Big V Basketball: Gippsland United setting high expectations

Gippsland United’s basketball system has helped forged the careers of current NBL and WNBL stars and now it is keen to make a big statement in its return to the Big V competition.

Gippsland United aren’t returning to the Big V men’s and women’s competitions to make up the numbers.

After three seasons without a senior, United are determined to put Gippsland basketball well and truly on the map.

In the process, they’re hoping to see local juniors follow in the footsteps of players including Chelsea D’Angelo, Jade Melbourne and Jack White into the WNBL and NBL competitions.

Australian representative Jazz Shelley, who recently completed a US college basketball season, is another player to have come through the elite pathways in the Gippsland region.

Both of United’s teams will feature in Division 2 for the 2022 season.

Club president Daniel Scholtes said the reason behind the club’s return to senior competition was juniors “needed a pathway to follow”.

“Our region has a terrific history of developing players who have gone on to have great careers,” he said.

“The Victorian Government and Latrobe City Council’s redevelopment of Traralgon Sports Stadium, which can fit 3000 people, has played a big part in the club being able to be in this position.

“We’re not going to shy away from our own expectations because we want to be winning the Division 2 title.”

The men’s and women’s sides will both have one import each.

Brandon Armstrong has already established himself as a fan favourite without a game being played, quickly endearing himself to the local basketball community.

Meanwhile, Mackenzie Miller will be a familiar face having previously been one of the club’s import.

Gippsland United imports Brandon Armstrong and Mackenzie Miller will be key figures this season. Photo: Supplied.

“We’re very excited to have both players on board after they reached out to us,” Scholtes said.

“When Mackenzie heard we were putting together a senior team, she was quick to get in contact and put her hand up to come out from the US.

“Brandon is a bit of a social media celebrity (he has 1.5 million followers on Instagram) but it’s his basketball skills which are most impressive.”

Several talented local juniors are set to make the step up into the senior grade this season as well according to Scholtes.

Among them is Ben Waller who was recently invited to an under 17 Australian camp, just weeks before he represents Vic Country at the national championships.

Simon Vannapraseuth is returning to the club and will add 300 games of experience.

On the women’s team, Victorian representatives Emily Scholtes, Jamie Gallatly and Asha Nightingale will also feature.

Emily Scholtes and Ben Waller are considered two of Gippsland’s talented young players. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

Meanwhile reigning Country Basketball league Gippsland MVP Chloe Hogg and Jordan Pyle — who has returned from college in the US — will also suit up for the women’s team.

“It’s also important that we will have two people with strong local connections coaching our teams,” Scholtes said.

“Scott McKenzie will take charge of the men and he has experience with the Casey Cavaliers.

“Women’s coach Gail MacFarlane has over 15 years of expertise to rely on and has been involved with the Vic Country under 16s for the past three years.”

Gippsland United men roster

Brandon Armstrong, Ben Barlow, Alex Bazzucchini, Jordan Canovan, Rohan Demczuk, Jordan Gooiker, Billy Hughes, Stephen O’Brien, Thomas Portbury, Nicholas Prowd, Kody Tibballs, Simon Vannapraseuth, Ben Waller, Jordi Williams.

Gippsland United women roster

Makenzie Miller, Laura Vannapraseuth, Chloe Hogg, Joey Watson, Sienna Privitera, Jordan Pyle, Asha Nightingale, Emily Scholtes, Jamie Gellatly, Macey McGlead, Tyla Angwin, Lauren King-Church, Mish Clarke, Carly Wood.

Development players: Hannah Kelly, Shanelle Kingston, Taylah Murtagh.

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