What a season it has been for the Pakenham Warriors. It was a season of new beginnings, of amazing highs and firsts for a club that is now firmly on the Big V map. The club made the Big V finals for the first time in their short four year history, falling just short of what is almost unheard of: bottom of the ladder to champions in just one season.  This season has ended just as it has started; full of promise for what lies ahead.

The key to building true chemistry on a team is player retention. Ten months ago when the pre-season began, many players fronted up to the tryouts not fully aware of what the future would hold. Would the team be a success? Was Pakenham the place to be in the long term?

Once the team was finalised and began playing together under Coach Rogers, the general feeling was palpable. This was no one-off, slapped together team bound for short term gains. This was a team of brethren, willing to go to battle for each other every single week and into the future. Many things helped to develop this level of team camaraderie.

It was developed off the court as many once strangers became great mates. There has been the emergence of a fighting spirit through battling one another at training sessions, the occasional stray elbow a cause for encouragement. The Pakenham players have also supported each other through the expected highs and lows of a long season. During a long season injuries are inevitable, as are player ups and downs and personal issues. It’s how you get on with it that matters. I have never quite felt this atmosphere of positivity and encouragement in my 20 years of playing basketball.

Coach Rogers, the committee, the players and all involved with the club have put into place great things that pave the way for the future. This year the club hosted it’s inaugural pre-season Big V players camp, a holiday Super Camp for children and have a Big V gala night to come. There has also been a strong connection with the Big V and the club’s junior program. This demonstrates to the young players that there is a future with Pakenham basketball; a pathway to bigger things.

I know that next season will hold great things for Pakenham basketball. The core group of players know there are many great reasons to stick around for the long term. Hard work in the off-season will see the Pakenham Warriors Big V program come back stronger than ever. You better believe the players are going to be hungry for more next season. That is great for the club, the community and basketball.

Thank you all for your amazing support this year. We are looking forward to seeing you all next season!