Saturday 5th August 2017
GAME NIGHT PROGRAM SATURDAY 5th August 2017 Printed by
14 Hepner Place North Geelong 3215 Ph: 52722558
VS
DOUBLE HEADER SEABL WOMEN – 5:00PM SEABL MEN – 7:00PM TONIGHT’S GAME IS SUPPORTED BY
FROM THE FRONT OFFICE It’s almost time for the Supercats 20th straight finals campaign, but first a huge night at the Geelong Arena against the Albury Wodonga Bandits. Tonight we welcome back some players, say thank you and good bye to another and continue to watch the growth of our young girls under the guidance of David Herbert. As announced during the week, Ash Cannan has decided that 2017 will be his last, after more than 20 years in the game, 4 years at college, time in the NBL and playing across 4 different SEABL clubs, we are fortunate to have had Ash as part of our club for the last 5 years. When the club considers its options on players we always look at what they can bring to Basketball Geelong on and off the court and as we look back on Ash’s time here in Geelong he has ticked every box we could ask. He has settled in Geelong with wife Jacqueline, now has a young daughter Mia who has been around the club since birth, has established a career with Corio Bay Health Group and he did the number one thing we ask of our players, he played GBL for both Pivot City and Lara Giants Basketball Clubs. Although his aging body may have restricted the number of games he has been able to play in recent years we are thankful for Ash’s willingness to transition into a Geelong local and we hope that he has set the example for many more players to come. Tonight we also welcome back Sara Blicavs and Alex Duck… the seemingly revolving door over our SEABL women has been guided perfectly by David Herbert, Isa Brancatisano and Ebony Rolph this season and with one week left in the regular season it is nice to welcome back and Australian Opal and the 2016 SEABL Women’s MVP, our co-captains. While Alex has been on a well-earned holiday in Europe, Sara has just competed at the FIBA Asia Cup where the Opals fell 1 point short of Gold, eventually being beaten by Japan 74-73. Finally our congratulations go to young gun Agnes Emma-Nnopu who this week was invited to attend Basketball Australia's selection camp for the Australian Sapphires ahead of the 2017 FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup. Agnes came to the club from the Bellarine Storm junior program last year in a development role and has continued to grow an mature as a player. As a club we are proud to have played a part in Agnes’s development and we hope to see her wearing the Green and Gold in India later this year.
As always, enjoy the night, cheer loud and lets help the Supercats get two more wins on the board. Enjoy the night #SeeRed #SupercatsFamily Regards, Dean Anglin CEO
MATCH DAY PREVIEWS MEN Luina Geelong Supercats (3rd East Conference 15-8) vs. Albury-Wodonga (6th East Conference 9-14) @ Geelong Arena, Saturday 7:00pm THE Luina Geelong Supercats’ final round clash with Albury-Wodonga took on even more meaning during the week with the retirement announcement of veteran big man Ash Cannan. Cannan, who joined the Supercats in 2013 after playing in the US College system and in the NBL, has further enhanced his reputation as one of the SEABL competition’s finest big men during his five seasons in a red singlet. The clash with the Bandits will be Cannan’s last regular season game before Geelong embarks on a 20th consecutive playoff campaign. However, where the start their post-season is yet to be determined. Currently third, the only hope the Supercats have of snatching second spot - and ensuring the double-chance to open the playoffs - is beating Albury-Wodonga and seeing Canberra upset Nunawading. However, the Bandits, despite having nothing to play for following three consecutive losses, would love to complete a season sweep of Geelong. When the two teams last met, way back on April 21, Albury-Wodonga claimed a 98-97 thriller on the back of 27 points from import Antone Robinson and 17 from sharpshooter Deba George. Both are coming off solid outings against Kilsyth last week, with Robinson posting a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds, while George dropped 23 points and dished eight assists in a 103-93 loss.
WOMEN Luina Geelong Lady Supercats (1st East Conference 17-4) vs. Albury-Wodonga (8th East Conference 417) @ Geelong Arena, Saturday 5:00pm THE fate of the Luina Geelong Lady Supercats lies beyond the Geelong Arena. With Geelong expected to claim a club record 18th win of the season against Albury-Wodonga, the Lady Supercats only hope of retaining top spot is to have Sydney Uni upset second-placed Kilsyth. If the Lady Cobras claim victory, they will retake top spot and host Geelong in next week’s East Conference semi-final. Lady Supercats coach Dave Herbert is well aware that using the last chance to get his rotations settled ahead of the playoffs is more of a concern than what takes place at Kilsyth. Chantel Horvat’s US College commitments mean her season came to an end last week, while life without star big Alex Bunton also goes on. However, Sara Blicavs and Alex Duck both return to the line-up. Blicavs has been limited to just 13 games due to Opals commitments, while Duck hasn’t played since mid-June before heading overseas. Blicavs will return to her role as Geelong’s key scorer, while Duck will become part of a back court that has made giant strides forward in her absence. Isa Brancatisano has captained the Lady Supercats in the absence of both Blicavs and Duck, handling the responsibility of guiding with aplomb. It’s also meant important minutes for youngsters like Eve Braslis and Agnes Emma-Nnopu, which may prove to be crucial in the heat of battle during the post-season. Ebony Rolph has also shown why Bendigo has upgraded her to their full roster in recent weeks, highlighted by consecutive SEABL Team of the Week selections. The Lady Bandits have won just the four matches this campaign and will be keen to finish on a high. Toccara Ross (16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game) and Adijat Adams (15.1ppg and 10.9 rpg) will both need to have big nights if the visitors are to spring a surprise.
