Sport
12 December, 2023
Basketball Horsham celebrate 70 years
Horsham Amatuer Basketball Association celebrated its 70th anniversary on Saturday night in front of a huge crowd at the Hornets nest.
In a big night for the club, they also celebrated their 2003 and 2008 premiership reunions and everyone was treated to a tight contest in both the women's and men's matches.
The Hornets women headed into their match against Mt Gambier needing a win and they secured a 68-61 victory.
With both Maddison and Ema Iredell returning to the lineup, the Hornets got off to a sluggish start trailing 23-11 at quarter time.
The second quarter the team started to get their chemistry with fast ball movement and they outscored their opponents by nine points to trail by three at half time.
A tight third quarter saw the Hornets take the lead, 50-48 at three quarter time.
With a lot on the line, the Hornets dug deep with some clutch shots by the Iredell sisters and Olivia Jones to win by seven points.
Maddison Iredell led the way with 23 points whilst Emalie scored 20 and Jones 17. Tamara Ludekens and Cara Tippet also hit the scoreboard with five and three points respectively.
The win moves them to third on the ladder.
The Hornets men couldn't get across the line in Damien Skurrie's 150th match, losing by eight points, 70-78.
It was tight first quarter with both teams going into quarter time 12 a-piece. The second quarter wasn't much different with the Hornets going into half time with a one point lead. The third quarter, like the first, was all square with 17 a-piece and with the Hornets remaining in the lead by one point, a tight last quarter was expected.
The Hornets fell away in the last to lose by eight points. Austin McKenzie continues his strong season with 29 points and in a good sign, Mitch Martin looks to be starting to hit his straps with 16 points.
Coach Scott Benbow said the night was huge.
"I thought it was a pretty good night. There was a lot to celebrate with things going on everywhere and it was massive for the club," he said.
When asked how he felt when he presented Damien Skurrie with his 150th plaque, Benbow said it was an honour.
"It was a massive honour. He is such a great player and great human being," he said.
"The backstory to where he got to where he is and to still be playing since 2008 and continuing to be a backgone to the side is well deserved.
"When he came to town he played footy and basketball and the last couple of years he has had health issues with major surgery and it looked like he wasn't going to make it back but with hard work, he has and it's a true testament to his character. The guys love him."
Benbow spoke about the game and noted they let themselves down defensively but liked what he saw offensively from Austin McKenzie and Mitch Martin.
"Mt Gambier are a very good side. They made shots when it counted and we missed a lot of shots and turned it over a couple of times and they capitlised on it," he said.
"It was a massive offensive game from McKenzie. Cody didn't have the stops he had so McKenzie was really impressive. They are a big side.
"Mitch Martin has been close to breaking out for weeks with balls rattling in and out and not dropping and I am pretty sure he has turned the corner as they were starting to drop."
The Hornets remain on top of the ladder but now share it with Mt Gambier.
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