The Committee and Management of the Melton Basketball Association, along with development staff from Basketball Victoria, have developed a three year Strategic Plan to further assist the growth and development of the club moving forward.

The plan represents a wide range of outcomes and strategies that will be ongoing over the course of three years.  There will be flexibility and scope to re-evaluate strategies and outcomes if the direction of the Association requires it.

As the Melton Basketball Association strives for excellence, the plan can be refined to reflect learning’s and experiences along the journey, this is essential to ensure that the Association continues to lead the way as one of the premier sporting organisations in the local area.

The plan outlines strategies in the six key pillars that the Association feels accurately reflects its direction; those being:

• People
• Inclusion
• Growth
• Facilities
• Awareness
• Leadership

While the Association is dedicated to ensuring its future, through the sustainable and systematic planning process, it still has a responsibility to maintain its core business, this being the development of basketball players, referees and coaching programs for the Association.

As part of this strategic planning process, the Association was fortunate enough to receive some funding support from Basketball Victoria, to enable them to commit to the development of some programs for referees and coaches.

This strong Strategic Plan will underline the accountability the Association has to:

• the members of the Association, to ensure their participation is an enjoyable and rewarding experience
• sustaining, growing, developing and promoting basketball within the greater region
• ensuring all courts in the facilities it uses, are utilized to their fullest potential

The MBA wish to thank Trevor and Basketball Victoria for the help and guidance through this process.

Melton Basketball Association Strategic Plan 2013-16

The Youth Thoroughbreds improved to 2-0, while the Senior Men fell to 0-2 in an exciting opening night of BigV Basketball at the Stable on Saturday Night against Coburg.

Youth Men: Melton 63 Coburg 51
Box Score

In front of a packed-out crowd, the Youth Thoroughbreds were keen to play at home after a Round 1 win at Keysborough. However nerves got the better of them and the visitors got an early jump on the Thoroughbreds, before the tempo settled and Melton were able to work it back and take a 20-15 lead at quarter time. They continued their run in the second quarter and behind some great defensive pressure, held Coburg to 9 points and extended their lead to 16 at the half.

The third quarter saw the Giants mount a small comeback and put on 15 points to the Thoroughbreds 8 to keep them in it. However the ‘Breds were all over the boards in the final quarter and held Coburg off, for a 12 point win.

Head Coach Jarrod Crowe credited the Thoroughbreds defence for the undefeated start. “Our defense is what is winning us games. We are the best team in the league defensively after two rounds, but there is still a lot of room for improvement.”

He also noted the impact of the bench players. “It was a great team win. Our leaders stepped up when we needed them and our role players are stepping up when they are called upon.”

Jordan Rhodes led the Thoroughbreds with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Matt Parker poured in 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals, while Matthew Hoyland chipped in with 14 points and 8 rebounds.

For the Giants, Alexander El Bazouni was the lone shining light with 18 points and 15 rebounds.

The Thoroughbreds now enjoy the long-weekend break before travelling to Mornington (1-1 record) on Saturday 6 April and then playing at home the following day against the 1-1 Chelsea (2pm tipoff).

Senior Men: Melton 62 Coburg 67
Box Score

After a tough loss in Round 1 against the title-favourites Keysborough, the Senior Thoroughbreds set out to get their first win in front of a big home crowd and vocal ‘Maroon Zone’ cheer squad.

The Thoroughbreds started well and shot 48% from the field in the first half to build a 39-27 lead after two quarters.

However the second half was a completely different game with the Thoroughbreds turning the ball over 15 times and sending Coburg to the free-throw line 19 times.

A 40-23 second half from the visitors saw them take the lead with 3 minutes to go and steal a 5 point win.

Head Coach Grant Spencer said the team allowed the Giants to push them away from their game in the second half. “We started strongly and played to our strengths in the first half. Solid defence and execution on the offensive end. To Coburg’s credit when they increased the pressure defensively in the second half the team panicked and we were unable to create easy baskets. Down the stretch it was anyone’s game and unfortunately for us were were unable to pick up the win.”

However, he is still upbeat about their outlook this season and believes there is plenty of room for improvement in the group. “It’s a long season, the group has to get used to me as a new coach and I need time to understand the strengths and weaknesses of my players. The positive out of it all is  we have dropped both games to teams who will be fighting for playoffs by 2 baskets or less”

Captain Jordan Kirk was the leading scorer for Melton with 15 points and 5 steals. Michael McCallum added 11 points, 6 rebounds and Martin Pietrykowski had 10 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench.

For Coburg it was Jordan Harding leading the way with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Matthew Roche and Brian O’Meara contributed with 15 and 12 points respectively.

The Senior Men also have the Easter weekend off, then travel with the Youth Men to Mornington to take on the Breakers (1-1) on Saturday April 6.

