Bendigo Stadium will host a re-match of last year’s SEABL championship game when the Bendigo Braves hit the court for the club’s first pre-season hit-out on Friday night.

The Braves will be hoping to exact some revenge for the 88-61 loss to the Nunawading Spectres in September.

The match, which begins at 7pm and includes free entry for spectators, will be the centrepiece of a big three days of basketball at Bendigo Stadium.

Beginning tomorrow and concluding Saturday, the 34th Bendigo Skin Ski & Surf Junior Classic tips-off with 160 junior teams from regional Victoria competing.

More than 20 Bendigo boys and girls teams from under-12s to under-20s will face squads from as far as Frankston, Swan Hill, Nunawading and Sunbury.

The Braves will trial some of its younger members alongside more experienced campaigners Chris Novak, Adam Tanner, Kevin Probert and Chris Hogan on Friday night.

Probert said the game would be a good opportunity for the young players to play at a higher level before star American imports Deilvez Yearby and Daniel Horton join the squad on February 17.

Tom Garlepp, a star with NBL club Gold Coast Blaze, will also join the club after the national league season.

The Braves re-grouped for pre-season training on January 7 and the squad is hoping to go one step further this season.

“The championship is what we haven’t been able to win,” Probert said.

“We’ve kept most of the squad together, apart from the imports, so we should be up there again.”

Probert played in the Junior Classic as a developing basketballer and said it was a strong competition which would feature a lot of rising stars.

“It’s probably one of the biggest Victoria country tournaments you can play in and it’s great for local kids to have it in their home town,” he said.

Fans will get an opportunity to meet and greet Braves and Spectres players after Friday night’s match.

The Braves’ first match of the 2012 SEABL season is away in Frankston on March 17, while the team’s first home match is against Canberra on March 31.

Braves team for Friday night: Chris Novak, Adam Tanner, Kevin Probert, Chris Hogan, Chris Adkins, Ian Wright, David Hogan, Brad Chalmers, Daniel Hansen, Tom Kenyon, Jarrod Kerwin, Dane Spear.

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THE league’s most valuable player in 2011, Ivan McFarlin was named the Symes Motors Bendigo Braves basketball team’s MVP at Sunday night’s awards presentation.

McFarlin racked up 16.5 points and 15.9 rebounds per game in the Braves’ run to winning the east conference grand final and being runner-up in the national championship play-off against Nunawading Spectres.

A remarkable season for the athletic Texan included selection in the east All-Star Team.

The Braves’ best defensive player of the year was Luke Meyer.

A brilliant all-rounder in attack or defence, Meyer averaged 18.4 points per game and 3.1 defensive rebounds.

The gun from Missouri earned the league’s best defensive player award and was selected in the east conference All-Star Five.

Braves’ coach Ben Harvey presented the coaches awarded to young guard Kevin Probert.

Probert averaged 9.4 points per game and was the league’s under-23 player of the year.

Joint winners of the Most Valuable Player award for the Champions IGA Lady Braves were forward Lauren King and guard Kelly Wilson.

King ruled the court many times as she averaged 14.3 points a game for the Lukas Carey-coached team.

Wilson averaged 16.5 ppg across 21 matches.

The coaches award was presented to Andrea Wilson, whose defensive intensity played a big part in the team’s success.

Most improved player was Nicole Goodridge.

The Braves presented awards for their Development teams.

MVP for the C.R. Martin Real Estate Young Braves was Adam Wicks who averaged 7.8 points and three assists in 20 matches.

Best clubman was David Hogan.

The coaches award was presented to Brad Chalmers.

A highlight for the Young Braves was the play of guard Matt Bartlett as he averaged 18.1 points across nine matches to win the D-League scoring award.

The MVP award for The Zone-backed Young Lady Braves was Zara Pearson, who averaged 10.5 ppg in 19 matches.

Most improved player was Madi Higgins.

Chloe Mace was presented with the coaches award.

