Braves hit the court in Geelong for the pre-season
The Bendigo Bank Braves went down to Geelong on Saturday to strut their stuff on court in a pre-season tournament to help prepare for the upcoming South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL the second highest basketball league in Australia) season.
The tournament started rough for the Braves with the exclusion of big names like Chris Hogan, Kevin Probert and David Hogan.
With the exclusion of some of the more experienced players, it gave the younger Braves players an opportunity to get some valuable court time.
The first game saw the Braves face off against the Nunawading Spectres, going down 73 – 93. The imports had a positive start for the Braves with Jeremy Kendle walking away with a 30 point contribution, alongside team mate Damian Johnson, who also made a huge impact on the game scoring 14 points and contributing with his outstanding defence.
The Braves were enthusiastic going into the second game on Saturday night, and had a positive game winning 74-67 against Sandringham Sabres. Again Jeremy Kendle had an outstanding game with a 19 point contribution and having an impact on both ends of the floor. Matt Andronicos ended the game with a solid 13 points. Bendigo Bank Braves young up and coming star Daniel Hansen had an impressive game with 14 points.
On Sunday Braves played their final game of the weekend against Geelong Supercats. The Bendigo Bank Braves had a good start to the game and were up by 15 at half time. Braves then lost import Jeremy Kendle to an ankle injury at the start of the 3rd quarter this gave young guns Aiden Brohm and Tanner Rayner the opportunity to showcase their abilities. Braves just lost 64-61 with Jeromy Kendle not going back on the court for the rest of the game. Daniel Hansen had another impact in the game scoring 12 and Damian Johnson finished with 11.
Overall, the weekend gave the Braves the opportunity to bond together as a united front and develop the young guns, whilst integrating the imports Jeremy and Damian on Braves structures on court.
“The weekend was a success, it was great opportunity for the young guys to step up and for me to see them play. The purpose of the weekend was to understand our weaknesses and strengths. I am happy where we are at this stage of the year. The imports Jeremy Kendle and Damian Johnson are fitting in well and new addition Matt Andronicos is finding his feet with us as well. I’m looking forward to April 1st for game 1 at Ballarat.” Bendigo Bank Braves Head Coach Ben Harvey.
The Bendigo Bank Braves face three more practice matches in the pre-season before their first game on April 1st at the Minerdome in Ballarat. The Braves first home game will be on Sunday 17th April at 1:30PM at the Bendigo Stadium against North West Tasmania.
For more information please contact Nathan Williams via nathan.williams@bendigostadium.com.au or phone (03) 5440 6245.
For more information about upcoming season visit www.bendigostadium.com.au/braves
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