4 on 4 comp off to a great start
The Tuesday 4 on 4 development competition kicked off last night with 3 trial games at St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. 30 players were there - from beginners to Australian representatives - to participate in what is destined to be an enjoyable fitness and development opportunity leading into the 2009 NWBL season.
The idea for the competition came from Gerry Hewson who saw 2 needs - a fun way to get the WheelKings in shape for the coming NWBL season and a competitive but friendly way for novice players to extend their playing opportunities beyond the various development clinics. David Rose from WSNSW has assisted with the setting up of the competition and Brian Delavere is organising the referees.
Apart from the WheelKings players, Basketball Australia's Ben Osborne has a number of his development players involved, Sonya Healy from Sydney Spirit (formerly West Sydney Razorbacks) has entered a team, and former Paralympic track champion Paul Nanari is leading a novice squad from Macarthur Disability Services.
Most of the teams have players with vastly different levels of experience. The seniors have a responsibilty to involve and assist the juniors and developing players. There are quite a number of able-bodied players being developed as well.
The rules are simple:
1. 4 on 4 with 1 or 2 'run-on' subs
2. No zone defences (technical foul)
3. 18 minute halves with running clock
4. 3 minutes half-time. 5 minutes warm-up for 6.45 and 7.30 games
5. 1 time-out per half. No time-outs in last 3 minutes
6. Clock starts on time even if teams aren't ready
7. Referees and uniforms will be supplied
8. Players who argue with officials or don't play within the spirit of the
competition will be sent from the court for 5 minutes
9. Cost is $5 per game payable on the night
10. You have to be a member of Wheelchair Sports NSW for insurance purposes
Results from last night's trials:
Stud Muffins 42 def. Swordfish 33
Spirit 54 def. MDS 10
4-Play 32 def. Threesome 28
The actual competition starts next Tuesday (10th Feb.) and results, points table and highest scorers will be posted on this website each week.
If you're interested in playing, call Gerry Hewson on 0434 378514 or come down and have a look next Tuesday at 6pm. The indoor court is in the grounds of St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. Enter via the main gate on Ryde Rd at the corner of Mark St.
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