reigns to assistant Jeremi Moule. With Kelly Wilson and Lauren King leading the way Bendigo will be as competitive as ever. A first up win for either team will be a massive advantage going forward.
The Kilsyth Swinburne Lady Cobras tip off in Bendigo at 6.00pm.
Kilsyth Swinburne Cobras first home game is March 21, 2009 while the Lady Cobras will join them in a Tasmanian double header on April 5, 2009.
