Fifty four year 5 to 8 teams kicked of their 2011 league campaigns today with a hit out at the TSB Stadium following their first day back at school. Youngsters ranging in age from 8 though to 13 were all given the opportunity to show the skills they had honed over the summer months.

The 2011 league starts with a couple of non-competition games and then its time to get serious.

Early picks in the year 8 Boys league include Mangorei 1st V who have three reps from last years successful U13 team including Koru Nathan Morgan. Highlands Heat have also picked up three reps including Max Anderson, Fraser Meads and Nathan Beckers. Although not endowed with any rep players FDMC Pacers put up a good fight against The Heat and you can expect to see them there fighting for a finals spot towards the end of the league.

Devon Ballers have a couple of U13 reps and have been joined by Eliason Calder, the gutsy 2010 Taranaki Country Basketball point guard who took his team all the way to the Nationals last year.

In a positive move this year, NPBA took the decision to keep all spectators away from the playing area and moved them up into the viewing platforms above the courts. In prior years, spectators were allowed down on the courts in amongst the players and officials which at times created a lot of congestion and confusion around the players bench.

Certainly this move has made it a lot better for the players and administrators involved in the game but it also highlights the lack of stadium facilities we have in this region as spectators fought for a good viewing position to support their favourite team. 

With BBNZ Premiership and National tournaments in mind, the U13 coaches were out scouting for talent. Their trials are scheduled for this weekend. Eileen Hall, the U13 Girls Coach is holding her trials at Sacred Heart Girls College 10:00am to 12:00pm and Kevin Fenwick, the U13 Boys Coach is holding the boys trial at Boys High School gym from 4:00-6:00pm on Sunday and hope to see all New Plymouth's up and coming basketballers at those sessions.

Look at the Photo Gallery for some photos of todays Year 8 games.