GBA

(PCYC) Glebe PCYC - Minogue Crescent, GLEBE (opp. Harold Park Paceway)
tele: 9660.2557

(PFA) Peter Forsyth Auditorium - Francis Street, GLEBE (rear of Broadway Shopping Centre, adjacent to Minogue Reserve)
tele: 9281.0460

SYDNEY METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATIONS

(ABC) Auburn Basketball Centre, Wyatt Park, Church St., LIDCOMBE.
tele: 9646.3840
Approx travel time from GPCYC: 20-25 mins

(ALEX) Alexandria Basketball Stadium, Maddox Street, ALEXANDRIA
tele: 9699.3822
Approx travel time from GPCYC: 15 mins

(BBS) Bankstown Basketball Stadium - 3rd Ave, CONDELL PARK
tele: 9707.1866
Approx. Travel Time from GPCYC: 40 mins

(BHSSC) Blaxland High School Sports Centre - Coughlan Rd., BLAXLAND
Approx. Travel Time from GPCYC: 60-75 mins (via Parramatta Road to Strathfield, then Expressway to Blaxland)

(B'PIT) The Brickpit - 1A Dartford Road, THORNLEIGH
Approx travel time from GPCYC 30-35 mins (via Victoria Rd., Lane Cove, Epping Rd., M2 Tollway, Beecroft Rd., turn right at Pennant Hills Rd., Dartford Rd is a left turn.

(MISC) Minto Indoor Sports Centre - Redfern Rd., MINTO
tele: 9820.1377
Approx. Travel Time from GPCYC: 50-65 mins (via Hume Hwy or Canturbury Rd then Expressway)

(HBS) Hills Basketball Stadium - Fred Caterson Reserve, Gilbert Rd., CASTLE HILL
tele: 9894.8944
Approx. Travel Time from GPCYC: 30-40 mins (via Victoria Rd, Gladesville Bridge, Lane Cove, Epping Rd, then M2 Tollway to Hills)
Note: Can take much longer middle of the day - allow 40-50 mins.

(NBISC) Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre, Jacksons Rd., WARRIEWOOD
tele: 9913.3622
Approx. Travel Time from GPCYC: 40/45 mins (via Harbour Bridge. Can use either Roseville & Wakehurst Parkway, or Mosman Rd and the Spit to get to Narrabeen).
Note: Spit Bridge opens on Sundays & can cause delays. Check opening times.

(NSISC) North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre - Cnr Clarke & Oxley St., CROWS NEST
tele: 9906.7877
Approx. Travel Time from GPCYC: 10-15 mins (via Harbour Bridge)

(PSS) Penrith Sports Stadium - Herbert St., CAMBRIDGE PARK
tele: 47 313 252
Approx. Travel Time from GPCYC: 60 mins (via Parramatta to Strathfield, then Expressway to The Northern Road - turn right at top of ramp, proceed several kms, go across rail line /Grt Western Hwy, next right at Copeland St lights, thro' roundabout left at Wrench (PSS sign there) and immediately right at Herbert)

(SBS) Sutherland Basketball Stadium - Waratah Park, Rawson Ave., SUTHERLAND(adjacent to Sutherland Leisure centre and Pool)
tele: 9542.1999
Approx. travel time from GPCYC: 45 mins(either via King Street/Princes Hwy or via airport expressway, Sans Souci and Captain Cook Bridge)

(WHIT) Whitlam Leisure Centre, Memorial Drive, LIVERPOOL
tele: 9601.7951
Approx. Travel Time from GPCYC: 50 mins.

GBA U14 Div2 Men win SJC Championship

Glebe Magic U14M2 defeated Norths Bears by 7 points in the 2009 Sydney Junior Championships Grand Final played at Penrith Stadium. They now qualify for the State Cup Championship which will be played over a weekend, August 22nd/23rd, on the Central Coast.

The previous week the boys defeated Norths by 15 in the major semi final. The Grand Final game was tighter, but Glebe lead throughout the entire game. Thibaut Potin was the leading scorer for Glebe with 33 points, and was named MVP.

The champion team is: Braden Angell, Harry Brink, Blake Dale, Nicholas Batchelor, Josh Evans (c), Sebastian Fotea, Adam Makaritis, Rajko Podinic and Thibaut Potin. Manager: Michael Makaritis.

