Tara Murray
It’s been a flying start for the Westgate Imperials in the Big V men’s youth league 2 competition.
Fielding a side for the first time, the Imperials are sitting second with 12 wins and one loss for the season so far.
Imperials vice-president Sarah Simpson said it had been an amazing start to the season for the group.
“Sitting second on the ladder with only a loss on the big trip to Albury Wodonga, we could not be happier,” she said.
“We knew that we had a talented team and would likely be amongst the top half of the ladder.
“The team has really gelled and taken it to the next level and everyone is excited to take on Pakenham in a couple of weeks, who is sitting top.”
Simpson said the strong start was a combination of the group gelling, while they’ve got a real team offence and defence.
She said no one player was standing out in the statistics category which showed their real team mentality.
Simpson said off court things were going really well.
“We’re now getting 150 people at our home games,” she said. “There is interest from our junior athletes and the community.
“Everyone is supporting each other. All our dreams have come true in terms of Big V.
“We want it to be an event at home games and hopefully the crowd will keep growing.”
With plans well underway for the club’s new courts at McIvor Reserve, the Imperials are looking at possibly having a youth league women’s side and a senior men’s team as well next year.
Simpson said they were looking at trying to have sustained success.
The Imperials were in action on Saturday night against the Chelsea Gulls.
The Imperials led by two points at quarter time and maintained that margin at half time.
The scores were then level at the final break.
The Imperials found another level in the last quarter to seal a 94-85 win.
Troy Hezel top scored with 22 points.
Simpson said they had just about already secured their finals spot.
“We have a relatively young squad and it will be interesting to see how they go in the back half of the season.
“Hopefully we can step up finals and see how they go.”
The Imperials have a big weekend coming up, hosting the Warrandyte Venom on Saturday night and then the Mornington Breakers on Sunday.
