Lady Hawks To Make History     
In a history making event, the Ringwood Lady Hawks will be travelling to India in November to play in a 5 match series against the reigning Indian National Champions on their own soil.

The Lady Hawks visit will be the first time an Australian Basketball team of any description has travelled to India to take on the locals who have started to develop some world class talent. Hawks Coach Tim Mottin is incredibly excited by the opportunity and said that the idea had its roots back in 2006.

“We recruited Geethu Anna Jose, India’s greatest ever female player back in 2006 to play for the Hawks.” Mottin Said.

“She was a terrific player and person and we always thought it would be great to play some games over there one day.”

Known at the 2017 International Hoopathon series and organized by Team Rebound and Kerala Basketball Association, the Lady Hawks will be playing against Kerala in a 5 game series that will be played in 5 different provinces across Southern India. Kerala is the reigning National Champions and boast many current and former National team players. The Hawks can expect a tough battle on court but hope to have a new American import signing along for the journey.

“We will definitely have a few new players joining us for the tour.” Mottin said.

“Kerala is a very talented team and India Basketball has developed so much over the past 10 years it will be interesting to see how we go.”

The 10 day tour will keep the players and Coaches very busy but there will be time for some sightseeing and School visits to run Basketball Clinics for kids. As they do around Maroondah, the Hawks will be donating Basketballs, t-shirts and playing uniforms around the Indian Schools. The team will also have a chance to catch up with Anna Jose who has now a family to chase after instead of a basketball.

The Hawks hope to further develop their relationship with India Basketball and it is hoped that in the near future the Indian National team may visit Ringwood for a series of Friendly games. That is something that Mottin says he will continue to work on.

“To have an Indian team visit us for games would be fantastic.”

“But first we have this opportunity that the team cannot wait for.”

GAME DATES

Regional Sports Centre Kochi    (November 5th)
VKK Menon Indoor Stadium Trichur   (November 7th)
Indoor Stadium, Ktym    (November  9th)
Jimmy George Indoor Stadium    (November 11th)
VKN Menon Indoor Stadium Calicut    (November 12th)