By JARROD POTTER
A NEW generation of south east basketball talent stepped on court on Wednesday last week to try and secure an elusive place in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).
Dandenong Rangers held an open tryout for its development squad as players from Warragul to Warrandyte and beyond descended on the Stud Road courts to test their mettle.
The Rangers have blooded a plethora of south easterners in recent years with Rachel Antoniadou (Ripplebrook), Bree Whatman (Beaconsfield), Tenaya Phillips (Narre Warren South) and Carley Mijovic (Narre Warren) all rising through the ranks before their WNBL opportunities eventuated.
This year’s squad, in particular, is jam-packed with local talent with Endeavour Hills tandem Aimie Clydesdale and Steph Cumming also set to dictate the Dandenong backcourt.
With plenty of spots available in the development ranks, Dandenong Rangers coach Larissa Anderson said it was a fantastic showing of what’s available in the future of the competition.
“It was a great tryout – there were some great kids there that were doing an amazing job,” Anderson said.
“A few of the under 16s put their hands up and right through there were some great guards going at it through under-18s and development – it’s a real mix.”
Anderson was uncertain about how big the development squad would be, but believed it could be about 15 to 20 – allowing a bigger opportunity for players to get involved and potentially earn a spot on the main WNBL roster.
“We’re going to hold a second try out in a week or so – to cut down the list and give a few of the girls who weren’t able to get their second go as there were so many that weren’t able to get there,” Anderson said.
“Who knows – there’s absolutely some talent there – they’ve got a bit of work to compete with the talent signing up and ready to go nationally, but that’s the point.
“You still look at them and see the talent and see potential is there.”
Dandenong’s second tryout is yet to be confirmed and for more information on securing a place in it, contact the Dandenong Basketball Association via Robyn Houghton at houghton@bigpond.net.au.
