BASKETBALL
Budding basketball stars across Gippsland came face to face with some local heroes this week when the WNBL Melbourne Boomers came to town for a series of girls’ clinics.
Traralgon’s own Boomers stars Chelsea D’Angelo and Jade Melbourne – who at 15 recently became the youngest player to sign with the Boomers – were joined by Monique Conti in Moe.
Melbourne Boomers general manager Justin Nelson said access to elite-level talent was a crucial part of grassroots sport.
“For us it’s really important that these young girls have positive role models and influences in their life,” Nelson said.
“Every one of our players came from a grassroots level so everyone that’s playing at the elite level for the Boomers has started off on a basketball court just like these kids.
“One of our favourite sayings at the Boomers is ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ so again, it’s really important they can come out and meet these players personally, talk to them and get photos with them and hear from them.”
Nelson also remarked on the prevalence of Gippsland players in the Boomers’ squad.
“For us to have four of our players out of one region is quite remarkable and then to have three from one town in Traralgon is amazing,” he said.
“You could arguably say that in the WNBL it’s the most prolific part of Australia that is producing players.
“It’s quite remarkable that there are four players out of Gippsland playing at the elite level of the game in one of the best leagues in the world.”
The clinics across Gippsland were designed to introduce and harbour young talent to the game in a fun environment under the watchful eye of some of the game’s best.
“First and foremost it’s about the kids having fun. It’s really important they come along and have a great time,” Nelson said.
“Secondly, to learn a little bit about the fundamentals that our players learnt at this age that have taken them through to the top level.
“Thirdly, it’s about being able to step out on court and push yourself to be better.”
