The senior Lakers basketballers hosted UniSA Men’s and Women’s teams last Saturday night.

Earlier this year UniSA squads contacted Basketball Mount Gambier seeking games in regional centres in preparation for the annual Australian University Games in the Gold Coast in October. It was decided to issue an invitation to the two teams. They have been involved in similar games in Whyalla and Port Pirie in previous years.

Following the success enjoyed by the Lakers Men’s team in the Victoria Country League finals in February, Administrator Warwick Kettle and Coach Kym Hammond were keen to have the side suit up against UniSA, an unknown opponent.

Kettle was also keen to have the Lakers women involved in attempt to rekindle interest in a senior women’s representative team to play in the SA Country Championships and the possibility of looking at the Country League. The Lakers senior women have a proud history of being successful in such events over the years. The team dominated the Green Triangle scene throughout its competitions and has won more than its share of Senior Country Championship titles.

The local basketballers strutted their stuff against the enthusiastic UniSA squads before an appreciative crowd.

The UniSA women’s team had a short list due to injury and sickness but nevertheless the players continued to compete against a strong and well balanced twelve player Lakers squad coached by Sonya Knight.

The experienced Lakers players led the way in terms of stability and composure while the talented younger group played with flair and confidence. Coach Knight rotated her players superbly to maintain an effective mix of youth and experience on court and at the same time giving all members meaningful minutes.

The final scores pointed to a comfortable win to the Lakers, but do not truly reflect the sustained efforts of the hardworking UniSA players.

There were many positives evident as a result of the success enjoyed by the Lakers’ men competing in the Vic. Country Basketball League and as a result players jumped at the chance to play on Saturday night .A couple of the Country League squad were not available, giving Kurt Russell and Matt Parslow spots for the night. Russell has already signaled his interest in the Country League for next season.

The Men’s match was a much closer affair; each time the Lakers threatened to open up a lead, the visitors replied. The Lakers set up their eventual 11 point win with a 25-18 first quarter led by Kurt Russell and Simon Berkefeld, who barely had time to wash off the mud after representing Western Border in the Football Inter-League match.

The sides then traded baskets in an entertaining contest, which resulted in a final score-line of 75-64 in favour of the Lakers.

Simon Berkefeld and Russell continued to lead while Matt Berkefeld and Tyson Kettle converted consistently in an overall solid team effort.

The visit proved to be a big success both on and off the court. The games were played in good spirit and the positive social atmosphere after the games capped off a fantastic night. Special mention must be made of the sterling work of the local volunteers who presented the games in a professional manner and catered so well for the players.

The officials of UniSA spoke of the benefits for the teams, how much the players enjoyed the visit and mentioned that they are keen to return in the near future.