Basketball season returns with growth in senior numbers

The first of two Narrabri Basketball Association seasons for 2020 got under way at the local courts this week.

The format of this season is similar to previous years, with mixed gender games to be played on Tuesday evenings, and men’s matches to be played on Wednesdays following junior basketball.

The current season is referred to as the winter comp as it finishes in June, while the second one, which will begin around August, is called the summer comp as it finishes in December.

Both senior competitions have grown in numbers this season compared to the last.

Namoi Hotel’s Noah Smith shoots after wrong-footing Sporties Club defenders Chris Nunn and Chris Shafto. Far right is referee Adam Hennessey. Namoi Hotel’s Noah Smith shoots after wrong-footing Sporties Club defenders Chris Nunn and Chris Shafto. Far right is referee Adam Hennessey.

RSL Raptors’ Jess Lauritsen dribbles the ball up court to start a fast break. RSL Raptors’ Jess Lauritsen dribbles the ball up court to start a fast break.

RSL Raptors’ Pete Casena shoots a jump shot from behind the three-point line as Thunder’s Adam Hennessy attempts a block and Jenna Sunderland watches on. RSL Raptors’ Pete Casena shoots a jump shot from behind the three-point line as Thunder’s Adam Hennessy attempts a block and Jenna Sunderland watches on.

Namoi Hotel’s Renae Chard throws a pass to teammate Tash Macknzie (3). Namoi Hotel’s Renae Chard throws a pass to teammate Tash Mackenzie (3).

Sporties Club’s Matt Dunn stretches to keep a loose ball from bouncing out of bounds. Sporties Club’s Matt Dunn stretches to keep a loose ball from bouncing out of bounds.

Namoi Hotel’s Steve Berger and Sporties Club’s Chris Shafto contest a loose ball. Namoi Hotel’s Steve Berger and Sporties Club’s Chris Shafto contest a loose ball.

Thunder’s Ell John, right, goes up to shoot a layup as RSL Raptors duo Sarah Hewett (9) and Laura Dean get their hands in an attempt to block the shot. Thunder’s Ell John, right, goes up to shoot a layup as RSL Raptors duo Sarah Hewett (9) and Laura Dean get their hands in an attempt to block the shot.

Sporties Club’s Sarah Purdy searches for a teammate to pass to while being guarded closely by Namoi Hotel’s Sharmaine Cunningham. Sporties Club’s Sarah Purdy searches for a teammate to pass to while being guarded closely by Namoi Hotel’s Sharmaine Cunningham.

RSL Raptors’ Sarah Hewett shoots. RSL Raptors’ Sarah Hewett shoots.

Thunder’s Adam Hennessy throws a pass. Thunder’s Adam Hennessy throws a pass.

Sporties’ Club’s Sarah Purdy attempts to block a shot by Namoi Hotel’s Trish Lawty. Sporties’ Club’s Sarah Purdy attempts to block a shot by Namoi Hotel’s Trish Lawty.

RSL Raptors’ Emma Whitton throws a pass around the corner. Left and right are Thunder duo Kira Goodhew and Ell John. RSL Raptors’ Emma Whitton throws a pass around the corner. Left and right are Thunder duo Kira Goodhew and Ell John.

Thunder’s David Murray defends RSL Raptors’ Pete Calsena. Thunder’s David Murray defends RSL Raptors’ Pete Calsena.

Sporties Club’s James Stuart chases as Namoi Hotel’s Kaleb Hotel charges towards the basket. Sporties Club’s James Stuart chases as Namoi Hotel’s Kaleb Hotel charges towards the basket.

RSL Raptors’ Paul Bushby keeps the ball from bouncing out of bounds. RSL Raptors’ Paul Bushby keeps the ball from bouncing out of bounds.

There are five mixed teams competing in this year’s mixed competition compared to last year’s four, while there are six playing in the men’s competition compared to last year’s five despite 2019 teams RSL Raptors and Tatts Titans merging due to lack of numbers.

The mixed teams this year include defending champions RSL Raptors, Namoi Hotel, Sporties Club, Bowlo Dry Lakers and the returning Thunder which did not play last season.

In the men’s division the teams include Tatts Titans, Telstra Magic, Thunder, Gumboot Ballers, and two new-look sides SportsPower Pelicans and Prison Rules.

In the mixed comp on Tuesday evening Namoi Hotel downed Sporties Club 28-11 in the first game of the new season before RSL Raptors outscored Thunder 34-21.

The following night in the men’s comp there were three matches scheduled to be played but late afternoon rain meant that the courts were unplayable and as a result all three games were washed out.