A fantastic Big V pre-season tournament result was somewhat soured by the news that Aaron Christian would be stepping down from his role as the Thoroughbreds Senior Men Head Coach due to significantly increased work commitments. The Senior Thoroughbreds reached the Grand Final game despite being down to only a handful of healthy players, but were overrun by Casey in the end 55-50.

With less than a week until Round 1 tipoff, the club was under time-pressure to appoint a new coach within 48 hours. In a very fortunate series of events, they were able to agree to terms with recently departed Ballarat Miners assistant coach Grant Spencer in a major coup for the club.

Spencer, who is also a travelling assistant coach with the Cairns Taipans in the NBL, said he is excited by the job ahead. “I’m honoured to be given the opportunity by the board to lead the Melton Men’s program for 2013. I’m looking forward to getting on the floor with the playing group tonight and preparing for the first game of the season against Keysborough.”

In addition to taking the lead of the Senior Men’s BigV team, Spencer will also undertake the role of Director of Coaching for the Junior Thoroughbreds sides in the VJBL. The role includes overseeing the on-court performance of all junior teams as well as running development programs for players and coaches.

“I’m very excited to be able to work with the senior and junior programs developing the players and coaches of the future. Being a local resident, I know that Melton is an up and coming club and my aim is to help grow the club into a strong sustainable brand within the Western Region.”

While it is business as usual for the team as they work to gel with their new coach and get ready for their Round 1 opener on Saturday against early title-favorites Keysborough- the Melton Basketball Association wishes to sincerely thank and congratulate Aaron Christian on his tremendous contribution and dedication to the Melton Thoroughbreds senior program over the past 18 months. Aaron was a huge part of the clubs turnaround when he took on the role of Head Coach after a bottom of the table finish in 2011. After a busy off-season recruiting local players back to Melton from other clubs, he was able to guide the team to a semi-final appearance and help the Thoroughbreds win the BigV Club of the Year Award in the process.

While disappointed at having to step-down, Christian leaves with fond memories. “I have really enjoyed my time coaching this side. It has been a great ride, I couldn’t have hoped for a better bunch of guys in the group and am really proud of what we accomplished as a team and club. It’s tough to have to give it away, because I was enjoying it, and learning a lot. But I have an opportunity in my career that I couldn’t pass up, which would make it impossible to give the group the commitment they require to play at this level. I wish the boys the best of luck as they chase that championship”.

The Thoroughbreds tip-off their season on the road to Keysborough Saturday Night, before returning to the Stable for their home opener on March 23. Tipoff- 6pm Youth, 8pm Senior.

THE MAROON ZONE IS HERE!

Be a part of the Melton Thoroughbreds Official Cheer Squad in 2013!

For $30 you can become a member- which includes entry to all home games, membership card and lanyard, reserved seating in the ‘Maroon Zone’ section, a ‘Maroon Zone’ T-Shirt and a special invitation to the BigV clinic with Thoroughbreds players and coaches!

On sale tomorrow at the BigV Season Launch Night!

Big V Basketball have been doing club-by-club season preview videos and now it’s the Melton Thoroughbreds turn! Click below to watch.

Senior Domestic Online Registrations for the Winter 2013 Season are now open!

Form Available Here

Existing Teams- This process will now be much simpler. Follow the link and log in with your details, then simply confirm your details and invite your players to re-join the team.

Hint: If you have lost your login details, check your old emails for Subject: ‘Registration details for Melton Basketball Association (Team Name)‘

New Teams- Select ‘New Team Registration’ and fill out all the details. If you have all your teammates emails, you can invite them to join directly from the form, or you can send them the ‘Team Code’ that you will receive at the end of your registration. Please not that existing teams have priority of spots if competitions are overfilled.

Registration Fee- All Senior Domestic Competitions will now be moving from ‘Individual’ to ‘Team’ registrations. Each team will be required to pay $240. This is up to the team and amount of players with how it is split. A deposit of $120 is to be paid before taking the court in Round 1. The remainder before you take the court in Round 4.

Registration Close March 31- Please note that after this date, any available spots will be given to new teams on the waiting list. Late entries will begin Rd 5 if space available.

Start Date- Competitions start Sunday 14 April, Monday 15 April, Thursday 18 April.

Form Available Here

BigV Basketball at The Stable is back for 2013!

Your 2012 ‘BigV Club of the Year’ Melton Thoroughbreds are back and the Senior Men, along with the brand new Youth Men’s team, host the Craigieburn Eagles and Keilor Thunder in a six-game pre-season basketball extravaganza!

This is your first chance to see both teams at home in their 2013 season campaigns. The night will feature 6 games across two-courts as the teams make their final preparations for the season before heading off to the BigV Pre-Season Tournament in Frankston (March 9-11) the next weekend. Round 1 tips-off the following Saturday (March 16).

Join the Event on Facebook here!

Date:                               Saturday 2 March 2013

Stadium:                       Melton Rec Centre 159 Coburns Rd, Melton

Game Times:               Doors Open 3pm

Entry:                             $2 per person