Kilsyth SEABL players Adam Jackson and D.J. Taylor, left, were among the on-court stars that recognised Cobras administrators last week, after Kilsyth was named SEABL Club of the Year.By Paul Pickering
KILSYTH’S stellar year in the South East Australia Basketball League (SEABL) came to a fitting finale last week, with the Cobras being named the SEABL Club of the Year.
The accolade, announced at SEABL’s annual league meeting on 1 December, recognises the administrative excellence that provides the foundation for the Cobras quality on-court product.
Reflecting on a season where the Cobras men fell agonisingly short of a SEABL South flag – losing to Bendigo in the grand final – and the women finished fourth, SEABL manager Mark Quinn was keen to praise Kilsyth for its continued leadership.
“Kilsyth has done an exceptional job this year both on and off the court,” Mr Quinn said.
“Great promotion and improved game presentation helped the Kilsyth Cobras record an attendance increase in both men’s and women’s games.”
Mr Quinn said it was likely that the increased crowd numbers were due to the introduction of various game-day initiatives, including the ANZ shoot-for-cash, family-oriented entry costs and half-time matches for domestic clubs.
Kilsyth Basketball development manager Ben Turner said the title was fitting reward for the hard work of the clubs employees and volunteers.
More good news for the Cobras came in last week’s announcement that four junior players had been selected to take part in the elite East Coast Challenge event in January.
Under 18 players Will Sinclair, Rohan Gale and Kate Ebzery will join Under 16 Cobra Rebekah O’Donnell at the National Intensive Training Centre Program’s four-day development tournament.
The Cobras will represent Metro Victoria against New South Wales’ finest young talents, hoping to impress some of the country’s most astute coaches.
With Boomers Chris Anstey and Sam Mackinnon and Opal Lauren Jackson as graduates from the NITCP program, the young Cobras will be looking to follow a similar path to the sport’s highest level.
