Big V Basketball: Gippsland United a rising powerhouse in Victoria

They might be the new kids on the block but Gippsland United is making huge waves in Victorian basketball. Here’s how they’ve done it in a short space of time.

Gippsland United talked a big game ahead of its maiden Big V season.

Importantly they’ve managed to back it up.

“We want to be winning the Division 2 title(s),” club president Daniel Scholtes said on the eve of the season.

Now United’s men’s and women’s teams are in with a chance.

The men, coached by Scott McKenzie, finished the season as minor premiers three games clear of nearest challenger Pakenham.

Meanwhile, Gail MacFarlane’s women’s team did it a little tougher winning their last four games of the season to sneak into the top five.

Silverware could be heading to Victoria’s east in a matter of weeks.

“It was always the aim to play but finals but I wouldn’t say it’s a shock to have both of our teams feature,” Scholtes said.

“It’s more of a pleasant surprise. We thought we had the talent to compete, it was just a matter of our teams being able to put it all together.”

The women's team snuck into the finals series after a remarkable end to the season. Photo: Gippsland United.

The Gippsland United men dropped just two games throughout the course of the season with plenty of exciting talent on show along the way.

None have been arguably bigger than import Brandon Armstrong, who arrived with a big name due to his huge following on social media, who has amazed United supporters.

He has led the team in points scored at an average of over 20 points per game, rebounds and assists.

Billy Hughes (15.2 points per game), Ben Barlow (13.2) and Jordan Gooiker (10.4) have been the other United players to average double figures.

But McKenzie’s role in the mentor role can’t be understated either — he was named Big V Basketball’s Division 2 coach of the month in May when his side went 7-0.

“Brandon has been outstanding, he does a bit of everything,” Scholtes said.

“He’s not a selfish player, he’s willing to pass the ball and get it really zipping around. He does get targeted by the opposition crowd and players, they do like to talk to him.

“But he’s controlled himself well. He’s been popular with our supporters and he’s embraced every moment of the season so far.”

Brandon Armstrong has been a terrific import. Photo: Gippsland United.

While Scholtes has enjoyed the highlights reel Armstrong has put together this season, he can’t help but be excited by the young local talent coming through.

They include Ben Waller who has shown experience beyond his years in the men’s team.

“He’s really been pushing his case for more minutes for the finals series,” Scholtes said.

“Ben attended a training camp in Canberra for the under 17 Australian team earlier this year which really showcased his talents.

“Our women’s team has Emily Scholtes, Jamie Gallatly and Asha Nightingale who are all National Performance Program members (a Basketball Victoria opportunity which helps with national selection). All three of those girls have enjoyed strong performances.”

Emily Scholtes is one of the club's rising young guns. Photo: Gippsland United.

The young trio of potential future Opals have played a key role in helping local gun Chloe Hogg and import Makenzie Miller reach the finals series.

They’ll now face Wallan in an elimination final on Saturday night away from home.

“The girls really started to find their chemistry in the closing stages of the season,” Scholtes said.

“It’s been a little disjointed when it’s come to getting a consistent 10. But now that they’re there we’re starting to see the full potential.

“We’re quite excited about what they could potentially achieve.”

The Gippsland community have been extremely supportive of the club. Photo: Gippsland United.

Gippsland United’s presence in the Big V competition has also done wonders for junior participation in the area.

During the last school holidays, the club held clinics which attracted over 500 participants.

“Those were massive numbers for us,” Scholtes said.

“We’ve also established a development academy which runs on a Saturday morning and has 75 kids involved. Then we’ve also agreed to affiliations with local associations across Gippsland.

“Crowd numbers have been really good for us as well. The community has really got behind what we’re trying to do.

“We couldn’t be happier with the way things are going for us as a club.”