EBONY ROLF
SPONSORED BY
DEAM FAMILY
CLUB NEWS MY RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE Basketball legend Craig Herbert becomes the centre of attention at Geelong YMCA Greg Dundas, Geelong Advertiser July 31, 2017 GEELONG basketball legend Craig Herbert was surprised to yesterday add a new honour to the long list of tributes bestowed upon him in his sport. YMCA Geelong announced it had named its basketball stadium in Newtown after the decorated player, coach and administrator. YMCA Geelong has named its Newtown basketball stadium after Craig Herbert. Picture: Mark Wilson Humbled by the honour, Mr Herbert, 60, described it as “a great thrill”, but said he was also “embarrassed” by the attention, and the sight of the. “It’s certainly not something I expected,” he said. He paid tribute to other longstanding volunteers at Geelong’s YMCA Basketball Club and his wife, Helen, and children Nathan and Abbey, who have all been involved in the sport. “Without people like Craig Herbert there is no club, no youth development, no participation, no learning, no competition, no championship banners hanging from the walls and no opportunity to make those friendships,” YMCA Geelong chief executive officer Shona Eland said. “The YMCA survives and indeed thrive because people like Craig Herbert are quite simply there. There at the Board meetings, there sitting on the bench coaching a game or overseeing training, cooking the snags behind the barbecue.” The tribute to Mr Herbert was made two years after he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to his sport. A key member of Geelong’s YMCA Basketball Club for more than 40 years, Mr Herbert played for the Geelong Supercats during its NBL years, and is a life member, former captain and board member of the club, while his son Nathan is also a club stalwart. He is also a life member of YMCA Geelong, Basketball Geelong and the YMCA Basketball Club. His long playing career with the YMCA club included five awards as player of the year, the first of them in 1976 and the final one 32 years later in 2008. Mr Herbert said he joined the club as an under-12 player, but said his contribution was minor compared to the fun and enjoyment he had derived from the sport and the club. “For over 40 years the YMCA Basketball Club has been incredibly fortunate to have a leader in Craig Herbert who is without peer in relation to his contribution to our basketball club, dedicated to the club’s cause and quite simply just wants to get the job done without any credit or fanfare,” Ms Eland said.
CLUB NEWS MY RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE SEABL men: Supercats’ Ash Cannan excited about life after retirement DAMIEN RACTLIFFE, Geelong Advertiser August 3, 2017
ASH Cannan says he’s looking forward to the next stage of his life after announcing his retirement from the Supercats effective at the end of the SEABL finals campaign. Cannan, 35, has been a Supercat for five years after making the move from Canada but said the call to retire had been coming for some time. “It’s just a good time I think in terms of where I’m at. It just seems like the right time,” he said. “The last couple of years it’s been, ‘maybe one more’, ‘maybe one more’, then it became a 50-50. About halfway through this year it just became a reality, I guess. “After a few games I thought this would be it and I just made the decision with myself and then with my family as well.” Since graduating Colorado Christian University in the US in 2005, Cannan has represented South Dragons in the NBL and Brisbane, Kilsyth and Dandenong in the SEABL. But the opportunity to come to Geelong in 2013, while earning a job as a physio at club sponsor Corio Bay Health, was a chance too good to pass up. “It just seemed like a good place to come play and a good place to live. It was a perfect mix, I guess,” he said. Highlights include winning SEABL championships with the Rangers and co-captaining the Australian SEABL-Select team against Qatar. “I’ve had so many highlights individually,” he said. “I’ve been lucky enough to play with a couple of different teams and never missed playoffs in my 18 years I’ve played at this level — that shows a bit of luck as well. “Individually, the chance to represent Australia in 2010 in a representative team, and being inducted into my college hall of fame were probably my two biggest highlights I’ve had individually as part of a team sport.” And Cannan said there was space for one more championship on his CV. “That’s everyone’s dream isn’t it, the fairytale finish,” he said. “With Mt Gambier, we’ve been one of the most successful teams over the five years I’ve been playing. We’ve always made it to at least the conference final. I’m pretty excited about what this team can do; hopefully we can finish off with the fairytale.” But what does life look like on the other side of retirement? “I think that’s one thing that excites me, I haven’t (decided),” he said. “I like to keep myself very busy, so I’ll definitely fill it with something, whether it be playing locally or start coaching juniors. But spending more time with my family will be the No. 1 priority for sure. “I don’t want to say I won’t miss it, but I’ve just got to a point where there are other things I enjoy doing. I love basketball, it’s been the biggest part of me and I’m going to give a lot back to it after I’m done playing, but there are a lot of other things to look forward to.” Saturday will be Cannan’s last regular season game at The Arena, when the Supercats host Albury Wodonga.
