Page 53 - BWA Annual Report 2019

Basketball Mid West & Gascoyne
MIDWEST
The Basketball Mid West & Gascoyne
Region saw a change of Development Officer with Marcus Alipate departing at the end of 2019 and Dan Hunt commencing at the beginning of 2020.
Marcus Alipate reported on the following.
During my time as Regional Development Officer, working with GABA and BWA, we reached a wide range of communities throughout the Mid West and Gascoyne regions. Development both on and off the court was something that was emphasized and implemented throughout the time I was there.
In Geraldton, we were able to continue the development of the Mid West Academy, which helped foster youth boys and girls. In doing this, we had a 10-week program that was specialized for each group of kids depending on skills and age.
We had the help of our SBL program, the Buccs, by bringing in imports and locals to act as coaches for these young athletes to help give insights on/off the court. We also held a 8-week winter
competition for youth athletes that were also coached by Buccs players. Our main goal with both of these programs was to help athletes becomes better but also create good habits such as a good work ethic, teamwork, and being coachable. Through both of these programs we created a great partnership with the Buccs and our community.
We also provided services to places such as Mullewa, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Binnu, Carnarvon and other towns that were in bush areas. Our goal was to service all areas in the Mid West and Gascoyne regions, regardless of population. We wanted to give all kids and people the chance to learn about basketball and provide opportunities to develop. We made a great impact on these communities, even having the whole Binnu Primary School attend one of the Buccs home games.
Out in Shark Bay, we held a multi-sport carnival that included footy, cricket, netball, along with basketball. We ran a conference for local coaches that helped educate them on how to run a training session. We gave drills, tips, and tools for everyone who attended.
In Carnarvon, we visited on 2 separate occasions and ran multiple basketball sessions. We worked with the local PCYC to provide coaching material, basketballs, etc. Our goal was to give
them as much support as we could, being that basketball is still emerging in this town. We wanted to create some sort of consistency with basketball to help the younger community, who are very
passionate about the sport.
All in all, it was a great year on our end. Basketball participation increased 26% over the course of the year and we created partnerships with local communities that we hadn’t been able to service in years.
THE MIDWEST BASKETBALL ACADEMY
The Midwest Basketball Academy has been running for 13 years and has proven to be a breeding ground for young basketball players wanting to represent the Midwest and Western Australia. Initially set up by coach Scott Rubery the Academy has given basketball players an opportunity to hone their skill in the off season.
As the Academy grew so did the scope of how far our athletes can go playing the game they love. Besides the numerous players that have represent- ed the Midwest at the State Champs and Country Week level we have had countless players represent Western Australia at the National Championships. We had 15 boys and girls participating in Basketball WA High Performance programs this year alone. Three Academy athletes have gone on to play college basketball in the States and one has repre- sented Australia!
We have had a great showing of Academy kids going on to play for the Buccaneers. This past SBL season saw the Buccaneers bring home the championship banner. On that team were six players that came through the Academy.
All six players are a huge asset for the Buccs. It doesn’t end there. The Buccs head coach and his three assistants all coach
in the Academy.
From its infancy stages to now the Midwest Basketball Academy has proven that if you put in the extra work good things can happen for you.
BWA ANNUAL REPORT 2019 46