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HE rode a roller-coaster as he paced the sidelines throughout the grand final and by match end the emotions were mixed as Bendigo Braves coach Ben Harvey reflected on the basketball season that was.

In the minutes after being defeated by Nunawading in the SEABL national championship play-off, Harvey spoke about pride, disappointment, work ethic and more.

The disappointment that Havey, the players, coaching and support staff were feeling after they failed to clear the hurdle and claim the league’s No. 1 prize was etched on their faces in the Dandenong Stadium rooms.

“It’s disappointing to lose, especially a final,” said Harvey.

“Things didn’t go our way today.”

He spoke about Nunawading’s hunger for the contest and the Spectres ability to keep the pressure on all match.

“We have to keep finding a way to win the biggest game of the year,” Harvey said of consecutive losses in national championship play-offs.

The Braves racked up a 21-5 record in the regular season and then fought back from a semi-final loss at home to win the east conference grand final at Knox.

“I am extremely proud of you guys,” Harvey told the 11 players.

“We had an outstanding season and an outstanding record.”

Harvey said the opportunity to play for the national championship may not happen next year, or for several seasons.

“We will be doing everything we can to earn this opportunity again.”

Harvey praised the play of imports Ivan McFarlin and Luke Meyer on their brilliant seasons to earn the league MVP and defensive player of the year awards respectively, and selection in the all-star five.

“Luke and Ivan are two great warriors,” Harvey said.

Injury meant McFarlin could not take to the court in the second haf as the Spectres seized control.

During the on-court presentations, Harvey and captain Warren Randall congratulated the Spectres on their play.

The Braves coach and on-court leader praised the club’s fans, not just for their support in the play-offs, but all season.

Spectres’ coach David Biwer said a strong start was crucial.

“We jumped right from the start,” said Biwer.

“Bendigo has such a great work ethic and fights so hard.”

Later in the rooms, after Harvey and McFarlin spoke about the game and season, an emotional Taylor Bell announced the play-off was his last game.

Bell joined the “200 Club” earlier this season and celebrated many wins throughout an eight-year stint with the Braves.

“I have played in four conference championship teams with a lot of the people in this room,” Bell said of an incredible journey.

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FOR the second year running, the Symes Motors Bendigo Braves have finished runner-up in the South East Australia Basketball League’s national championship final.

The Braves were outmuscled and outpointed as the Nunawading Spectres charged to a 27-point victory in Saturday afternoon’s play-off in the Crazy John’s-backed league at Dandenong Stadium.

Spectres guard Shane McDonald was superb as he racked up a game-high 28 points to earn the MVP award in the 88-61 victory.

McDonald had plenty of support as the David Biwer-coached Nunawading led for all but 24 seconds of the contest in the showdown between the south and east conference champions.

The Spectres raced to a 7-1 lead after just two minutes as Eric Williams and Shane McDonald were on target from distance or in the key.

Bendigo fought back strongly through the play of league MVP Ivan McFarlin, centre Sam Harris and Luke Meyer.

A three-pointer by Chris Hogan made it 20-15 in favour of the Spectres at quarter-time.

The Braves tipped off the second with Meyer (1) and McFarlin (2) on target, but that would be the closest the margin would be.

Three-pointers by Meyer and Hogan kept the heat on, but the Spectres had the answers, usually from the sweet-shooting McDonald.

A two-pointer by Braves captain Warren Randall was followed by a McDonald three, but Hogan matched that feat.

The Braves hopes took a sudden dive when McFarlin limped off after injuring his left hamstring with 2.48 to go in the half.

By the break Nunawading led 43-35 and McFarlin would spend all of the second half on the bench in what was to be a disastrous end to a brilliant season by the athletic forward from Missouri City in Texas.

Bendigo’s attack in the first half was led by Hogan, 11; Sam Harris, 7; and Luke Meyer, 6.

The Spectres quickly doubled their lead in the early minutes of the third quarter.