GBA U14 Div2 Men win 2009 State Cup silver medal

A marvellous season for our U14M2 team. They have followed up their brilliant BNSW SJC Championship win with a silver medal in the State Cup. Having only five players available for the Tournament meant that four games in two days was going to be a test of stamina and ticker. Our boys did themselves and their parents proud by battling it out to the last. Having beaten the favourites, Newcastle by two in a thriller to become top of our Pool the boys matched up against Eurobodalla in the Grand Final.

Unusually, they took a while to get into the match, probably through mental and physical tiredness, and Eurobodalla unexpectedly won the first half comfortably. Glebe got their act together in the secong half, winning it by 9 points, allowing Eurobodalla to only score 2 points in the last quarter, but the lead was too much to overhaul and we ran out of time. A truly courageous effort by the boys and fantastic support from the parents, some of whom were close to dialling for the cardiac emergency reponse team in the game against Newcastle.The team: Braden Angell, Josh Evans (c), Sebastian Fotea, Adam Makaritis, Thibaut Potin and Insub Lim. Manager: Michael Makaritis.

Thibaud Potin was the State Cup leading points scorer averaging 26 ppg.

GBA U14 Div2 Men State Cup -Match Report

The boys played four games over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd August, winning first place in their Pool to play Eurobodala in the Grand Final. Game #1 they defeated Coffs Harbour 80-28, game #2 defeated Dubbo 99-15 and, in a very tough game, #3 defeated the Cup favourites, Newcastle by two in a thrilling, closely fought contest and a superb display of stamina, ticker and skill by our boys. In the last three minutes of the game, with the result well in hand, Thibaut Potin fouled out. An U12M3 player, Insub Lim bravely stepped on to the court as our sub for such an occasion, and played with poise and confidence, helping the team hold Newcastle out for our two point win.

Considering we had only five U14 boys available (plus Insub) for the weekend, the effort to make the Grand Final was incredible. The physically demanding game schedule and then the tough game against Newcastle took a lot out of them, as you could imagine, but they went into the Grand Final confidently.

Our offense was not working in the first half, and defensively we were a step behind as Eurobodalla scored a number of easy baskets from their fast break. As well, Eurobodalla had a very big player who planted himself under the basket, appearing to us not to match up with his man. This made it very difficult and frustrating for our boys to use their superior skills to take their man on 1-1 and get the high percentage shots the offense usually gives them. After protests that this constituted a Zone defense, after half time Eurobodalla played more of the required man to man. The game turned and we won by two in the 3rd quarter and seven in the fourth. Unfortunately this wasn't enough to overcome the first half deficit. We lost 36-45.

The boys were almost out on their feet, but kept hustling up to the final whistle, allowing Eurobodalla to only score two points in the 4th quarter. An incredible effort and incredible stamina.

GBA Presentation Day 2009

Once again, a superb day at a really great venue. A marvellous celebration for our community, and great company to share it with. Many thanks to Shaughn Murphy and the Toxteth Hotel for their generosity in making their Upstairs Lounge available to us. They are absolutely wonderful sponsors.

A special thanks to Ben Farrawell and Darrell Farrawell for being our guests of honour. Ben is a terrific role model for our young players and is an outstanding player himself, having captained Glebe High to the the Shell Cup Championship in 1995 against massive odds. Darrell and his wife Kathy were key people in the group from the Glebe community, including Donald Ellesmore and Rick Beehag, who originally conceived and then, as volunteers, put in all the hard work, the many hours of setting up Glebe Basketball. Without these people's vision and energy our Association would not exist and countless children would not have the enjoyment, personal development, focus and direction they have now.

Thanks too to Sam Donni, the police liason officer at the Glebe PCYC, for attending our celebration. Sam does an extraordinary job with disadvantaged children from our community and puts in countless extra hours at the PCYC to help these kids. He has persuaded a number of the youngsters he works with to get involved with GBA and they have become key players in our teams and wonderful ambassadors for our Association.

Congratulations to all our players for creating another very enjoyable season. The friendships made and the fun they had playing together was very apparent at the function. The support too from the parents has been quite extraordinary yet again, with many stepping up to take on much needed roles in our volunteer run Association.

Thanks very much to Vikki Angell and Delwyn Elizabeth Robertson for organising our Presentation Day so well, and to Emmanuel Karamihas for his role once again as MC.

