Raiders head for Darwin

By Greg Oakford
KNOX Raiders Megan Sinclair and Jess Eason have taken up the chance of a lifetime to play in Darwin. Over the next three months the pair will compete in the Darwin Basketball Association.
Both Sinclair and Eason are products of the Knox Ford Raiders junior program. Sinclair began her basketball career with the Wasps basketball club and was selected into the junior Raiders program in the under-12s.
After a successful junior Raiders career, she was offered a full scholarship to US College Division 2 powerhouse Metro State in Denver, Colorado.
Sinclair graduated this year after four outstanding years representing Metro. She had her best year in her final season as a Roadrunner, posting career-best numbers.
After finishing up in May, she joined the SEABL women’s team mid-season and was a solid contributor for the remainder of the season. A Boronia Buffalo junior domestic player, Eason also joined the ranks of the junior Raiders program at the under-12 level and progressed through the representative program.
In 2003, Eason was selected into the Knox VBL (Victorian Basketball League) and SEABL squads along with Sinclair. DBA representative Don Sheppard is pleased both girls took up the opportunity of travelling north to experience new basketball competition and the lifestyle and sights of Darwin.
“The idea behind our competition is to get these types of players up here. It helps us develop our juniors and gives players like Sinclair and Eason the opportunity to see more of Australia,” he said.
“The girls don’t get paid but we make sure we look after them. Enjoying the experience is the whole thing behind it.”
Sinclair will play for the Lighting and Eason for the TV Jets.
Each team will play a game a week with the occasional double-header week.
“We bring in Americans and players from all around the country to participate in the league,” Sheppard said.
Knox Raiders SEABL women’s head coach Heath Anderson said he was really excited for the girls to embark on a new basketball experience outside of Victoria.
“It’s my understanding that Eason is potentially captaining an all-indigenous side, which is going to be such a positive experience for her and her development,” he said.
“A great life experience awaits for both the girls and I’m very proud of both and this achievement.”