Bendigo’s sole reply in a 10-2 run was by Meyer at the foul line.

Young guard Matt Bartlett showed a lot of determination at both ends of the court and scored two points with his second attempt to a big roar from the Braves fans.

The classy McDonald scored seven unanswered points before a Probert three-pointer.

With a quarter to go, Nunawading led 65-47.

The Spectres were relentless as they went on an 11-0 run in which Chris Cameron (5), McDonald (4) and Simon Conn (2) were on target.

Bendigo finally replied through Sam Harris.

Meyer showed the skill which earned selection in the All-Star Five in consecutive seasons with a three-pointer.

What was to be Taylor Bell’s final shot as a Brave went swish through the net.

Despite being well down on the scoreboard, Bendigo kept fighting with another of the club’s 200-game players, Chris Novak on target, and Meyer then capped a defensive steal by Barlett with another two points.

In a match where the Spectres led every stat, their bench chipped in with a three-pointer from Michael Thorp, one from Darren Smith and two by Caleb Barry to complete an emphatic victory and the club’s first national championship title.

Bendigo Braves coach Ben Harvey is confident his team can go all the way in today’s SEABL championship clash.

Following the disappointment of losing last year’s national final to the Geelong Supercats, the Symes Motors-backed Braves have the opportunity to win the club’s first SEABL championship.

Harvey said his team was prepared for today’s all-important match against the Nunawading Spectres and were ready to go that one step further.

“We prepared well this week but definitely remembered that we were in this position last year,” he said.

“There were a couple of areas we needed to work on and I feel we covered them this week at training.

“We have trained really well this week and have been preparing for this all year.”

Harvey said his team was keen to erase last year’s championship play-off memories with a title win tonight.

“We were obviously really disappointed with how we finished last season so we’ll be going out there to make a statement this year,” he said.

“We are so excited to be in this position again and we don’t want to slip up for a second time.

“To win the (east conference) grand final was fantastic, but in the end we really want to win the big one and I’m really confident we can win.”

While a number of important contests will take place on court tonight, the battle between Harvey and Nunawading coach American David Biwer will be one to watch.

Harvey and Biwer were team- mates for a number of years and enjoyed three championships together – in 1996, ’99 and 2000.

Harvey said he was looking forward to the challenge of coaching against his former team-mate and friend.

“David is one the best import players I’ve ever played with,” he said.

“I have the utmost respect for him as a coach and a player.

“It’s great to know we battled together as players and now are able to go head-to-head as coaches.”

The Braves have beaten the Spectres on both occasions this season, but were challenged in both matches.

The Spectres forced Bendigo to overtime in round three before the Braves won 83-80, while in round seven Bendigo won 105-102 at Bendigo Stadium.

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THE Symes Motors Bendigo Braves coach Ben Harvey has earned the SEABL east conference coach of the year award.

Harvey’s honour is yet another accolade for the Bendigo team, with American imports Ivan McFarlin and Luke Meyer named in the SEABL All Star Five and Meyer and Kevin Probert collecting individual honours for defensive and youth player of the year respectively.

Harvey is the second Bendigo coach to win the award, with David Flint winning in 1997 and 2000.

Harvey earned the East Conference honour after only two seasons with the Braves.

The Harvey-coached Braves won the east conference championship last year, only to fall short against Geelong in the national final.

This year, Bendigo had a record breaking season, winning 21 games and losing just five.

Bendigo won back-to-back east conference championships with a win on the road against Knox in the final, and has an opportunity to take out the ultimate goal when it plays Nunawading tomorrow at Dandenong.

The coach, who recently re-signed with the Braves for the 2012 season, said he is loving the challenge of coaching the Braves.

“I played a lot of years with the club and in the league for a long time and I have just loved coaching the guys,” he said.

“I know I’ve got some weaknesses, but I feel like I’m growing as a coach each year and I’m just really excited to be part of the club again.

“One thing I will always do is that I’ll always put in 110 per cent.”