GBA would like to say a heartfelt thanks to our team Managers:Louise & Steve Walsh (U12M) Gavin Crouch (U14W3), Delwyn Elizabeth Robertson (U14W2) Michael Makaritis (U14M), Margaret Jones (U16M) and Susan Harris (U18M). We have been very fortunate to have such a dedicated and hard working group.

Also we wish to thank our coaches, who give up so much of their time for the love of the game and who did such a stirling job this year: Jefferson Joson (U12M), Ramon Carpo (U14W2), Phil Spence (U14W3), Rob Murphy (U14M), Stan Grigopolski (U16M), & Mark Gledson(U18M). We admire and appreciate their dedication.

Award winners are below. Go Magic!

GBA Presentation Day 2009 - Award Winners

Coach of the Year:        Jefferson Joson

Manager of the Year:    Michael Makaritis

Sponsors Award: The Toxteth Hotel & Murphy Hotel Management

GBA Presentation Day 2008 - Award Winners

Coach of the Year         Wayne McDaniel

Manager of the Year     Delwyn Elizabeth Robertson

Sponsors Award: The Toxteth Hotel & Murphy Hotel Management

Sydney Junior Championships - 2008 Season

Another successful and enjoyable season and a great effort from all our teams. Congratulations to all players, coaches, managers, parents and supporters from the U12 Women, U14 Women, U14 Men, U16 Men and U18 Men and Women. Two of our six teams made the Finals series, the U12 Women and the U14 Men.

U12 Women: Congratulations to our U12 Women who beat Hills in their Division 2 Semi Final. Unfortunately they lost the Preliminary Final to Norths, but it has been a wonderful season for this extremely talented group of girls. Achieving third place in Division 2 in a tremendous achievement

Having just four experienced players this year; Jamie, Michaela, Lauren and Cleo, they were pleased to have Simone and Imogen join the team. But our problems didn't end there. Simone broke her arm and was out for many weeks and Imogen moved overseas with her family in June. A very keen pair of very young players, Maykooth and Masina from Learn to Play then joined our team to create a bench. Although outsized, these two had a great time, showed wonderful intensity and played their hearts out creating some memorable defensive stops.

Jamie, Michaela, Lauren, Cleo and Simone, when she returned, were a formidable combination. The team possessed excellent passers, ball handlers, shooters and rebounders. An extra one or two experienced bench players would have been very useful to provide a rotation for the starters, but at least this way the girls became very fit.

Cleo, Lauren, Jamie, Michaela and Simone have been working as coaches at the Saturday morning Learn to Play sessions for 6-12 year olds. They are so thorough, competent and professional it's hard to believe they are just 10 or 11 themselves. The future of GBA coaching staff looks very promising.

U14 Men: The U14 Men have qualified for the Grand Final game on August 3rd at Penrith Stadium. The boys lost the major semi final in a tightly contested game against Macarthur, but then as major semi finalists they had a second chance in the Preliminary Final, where they went on to beat Manly by a comfortable margin last week. They play Macarthur again in the Grand Final and feel very confident of reversing the previous outcome.

The boys play with a really positive energy and hustle all over the court. Their full court press causes every team a real lot of problems, and coach Wayne McDaniel has done a fine job with the team this season. More to follow after the Grand Final. Good luck boys!

U18 Men: The U18 men got off to a great start early in the season, with a run of impressive wins. However, the loss of key players through illness and injury as the season wore on clearly proved to be a significant setback, as was the loss of their much respected coach mid-season. While the guys undoubtedly struggled to recover from these unfortunate knocks to team morale, they continued to be worthy and formidable opponents, putting in some very spirited performances, especially when the odds were most heavily stacked against them.

Special mention should be made of Durel for his ball-handling and perimeter shooting, Vlad for his exuberant defensive leaps and rebounds, Daniel for his strong post-play, Brendan for his great hook shots, Matt for his speed down the court and defensive pressure, Harry for his driving and shooting ability, Cayle for being a skilful all round team player, and Tom for his excellent leadership as team captain.

Sydney Junior Championships and State League 2007

Another great season for GBA!

Congratulations to all our Representative teams; the players, coaches, managers & parents.

Five of our six GBA Junior teams made it to the SJC semi finals; 16 Men, 12 Men, 14 Women, and 12 Women and the Youth League Men 2 made it to the State League semi finals.The two remaining teams, 18 Men and 16 Women, missed out on the finals series by just one competition point.

