Oliver Lees
It was a winning start to Big V life for the Westgate Imperials on Saturday.
The club has entered a youth league men’s side for the first time this season after building up its program.
After so much work to get to this point, Westgate vice-president Sarah Simpson is elated to be able to bring a team into the Big V.
Speaking before Westgate’s first match against Melton in the youth league men’s division 2 competition, she said it was a huge moment for the community.
“It’s come together really well and the really awesome thing is as well as providing a pathway for basketball, it’s actually providing employment opportunities as well,” she said.
“Everything from tickets to filming and scoring.
“We’ve been able to hire 10 to 12 junior athletes to do score table training and sell tickets, so it’s really an awesome opportunity all round.”
The Imperials’ first team in the competition will be led by Sedale Threatt Jr, whose father played in the NBA and who has experience playing at the college level in the United States.
Threatt Jnr said the group is already confident in its abilities.
“We have a young squad, with only a few guys who have played in the Big V comp before, but what we lack in experience, we make up for with talent and determination, and have the ability to be competitive,” he said.
Despite being accepted into the Big V, the club will still be on probationary terms for its season to ensure it is prepared both on a competitive and organisational level.
The team is made up primarily of younger players between the ages of 17 and 19.
This includes standout players Lachie Corbett and Troy Hezel, who have been with Westgate since under-12s.
Simpson said she’s confident has what it takes to make its mark straight away.
“We believe we’ll be competitive and among the top in the competition,” she said. “The boys are all keen to take it on, no one likes losing.
“We’re a really connected association at Westgate.”
On Saturday night, Westgate got the points against Melton.
Westgate led at the first break and was able to extend that to 10 points at half time.
Westgate continued to grow the lead in the third quarter before holding on in the fourth quarter to win, 102-90.
She said if everything goes to plan, the aim is to add a women’s youth team next season.
Hezel top scored with 20 points at all five starters scored double figures.
Westgate will play its first home game of the season at RecWest Braybrook against the Sunbury Jets on Saturday, March 23.
