By Tara Murray
It’ll be a fresh Wyndham side for the Big V women’s youth league one season.
Matt Stephens will lead the side this season and the team will be focused on growth and development.
“We’re aiming to compete hard every game, developing our skills, gaining valuable experience and improving week on week,” he said.
“With a strong squad and a group of development players in the mix, the emphasis is on nurturing talent and creating opportunities for players to step up to the senior level when needed.
“Pre-season preparations have been solid, with the team facing tough competition in practice games that have tested and strengthened their resolve.”
No players from last year’s squad have returned, with the club giving a number of its junior players an opportunity.
Guard Elena Papakirikou has played in the Victorian Junior Basketball League for Wyndham and will progress up the ranks.
She’s also a coach and referee at Wyndham and has come through the ranks.
Fellow guard Sarah Sherwood is another that has come through the VJBL, winning three championships.
She’s also been named Wyndham domestic coach of the year previously.
Arden Bryant is part of Wyndham’s under-18 VJBL team this season along with Chloe Secoulidis, Giselle Saxon-Jones, Aluk Kuol, Agull Majok, Jazmin Hill and Sophie Hofman.
Hill and Majok are state development players.
Imie Olowoniyi has previously played VBJL at Wyndham and has come through the local pathway.
Liya Belachew-Hill, Kiana Dayao Anam Ali have all played junior basketball at Wyndham, before playing some VJBL at Altona.
Freya Byrne crosses from Geelong United having been part of its under-18 VJBL program last year.
Akoi Mabing, who is a centre-forward, is a development player with the team, who is a Tarneit local.
Jayda Guzel and Elizabeth Parek round out the squad.
Stephens said it promises to be an exciting chapter of learning and progression.
