Basketball
19 August, 2024
Benbow returns to coach Hornets, women's team withdrawn from upcoming season
Scott Benbow has been appointed Horsham Hornets coach, with Matt Lovel as his assistant following a great season last year in the Country Basketball League, where they came runners-up to Mount Gambier. In sad news, the HABA Board has made the difficult decision not to enter the CBL Women's team in the 2024 season due to player availability.
Benbow brings back a similar team, with Austin McKenzie, Cody Bryan, Mitch Martin, Matt Lovel, and Jake Hobbs among the core. Damian Skurrie retired, and Matt Brown left to join the army.
Benbow will be looking to bring in talented teenagers, such as Michael Livingston and Charlie Campbell, as an injection of youth could help propel them to the next step.
Benbow said he had to go through the process and was hopeful he would be reappointed.
"The boys wanted me back, which is good, and feeling like you are wanted makes it more enjoyable," Benbow said.
"Every year, you go through the process, and it's my passion, so I am looking forward to it."
They had tryouts on Sunday, and this Sunday, they will have tryouts again, during which he will get an idea of who will make the team.
While Benbow would like to take the next step this season, in a revamped season with many double headers, the first goal is to make the finals. The Grand Final will be played on December 14.
"The first goal is to make the finals as every side improves, and we want to lock in a top two spot as a home final will be a dream, and we can go from there," Benbow said.
"We have a deep roster, and we loved the double-headers last season, and knowing there is more this season, it suits us as the boys are fit and can run out games."
The CBL starts in October, and the fixture will be released today.
Women's team withdrawn due to lack of numbers
The Horsham Hornets are committed to excellence and growth in the Country Basketball League (CBL). After careful consideration, the HABA Board has made the difficult decision not to enter the CBL Women's team in the 2024 season due to player availability.
While this decision was not easy, it presents an exciting opportunity for us to focus on building a stronger, more competitive team for the future. We are already setting our sights on the 2025 season and will begin scouting early in the new year to ensure that we return to the court with renewed energy and determination.
Our Hornets Men’s team will still be competing in the 2024 CBL season, and we’re excited for what’s to come. This season will look a little different as it will be completed before Christmas, so we hope to see The Nest packed out every weekend to support the boys. Keep an eye out for tryout dates, which will be announced shortly.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our players, fans, and community for their unwavering support of our CBL women’s program. The HABA is eager to continue fostering talent and creating a pathway for women’s basketball in Horsham, and we look forward to an exciting comeback in 2025.