For the first time in 20 years Shepparton Gators tipped off in Victoria’s top basketball league, the Big V Championship.
There were a lot of unknowns heading into the first round of the season, but Shepparton has answered the question on everyone’s lips: Would it be able to compete at the next level?
Shepparton had a back-to-back at the weekend, starting at home on Saturday night, April 6, against Wyndham, before travelling to take on Port Vale on Sunday afternoon, April 7.
The Gators were unbeaten last season at Shepparton Sports Stadium, but it was going to be a tall order to keep it that way with Wyndham coming to town.
Wyndham finished on top of the Championship ladder last season, only losing three games.
Talk about being ‘‘welcomed to the league’.’
The game marked debuts for American import Devin Thomas and Canadian Jayden Coke, as well as a return for Kiwi import Dylan Wilkie, who played for the Gators during the 2022 season.
Shepparton started with New Zealand sharpshooter Josh Kooiman and local boy Tom Frame in the backcourt, imports Coke and Thomas as forwards and Benalla big man Lachy Kego at centre.
Skipper Matt Bartlett came off the bench.
The Swamp was packed out with fans who cheered Shepparton on as it ultimately fell to Wyndham 71-85.
But the score doesn’t tell the whole story.
After a tremendous first half the Gators gained a double-digit advantage.
The pendulum continued to swing back and forth, with Shepparton unable to keep a grasp on the lead.
A chorus of spectacular shots from behind the three-point line had kept it in the contest.
First, Coke sized up his defender, dribbling the ball between his legs a few times before pulling up for three from way out.
Everyone collectively gasped, shocked he would even attempt the shot with his defender draped all over him.
Splash.
Then, the other new face, Thomas, stepped into a transition three, showcasing his range at the power forward position.
Kooiman followed that up with the longest score of the game, a stunning, leaning chuck from halfway between the three-point line and half-court to beat the shot clock.
With two minutes left Shepparton trailed by four points.
Shepparton kept creating good looks, but unfortunately went cold at the wrong time.
A handful of open threes and shots at the rim failed to make their way through the net, tormenting the home crowd.
Wyndham managed the game from there, ultimately pulling away and shutting the door on Shepparton for good.
Bartlett said that although the result was ultimately disappointing, he felt the squad showed energy, passion and effort in the defeat.
“That’s the first time the group has been together,” he said.
“And we’ve got lots to work on and this was a good chance to identify that.
“Guys just need to shoot better when we’re tired and that’s something we can work on with reps in training.
“I just said to the boys, we’re not happy with the loss.
“We’ve got a huge gap from where we are and where we know we can get to.”
Bartlett tallied six points and five assists in 19 minutes of action.
Coke and Wilkie also stood out, Coke tallying 18 points and 10 rebounds and Wilkie scoring 15 with four triples.
The next day, they took on Port Vale, a team that finished towards the bottom of the ladder last season but, of course, a championship-quality side nonetheless.
There was a lot of confusion for those watching from home, with the scores being around the wrong way and a seemingly inaccurate stat sheet on the Big V website.
The Gators ran out 76-71 victors, picking up their first win in the championship away from home.
It was an ugly game, with both teams shooting close to 30 per cent from the field.
Out of 31 attempts, the Gators made four three-pointers.
And won.
Kooiman said it was a tough shooting night for some, but he was proud of the team’s performance.
“Great team win, everybody played their part,” he said.
“A lot of hustle required and top-level effort from the boys.
“Everybody was up and about after getting that first win in the championship.”
Of those four Shepparton three-pointers, Wilkie had three, remaining scorching hot on his way to 21 points.
Kego also played well, this time off the bench, putting up 12 points and five rebounds in about 20 minutes.
So, did Shepparton prove it can compete in the top division?
Well, it was neck and neck with the best team from last season until the final minutes and picked up a tough win on the road.
You be the judge.
Shepparton has a tough stretch away from home ahead of it, taking on Camberwell in round two and then reigning champion Wyndham in round three.
In round four, Shepparton will welcome Bellarine to Shepparton Sports Stadium on Saturday night, April 27.