SUPERCATS RAFFLE SUPPORTING UNDER 14 BOYS NATIONALS IN DANDENONG PLAYERS WILL BE SELLING TICKETS THROUGHOUT THE GAME PRIZES INCLUDE: Weekend package for the Primus Hotel in Sydney. Includes 2 nights accomm, $100 meal voucher Yoga voucher for 3 free classed & leggings from Eb & Flow 2 x complimentary tax returns from Jo Predergast $100 voucher for Frankie $200 voucher for Customs House $100 voucher for Lord of The Isles 2 x 1 month gym memberships at Oceans Health Club Complimentary 45min salt therapy x 9 Salon Euphoria wash & blow wave voucher 10 x general admission Super tramp tickets 1 x adult Emu UGG boots 10 x 45min complimentary intensive shooting session with Geelong Basketball Academy
$5 PER TICKET
LUINA GEELONG SUPERCATS SEABL WOMEN Number
Full Name
Position
Player Sponsor
Age
2
Ellen Kett
Guard
23
5
Alex Duck
Guard
26
8
Agnes Emma-Nnopu
Guard/Forward
16
9
Chantel Horvat
Forward
18
13
Alex Bunton
Centre
23
15
Sara Blicavs
Forward
24
20
Ebony Rolph
Forward
22
24
Isabella Brancatisano
Guard
22
19
Georgia Tauschke
Guard
21
30
Charlotte Brancatisano Guard
20
32
Tiarna Rolph
Forward
18
44
Eve Braslis
Forward
17
Head Coach Assistant Coaches Team Manager & Assistant Team Managers Strength & Conditioning Coach Physio
David Herbert Glenn Sharp & Darren Busuttil Beth Davis, Marcus Lovell & Malik Davis Chelsey Cameron provided by Corio Bay Health Group
ALBURY-WODONGA BANDITS SEABL WOMEN Number
Full Name
3
Jovana Bukvic
4
Casey Ardern
7
Emma Mahady
8
Adijat Adams
10
Mel Kirby
11
Stephanie Gorman
15
Toccara Ross
TBC
Age
24 24 16
30
Breanna J Greene
6
Olivia Barber
12
Charlotte Beavan
Head Coach
16
17 14 20
Jim Wilson
Assistant Coach
Rachel Wright
Assistant Coach
Craig Robinson
Team Manager
Haydn Kirkwood
LUINA GEELONG SUPERCATS SEABL MEN Number
Full Name
Position
Player Sponsor
Age
5
DeMarcus Gatlin
Combo Guard
24
8
Kris Blicavs
Combo Guard
28
9
Nick Owusu
Point Guard
32
11
Nathan Herbert
Shooting Guard
32
15
Ma'alo Hicks
Power Forward
29
17
Nathan Freind
Guard
26
21
Kristian Rocci
Shooting Guard
23
24
Liam McInerney
Power Forward
26
42
Eric Gaff
Centre
30
52
Jamie Medved
Shooting Guard
34
54
Ash Cannan
Power Forward
35
Head Coach Assistant Coach Team Manager & Assistant Team Managers Physio
Leon O’Neill Luke Beauglehall Jesse Drever, Nathan Scarlett & Marcus Lovell provided by Corio Bay Health Group
ALBURY-WODONGA BANDITS SEABL MEN Number
Full Name
Position
3
Deba George
Guard
4
Jack Duck
Guard
7
Kailou George
Guard
10
Josh Morgan
Guard
11
Sawyer Dearborn
Guard/Forward
12
Joel Spear
Guard
22
20
Darcy Harding
Forward
22
13
Mitchell Newton
Forward
21
30
TJ Robinson
Centre
27
15
JT Terrell
Guard
25
Head Coach
Brad Chalmers
Assistant Coach
Luke Chalmers
Assistant Coach
Justin Smiths
Team Manger
Glen Collins
Age
31 24 25 17 22
SEABL LADDERS EAST CONFERENCE UP TO ROUND 17
SEABL MEN
SEABL WOMEN
$90 For a new participate $65 For a returning participate The Arena – Wednesdays 4:00pm-4:45pm The Arena – Saturdays 9:00am-9:45am TERM 3 STARTS 26TH & 29TH of JULY
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS NAMING RIGHTS PARTNER
GAME NIGHT PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
ELITE PARTNERS
PREMIER PARTNERS