Late June 2013, kicking back watching the NBA All Star weekend, the idea of the DVBA holding our very own prestigious event was born. With coaches from our Under 12 and Under 18 A Grade boys and girls competitions voting on the opposing teams’ players throughout this season, along with the discretionary role of the panel, 20 players from each age group and grade were selected to play.

Sponsored by the YMCA, Community Bank, UTCB, Sterling Isuzu and Apollo Basketball Club, the day started with the U12 Boys Game. Coached by Al McAughtry (Diamond Valley’s Technical Director of Coaching) and Warren Estcourt (Diamond Valley’s Senior Men’s Head Coach), the game begun at a frantic pace and remained consistently fast for the duration. As expected, the skill level was very good which made for great viewing. Even though McAughtry’s Red team mounted a mini come back, Estcourt’s Green team ran away with a 39-22 victory. Directly after, the U12 girls took the court with Jacqui O’Neill (Under 12 Girls Eagles Head Coach) and Amanda Jenkins (Under 12 Girls Eagles 3 Head Coach) in charge of the troops. This was also a very keenly contested affair with some very good basketball being played. In the end, Jenkins’ Green team was just a little too strong for O’Neill’s Red team 34-17.

The morning was made even more special with an appearance by Melbourne Tiger Greg Page. The former Diamond Valley regular, spent time with the players and spectators, making friends along the way.

The Apollo Basketball Club “Half - Court Shot” was next on the schedule. Drawn out of a box, 10 lucky participants were given the opportunity to make a half - court shot. Although some went close, no one made a basket, but each contestant walked away with a DVBA ALL STARS T-shirt.

The Under 18 Girl’s game went to the wire. Down by a basket in the last minute, McAughtry’s Green team had their opportunities but just couldn’t bridge the gap. Nathan Cooper-Brown (Eagles U16 Boy’s & Youth Men’s Head Coach) coaching the Red team maintained composure winning 31-28.

Next on Centre Stage was the Sterling Isuzu Bundoora “Slam Dunk Contest”. The battle between Bastian Allen and Connor Westell was fierce and intriguing. Connor held a slender margin until his third dunk which he was unable to complete. Allen then took control of the contest with arguably the best dunk in the competition which saw him ask a spectator to come out onto the floor and stand at the tip of the “no charge area”. With the aid of a passer lobbing the ball to the front of the ring, on his second attempt, Allen cleared the young fella standing in the keyway, before hammering down an awesome dunk.

Working through a qualifying process earlier in the day, the UTCB “3 Point Competition” was of a very good quality. Making their way through to centre court were Rachel Beattie and Kelsea McGougan, in the girl’s contest and Braydon Ward and Ryan Fooks battling it out in the boys. Both Rachel and Ryan shot the ball exceptionally well in the final to take the prize.

The last contest for the day was the U18 Boys. An interesting game where some shots were definitely being given up with the extra pass being made, the match was played in very good spirit and remained quite close until the final minutes. Anthony Allen’s (Eagles U18 Boys & Youth Men’s Assistant Coach) Green team proved a little too powerful for Cooper-Brown’s Red team 65-50.

During the day, Alex Vecchio (Apollo) was recognized a Junior Domestic Coach of the year. Sandi Hoggan (Diamond Creek), Louise Wilson (Eltham North) and Kath Isaac (Hurstbridge) were also recognized as our Volunteers of the Year.

A special mention to our very own mascot “squawk” who spent much of the day walking the sidelines and offering high 5s to anyone who wanted one.

Photos from the day can be seen at DVBA ALL STARS photos