This is a remarkable achievement for our Association, and demonstrates the consistent quality of our players and coaching staff right across all age groups.

The 16 Men and 12 Men made it through to the SJC Grand Final. The 16 Men won a gold medal and the 12 Men won silver.

Congratulations also to Jeremy Bock. He was recognised as the Youth Men 2 Defensive Player of the Year by BNSW.

This has been another great season for GBA. We are very proud of these very significant achievements and applaud your efforts. Well done!

Sydney Junior Championships / State League: 2006 Season

Congratulations to the magnificent efforts of all our teams and talented young players. GBA would like to express our appreciation of the fine work of our quality Coaching Staff and Managers. They are an integral part of our successes and all their work is done in a voluntary capacity.

Most importantly, the tremendous support and enthusiasm of our parents and supporters created an inspiring atmosphere for the players at home games.

Congratulations to the U16 Women for winning a silver medal in Division 3. The girls played a great game in the Final against Sydney Comets. GBA appreciates the great amount of work and valuable teaching put into the team by Coach Mathew Turley and Manager Emmanuel Karamihas.

Congratulations too to the Youth League Men who also won a Division 3 silver medal at the State Championships at Shoalhaven. Many thanks to the inspired efforts of the boys ably lead by Andrew Morgan. The work by Coach Nick Hitiris and Manager Leonie Morgan is also very much appreciated.

July 2006 School Holiday Camp

GBA players showcased their skills and talent under the expert guidance of top coaches Reg Day & Bede Murphy at the Camp. Special guest coaches were ex-NBL Stars Wayne McDaniel and Bruce Bolden who provided excellent coaching tips and insights into the game for the players.

The Camp was one of the best and unbelievable value for just $30. The players had an absolute ball.

A special moment for the 16 and 18 boys was a visit from Washington State University Assistant Coach, Ben Johnson. He dropped in on his way to Adelaide where he will be watching the U18 National Mens Championships. Coach Johnson is looking at the possibility of recruiting some Australian players for his team. Word had reached him of the talent of the Glebe players and he wanted to see it first hand. He was extemely impressed with their skill, smarts, hustle and intensity. Glebe players were invited to submit applications to this high profile PAC 10 University.

Congratulations to the U12 Men who received the silver medal in the Div 2 Sydney Championships.

The Grand Final was held at Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre, Warriewood, Sunday 1st August. Leading by as much as 11 points at one stage our boys were just pipped at the post by Bankstown who beat them by one point.

Congratulations also to the U12 Women, the U14 Men & U14 Women, and the U16 Men & Women and their staff and parents. A superb season's effort.

The U18 Men finished the season very strongly but narrowly missed out on the Playoffs, the fourth spot in their Division being decided by a three way split between Bankstown, Norths and Glebe with the spot going to Norths on percentages.

In all teams, the player's skill development, the coaching and the parent support throughout this year has been excellent and further enhances the reputation of Glebe as a basketball force and a great place to play.

GBA teams have all aquitted themselves well this season and there is some exciting playing talent emerging. Players, speak to your Managers and Coaches about the off season team training programs and competitions GBA will be running.

A special thanks to Emmanuel Karamihas who has worn many hats this season, including Manager's Coordinator, taken on a huge workload and somehow still comes up smiling.

GBA Junior Representative Presentation Day took place on Sunday Oct 19th at Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus.

Once again, a perfect, sunny Spring day. With tables set under the trees by the harbour, a picturesque setting was created for the recognition and celebration of the achievements of our young players. All players received commemorative medalions, and prizewinners efforts were acknowledged with trophies. Click here for a complete list of prizewinners. The U14 Men cleaned up the Special Awards with Manager of the Year going to Tony Devlin and Coach of the Year, Jefferson J. Joson.

Special guest, Brett Wheeler entertained the audience with amusing stories and showed his artistic flair for amusing caricature with a whiteboard and pen. Lord Mayor Lucy Turnbull entered into the fun prior to the formalities and showed her skill in the non-players "shoot out" almost winning the prize of vintage champagne. This went to a delighted (and skilful of course), James Darlington.

