After being promoted into Victoria’s top basketball league last season, the opening round represented a venture into the unknown for Shepparton.
It defended its home turf admirably in its first game against Wyndham, which finished top of the ladder last season and ultimately defeated the Gators.
Then, they travelled to Port Vale for their first away game and picked up an ugly, but tough win, their first in the championship in about two decades.
Head coach Josh Waight was absent for both games, coaching at state level, but liked what he saw from afar.
“I was really happy with our performance,” Waight said.
“We identified a lot of things we did well and things we need to improve on.
“We competed for the whole game both games, we probably just need to tidy up our offence in crucial moments and get the right guys the right shots.
“It was very exciting to get that first win and it’s always tough on the back-end of a back-to-back away from home.”
Just like Willie Nelson, the Gators are on the road again this weekend, taking on Camberwell on Saturday, April 13, at 8pm at the Boroondara Sports Complex.
Camberwell suffered a 25-point defeat to Keysborough in its season opener.
Camberwell finished seventh last season and Keysborough finished fourth.
“I just think it wasn’t their night,” Waight said.
“We’ve got to show up and be ready to play, they’re a talented side and are at this level for a reason.”
New Zealand sharpshooter Dylan Wilkie was the standout player for Shepparton in the first two games, scoring 31 points and splashing seven threes combined across the two games.
In the lead-up to the first game, Kiwi import Josh Kooiman, Canadian import Jayden Coke, American import Devin Thomas and Benalla big man Lachlan Kego were projected to start for Shepparton.
The fifth starting spot at shooting guard was a toss up between Wilkie and the two local boys, captain Matt Bartlett and Tom Frame.
In the end, it was Frame who got the nod in both games.
In the second game, Kego was switched out for last year’s defensive player of the year, Shepparton’s Nick Dodd.
Waight said he expected the team to continue to change and it was a great opportunity to try out different player combinations.
“We’re a team that always plays our best basketball towards the end of the season,” Waight said.
“I thought the new boys did a great job, it’s hard to come into a team and gel immediately and we’re just going to get better as a group.”
The Gators stay on the road for another game before returning to Shepparton Sports Stadium to face Bellarine on Saturday, April 27 at 7pm.
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