Banned under-12s basketball team challenged to match by another 'too good' side

After being banished from their league for being 'too good', an Adelaide under-12 basketball team has received an unexpected lifeline from a rival coach.

Two Hoops U12s Mambas has offered to play a fun game against Modbury's under 12s after both teams were asked to leave their respective competitions for being "too good". Picture: Dean Martin

A knight in shining basketball shorts has saved the day for an under-12 team that was ousted from its competition for being “too good”.

Modbury’s Under 12s team, which played in the Ingle Farm 12s Division in the Adelaide Community Basketball Association, was forced into a new one-team division after beating the second placed team 80-17.

Now, Andrew Millane, 41, and his 2Hoops Mambas under-12s side has stepped in, offering to play a friendly match against Modbury down in Morphett Vale.

The Mambas, like Modbury, was also given the boot out of its competition, asked to move up to the under-14 division after winning a game on Saturday 103-19.

Mr Millane said he was “shocked” to learn Modbury had been pulled from the competition after an undefeated season.

“One of my under-12s teams are in a similar boat from an outcome point of view,” the Mambas coach said.

“We’ve had no complaints from the league or parents. We’ve had the opposite, (our success has) sparked interest in our academy.

“I thought if no one wants to play this team, let’s organise a friendly and have a crack.”

This season, the Mambas have had three wins by 50 points and one by 80, prompting the league to propose moving them up a division. While the Mambas were asked to move up, Modbury was penalised for their success.

The team was awarded the Division 1 championship but denied the chance to play finals, with the other teams relegated to Division 2 to compete for the title.

Adelaide Community Basketball Association's public statement after Modbury Basketball Club's under 12 team was moved from the competition. Picture: Facebook

Adelaide Community Basketball Association's public statement after Modbury Basketball Club's under 12 team was moved from the competition. Picture: Facebook

The association said it would “make every effort to source an alternative opponent” for Modbury’s under-12 team during finals week.

Mr Millane said it was disappointing Modbury would miss out on their last game of the season.

“The fact that a league is taking the stance that you’re too good you can’t play, we’ll give you the trophy and we’ll let the other teams compete but you can’t – that sucks,” he said.

“They’ve worked hard, they’ve built chemistry (...) they’ve got a good thing going and they’re almost being penalised for that.

“When they look back and remember that team they had that went undefeated, they’ve got nothing to show for it, it’s been taken away from them.”

While kids’ individual skill levels may vary, he said it was important their growth was encouraged.

“If kids are having success and alienated because of that, there needs to be a pathway for them to showcase their skills in an environment that’s encouraging of that,” he said.

“The only way that kids are going to develop their skills is through encouragement, not being told you’re too good you can’t play.”

Led by former South Adelaide Premier League player and BBL basketballer Steve Pilkington, 2Hoops offers specialised basketball training and coaching for kids.

As of Thursday afternoon, Modbury has not responded to Mr Millane’s offer.