The former Brave was nominated in the SEABL All-Star team for the 1990’s and 2000’s at the upcoming 30-year gala celebrations.

Harvey played more than 300 games and was selected in the SEABL All-Star team three times.

Nunawading coach David Biwer was the south conference coach of the year, while Dandenong Rangers’ Larissa Anderson won the women’s award.

Symes Motors Bendigo Braves imports Ivan McFarlin and Luke Meyer have been named in the SEABL east conference all-star five for the second consecutive season.
McFarlin and Meyer join Knox guns CJ Massingale and Lester Strong and Kilsyth’s Tim Lang in the all-star line-up for the 2011 season.

Meyer adds the all-star accolade to his defensive player of the year title, named earlier this week, while McFarlin adds the honour to his league-leading rebound count for both the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

McFarlin was also the only player in the five to receive a perfect 12 out of 12 votes for selection.

Meyer, who played a predominantly defensive role this year, averaged a massive 18.6 points, as well as 5.2 rebounds, including 3.1 defensive rebounds.

McFarlin also posted quality numbers, averaging 16 points and 16.9 rebounds for the season.

Both players will line up in this Saturday’s SEABL national championship against Nunawading at Dandenong Stadium.

The title play-off follows the Braves’ second consecutive east conference win against Knox last weekend.

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SYMES Motors Bendigo Braves import Luke Meyer has earned the South East Australia Basketball League’s east conference defensive player of the year award.

Meyer, who is in his second season with the Braves, has had an outstanding year on court and was a major contributor to Bendigo’s 21-5 season record.

While Meyer averaged 18 points per game and never scored less than double figures, the American’s best form was in defence.

Meyer averaged 3.1 defensive rebounds per game and regularly lined up on the opposition’s toughest players.

His pressure on opposing sides, including a standout performance against CJ Massingale in last Saturday night’s conference final win against Knox, was an example of his ability to turn a game.

Meyer’s all-round play in the play-off victory on the Raiders’ court earned the Braves’ player of the match award.

The athletics forward’s honour follows Braves guard Kevin Probert being named as east conference Youth Player of the Year last week.

The SEABL grand final is the hottest ticket in town, with Bendigo Braves fans snapping up the club’s allocation in just one day.

The Bendigo Braves were the first club to sell out of tickets, according to Dandenong Stadium staff member Kathyrn Ousley.

“We sent out 250 tickets to the club and they have already sold out of their adult allocation,” she said.

“We are just about to send out 30 more tickets to Bendigo.”

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THE Symes Motors Bendigo Braves achieved back-to-back conference championships for the first time as they powered to an 11-point victory in Saturday night’s basketball showdown at Knox Stadium.
A packed stadium, which included more than 300 Braves fans, watched an engrossing battle for the east conference premiership.

Bendigo was never headed on its way to an 81-70 victory and will now meet Nunawading in this Saturday’s duel for the national title at Dandenong Stadium.

A brilliant all-round performance by Luke Meyer against Knox gun CJ Massingale, the rebounding of Ivan McFarlin, and timely shots by the likes of Adam Tanner, Chris Hogan and Kevin Probert were among the many highs in Bendigo’s victory at the Raiders home.

Stung by defeat in the semi-final clash with the Raiders at Bendigo a fortnight earlier, the Ben Harvey-coached Braves led 30-22 at quarter-time as Tanner sunk two three-pointers, big centre Sam Harris was a danger in the key, and McFarlin kept on winning rebounds at both ends of the court.

Knox fought back late in the quarter with consecutive threes by Massingale and John Philip.

This contest was in stark contrast to the previous meeting between the powers as Bendigo rarely allowed the Raiders to get a run-on.

By half-time, Bendigo led 47-39.

Consecutive two-pointers by Lester Strong cut the margin to just four before Probert’s long-range three-pointer sparked one of the biggest roars from the Braves fans and bench.

