The Eltham Wildcats unveil Youth League squads for the 2023 Big V season.
The Eltham Wildcats have two U23 Youth League teams that compete in the elite senior Big V basketball league during the winter. The Youth League teams serve as a pathway for Wildcat junior players to transition into senior basketball utilising the U23 Youth competitions as a steppingstone to NBL1 and other elite senior levels.
Eltham Wildcat CEO Connor Matthews is excited for both Youth Teams and their 2023 campaigns.
“The Wildcats are putting out an impressive line-up in both the Youth Women and Mens program this year. Filled with the most talented Eltham Juniors and some exciting additions we are incredibly proud of the rosters that have been put together and the quality of individuals within the program. We look forward to both teams competing for Finals position and hopefully a Championship.”
The women will compete in the Youth League 1 Division and continue to build a successful program behind the appointment of new Head Coach Scott Delzoppo. He [Delzoppo] takes the reigns from D’Wayne Hogan and will continue to build on the program’s success with a versatile group while providing a successful pathway for players.
“The Eltham Wildcats Women’s Youth League team for 2023 has size, speed, shooters, experience and the motivation at the highest level of Big V Youth League Women’s basketball. The Eltham junior pathway has prepared our players well and we have added new talent to complement the team. All are committed to pushing up the ladder and setting the best example to Eltham senior players of the future. We will play team first basketball but also provide an opportunity for individual talent to shine. Eltham Wildcats have created a great development system with the Youth League team training and aligned with the NBL1 team, we are working together for success now and into the future.”
Youth Women Roster
Jess Del Brocco
Lilly Armor
Jamie Weddle
Meghan Stagoll
Anna Burrows
Kiara Mountford
Ruth Burrows
Kiara Ferronato
Reese Cameron
Claudia Hii
Stephanie Fell
Charli Filliponi-Haines
Mia Delzoppo
Neala Hameister
Head Coach
Scott Delzoppo
Team Manager
Linda Mountford
The Youth Men will compete in the highest youth league division, the Victorian Youth Championship Men. Coach Rod Degenhardt is eager to for his group to take another step this year after narrowly missing out on the finals in 2022.
“The Eltham Wildcats Youth League Men’s team promises to be an exciting prospect in 2023. With a core group of returning players who bleed black & red plus the addition of some fast developing Eltham juniors coming in from the clubs u18 and u20 teams, the clubs development pathway continues to deliver athletes ready to step up to the next level.
“The size, length and athleticism of this years Youth League Men’s group will be a handful for opposition teams and the fast paced game style is sure to deliver an entertaining and exciting gameday experience. We welcome Wildcats families down to see our elite u23 athletes playing against the best players Victoria has to offer. Show our Eltham juniors the pathway to senior basketball, enjoy this high flying group in action and come and say hi to the players after game. We hope to see you there in 2023 with our season opener on the 25th March at Eltham High School.”
Youth Men Roster
Alek Bandilovski
Chan Nai
Daniel Barker
David Mutadzja
Harry Stones
James Toohey
Josh Campbell
Matt Debney
Mitchell Blackburn
Noah Todd
Riley Castles
Zac Anderson
Zahn Agosta
Zak Cunningham
Head Coach
Rod Degenhardt
Assistant Coach
Leighton Lewis
Assistant Coach
Andrew Dixon
Team Manager/Development Coach
Jhye Burton
The Big V season tips off on Saturday March 18th when the Youth Men play the Sandringham Sabres at Eltham High School while the Youth Women will play their first home opener on Saturday the 25th March against the Craigieburn Eagles.
You can support our Youth League teams by purchasing an Eltham Wildcat Big V Membership and receive entry to all Wildcat home games, exclusive access to clinics and much more. Buy now: https://elthamwildcats.com.au/big-v-membership/
