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LATROBE Valley residents will beat witness to one of the best female basketball leagues in the world this weekend when the Women’s National Basketball League comes to town.
The Dandenong Rangers will play host to the Canberra Capitals on Saturday night in Traralgon, allowing the community to see some of Australia’s best basketballers in action.
Rangers’ local girl Rachel Antoniadou said she was excited to combine her home with her elite basketball.
“I think it will be pretty exciting, especially because I’ve always had my Dandenong (basketball) separate from country basketball,” Antoniadou said.
“It’s kind of cool to bring both of them together.”
Originally from Warragul, Antoniadou said it was great for the area to have elite sport visit the community.
“I think it’s a great way for us to maybe have the community more involved in women’s sport,” Antoniadou said.
“It’s a great chance for the family to get down with the kids and see how good we can be and how hard we work and train.”
The Rangers and Capitals have played twice this season, with Dandenong narrowly winning the opening round clash by two-points, but Canberra claimed bragging rights during last weekend’s rematch, 83-70.
Antoniadou said the team had learnt a lot since the last game, and would bounce back after the loss.
“It’s definitely going to be a good match-up. We’ve had some things to work on this week at training and will come out with a different mindset and grind,” she said.
While visiting Traralgon the team will also be holding school clinics, visiting Stockdale Road, South Street Moe and Churchill North primary schools.
“The girls are pretty excited. We are going to treat it like it’s our home court,” Antoniadou said.
“We want people to come and have a good time and enjoy the game.”
The game starts at 7pm on Saturday at the Latrobe Leisure Traralgon Sports Stadium.
Tickets are $5 for concession and children under 16, $10 for adults or $25 for family entry (two adults and two children).
For more information phone the box office on 5176 3333 or visit www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/lpawhatson
*Aimee Dawson is a journalism student from La Trobe University.