A Raiders miss was capitalised on by Probert adding another two.

Meyer’s defensive play to thwart Michael Hill on a drive to the basket summed up Bendigo’s intent.

With a quarter to play, Bendigo led 60-53.

The classy John Philip sunk a three and then Strong was just that in the key as he added two more to put Knox within three points.

As they had done all match, the Braves struck back with a three by Chris Hogan and then another two by the skilful forward to lead 70-62 at just over five minutes to go.

Although the Raiders kept scoring they could not stop the Braves in what was Chris Novak’s 200th match with the club.

A Hogan three-pointer sunk any chance of a Raiders fightback, while captain Warren Randall sunk the team’s finals basket on his way to a fourth grand final victory.

Braves’ coach Ben Harvey was rapt about the historic victory.

“Playing Knox is always a great battle,” Harvey said.

“To win here is a fantastic effort.”

The Braves achieved a 21-5 record in the home and away series and belief never wavered, despite Knox leading 2-1 in season meetings between the clubs.

“Everyone contributed to this win.

“I thought Luke Meyer was absolutely sensational. His defensive player against the league’s leading scorer was superb.

“We knew we had to put four quarters together and we did.

“Knox came back at us several times, but we put the gas on.

“I am really proud of the way we played tonight,” the second-year coach said of capturing a 10th conference title – eight as player and two as coach.

For the Braves there is one more win to chase.

“To win the conference is a sensational effort, but the national championship is what we really want.”

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A SEVENTH grand final in eight seasons is a feat Chris Novak will mark when he steps on court for the Symes Motors Bendigo Braves in tomorrow’s basketball showdown at Knox Stadium.
The match carries great significance in Novak’s 200th match for the Braves.

Recruited to the Braves from Knox, the forward has played a big role in the club’s run to a sixth conference grand final in seven seasons.

He rates tomorrow night’s battle on the Raiders court as one of the biggest challenges in his time with the Braves.

“Knox has been beaten at home just three times this season and has won five games in a row,” Novak said.

“Any match at Knox is always tough, especially a final.”

Despite facing an opposition boasting the height, skill and experience from the likes of C.J. Massingale, Cameron Rigby, Lester Strong, Sean Carroll and Michael Hill, the Braves’ veteran and his team-mates are is not daunted by the task ahead.

“Knox played really well to beat us at home (82-74) a couple of weeks ago, but we have learnt a lot from that match.

“C.J. Massingale was brilliant in that match,” Novak said.

“We have been working on a few strategies, but know it will be team defence, not just one player, that has to stop C.J.”

When on court, Novak will be opposed to Lester Strong or to Cam Rigby, who was a team-mate of Novak’s in a Braves conference championship-winning squad.

The ability of the Ben Harvey-coached Braves to rebound from defeat was shown by racing to a 20-point lead at half-time of last Saturday night’s home-court final against Kilsyth Cobras.

Although the Cobras fought back brilliantly, Bendigo steadied to win by six points.

Novak’s 10-year stint in the SEABL tipped off with Mt Gambier in 2002.

A knee injury meant Novak did not play the following season and he then had a one-season stint with Knox before being lured to Bendigo by then-coach Wayne Larkins.

Originally from Yeppoon in Queensland, Novak played with the Townsville Crocodiles before lining up in the SEABL action.

He rates Shawn Redhage as the best Brave he has played with

A team-mate of the past two seasons, Ivan McFarlin was another to be highly-rated by Novak.

“His rebounding is remarakble,” Novak said of McFarlin’s play.

“He is the best rebounding player I’ve played with.”

Bendigo is now home for Novak and his wife, Kate. Away from the basketball court, Novak is a physical education and science teacher at Weeroona College in White Hills.

Tomorrow night’s play at Knox tips off at 6pm when the Raiders take on Kilsyth in the women’s preliminary final.

The winner will take on Dandenong Rangers in the championship decider. Knox and the Bendigo Braves clash from 8pm.

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