U12 WOMEN

Most Improved: Chantelle Borquaye

Go To Player: Monica Shakya

MVP: Joanna Karamihas

U14 MEN

Most Improved: Luke Devlin / Joshua Hoh

Hustle Award: Mitchell Axam

MVP: Johnny Barra

U16 MEN

Most Improved: Jermaine Craig

Hustle Award: Oliver La

MVP: Jermaine Borquaye

U16 WOMEN

Most Improved: Sarah Groom

Hustle Award: Francesca Coad

MVP: Kate Harvey

U18 MEN

Most Improved: Joel Makin

Hustle Award: Michael Childs

MVP: Tyson Gurleyen

SPECIAL AWARDS

Manager of the Year: Tony Devlin

Coach of the Year: Jefferson J. Joson

Presentation Day 2002 was a great success and enjoyed immensely by players and their families. As in past years, with the tables laid out under the trees at the harbourside location of Glebe High, the location proved an idyllic setting, and the weather was perfect. Awards were presented to outstanding players and officials.

Our basketball community was privileged to have as special guests newly appointed Sydney Kings and Australian Boomers coach Brian Goorjian, and a regular favourite, Leichhardt mayor Maire Sheehan. This was also an opportunity for the GBA community to meet our new President Dan O'Hara. Dan spoke enthusiastically about his desire to contribute his energies to the continued development of the Association.

Player Awards

U-12 Men

MVP: Joshua Ho Hustle Award: Joshua May Most Improved: Andre Sungkono

U-14 Women

MVP: Kate Harvey Hustle Award: Sarah Boumelhem/ Francesca Coad Most Improved: Paige Darlington

U-14 Men

MVP: Jermaine Borquaye Hustle Award: Ian Hristoforidis Most Improved: Yonas Tsegay

U-16 Men

MVP: Tyson Gurleyen Hustle Award: Alfa Rein Most Improved: Joel Makin

U-18 Men

MVP: Elham El-Ahmed Most Improved: Sam Alderton

GBA Special Awards

Manager of the Year: Lulu Pambos

Coach of the Year: Fazal Zaman

Referee of the Year: Jaimie Estevens

Presentation Day was a great event with a terrific turn out. A very enjoyable time for players and parents to catch up and share each other's company under the trees at Glebe High on an absolutely "magic" sunny day. What a superb location!

The recognition of each player's achievements is always a time for celebration. The satisfaction players feel with their development, the enjoyment they have had playing and the special successes of our teams is all expressed on this day.

Special guests were Sydney Kings Coach Brett Brown and Leichhardt Mayor Maire Sheehan. The presence of such high profile people was much appreciated by all. Both spoke briefly and well. They were direct, positive and interesting. For the players, Brett Brown was the icing on the cake and kept them enthralled with his stories, encouragement and advice.

Parents and players were fantastic, helping out on the day - everybody chipped in to set up the tables, chairs, help on the B-B-Q, dish up the food and drinks and most importantly, helped clear up afterwards. A really terrific community event.

A special mention must go to Hywel Lewis-Jones, GBA Treasurer and Deputy Principal of Glebe High, who took home a whole box of onions, peeled and chopped the entire lot, precooked them, then, with Irene Murphy, spent the best part of a couple of hours early Sunday morning preparing meat, rolls, salads etc (his carrots julienne were inspirational). Not content with that he then organised the cooking of the meat on the B-B-Q.

The pre-Lunch entertainment, U-14 Boys v/s U-14 Girls, was a fiercely contested affair. The crowd really brought the gym alive. All players played very well considering many had not been training for some time. Some great highlights. The two previous encounters saw the score as 1 game all. The boys won this deciding game, but the girls' supporters won the Most Vocal Supporters Competition by a huge margin.

Special achievement awards went to the following players and Officials:

U-12 Women: MVP Jessica Andrews, Hustle Award Jacey Fletcher

U-12 Men: MVP Thomas Carbone, Hustle Award Adam Hoh

U-14 Women: MVP Zoe Moore, Hustle Award Francesca Coad

U-14 Men: MVP Daniel Estevens, Hustle Award Yuri Zinenko, Most Inspirational Player Nick Wensits

U-16 Men: MVP Michael Samperi, Hustle Award Tyson Gurleyen, Most Improved Player Andrew Morgan

State Youth League Men: MVP Michael Filitonga, Hustle Award Josh Stidwell

Manager Of The Year: Chris Coad, Referee Of The Year: Jamie Estevens

Special Awards

Presentations of plaques recognising the continuing support that is so important to our Association were made to:

• Metro Light Rail(our major sponsor)
• The Toxteth Hotel
• Leichhardt Council