Big V: Western Port Basketball’s Samantha Keltos opens up on time in Australia

Western Port import Samantha Keltos has established herself as one of the must watch players in the Big V Division 1 women’s competition. Here’s how she plans to get better.

Western Port Steelers import Samantha Keltos is dreaming big during her first season in Australia.

The Canadian born big is aiming for a Big V Basketball Division 1 Women’s Championship with her new teammates.

Keltos arrived at the Steelers, who are based in Sommerville, with big expectations having shot 40 per cent from three during her time with Brock University in Canada.

Already she is putting those expectations to bed after helping guide the Steelers to fourth place on the ladder with two wins from three matches.

Through the opening three rounds of the season, Keltos is averaging 21 points, 15 rebounds, 2.3 steals and one block a game.

Her best performance came at the weekend when she finished with 28 points, 21 boards, three steals, two blocks and two assists in a seven-point double overtime win against Camberwell on home court.

She credited the performance to giving “100 per cent on both ends of the floor”.

“I just came out of playing a season back home and that’s allowed me to keep my form up,” she said.

“I only had one training session with the team before we played our first game but we’ve been meshing really well since then.

“It’s definitely different here in Australia and it has taken some time to adjust and the club have been fantastic in making that a lot easier.

“I want to win a championship here and put my name out there at the same time. After playing college, I want to take my career as far as possible.”

A car was supplied by a Western Port sponsor to Samantha Keltos. Photo: Supplied.

Keltos is currently shooting at slightly above 47 per cent including 41.18 from deep while she is almost automatic from the charity stripe, going at 88.8 per cent.

“I’m more of a shooter and someone who likes to step out from behind the arc,” she said.

“But before I came here I was told I would be one of the taller players in the league (Keltos is 6’3”). That’s meant I’ve noticed I can take the ball to the basket more and I’ve been trying to take advantage of that.

“Playing off the dribble is something I’ve had to develop and it’s still a work in progress.”

As part of Keltos’ time in Australia, Western Port sponsor Jeff Wignal Ford provided the import with a car.

“It’s certainly been very helpful,” she said.

Western Port returns to action on Sunday with a home game against Warrnambool.

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