It’s been five years since young female basketballers in the town had a tangible pathway they could aspire to reach.
Echuca-Moama Basketball Association president Lisa Baker is always excited about what’s happening on the courts.
But there’s a sense of pride when she discusses the team’s return.
“It will show the under-16 and 18 girls there’s somewhere to go after under-18s,” Baker said.
“The men have their CBL team, which is great, and they’re quite strong every year with numbers.
“But this year the under-18 girls or top-age 16s can go, ‘Excellent, there’s something we can strive for.’”
The pathway is really the focus at the moment.
These Pirates will be young and coming up against more experienced opponents.
Baker said “a few wins would be great”, with success set to perhaps be more of an exception and not the rule.
Though the Pirates are inexperienced at the senior level, coach Regan Smith feels his young charges have one useful tool.
“We’re quite fortunate that we have a lot of length,” he said.
“Using that length to disrupt in the full court will be our main focus as we start to build towards the future as well.”
At just 27, Smith has already built an impressive coaching resume.
Two weeks ago, he was announced as Victoria Country’s new under-16 development coach.
He’s a bit of a basketball maniac, also coaching a Bendigo Braves under-16 boys side and set to play for the Pirates men.
Sunday will be pretty busy then, as Smith leads the women in their first home game of the season before playing in the men’s opener straight after.
The draw has turned out nicely for EMBA as it looks forward to a rare Pirate double header.
“We’d absolutely love a big crowd to come and support the men’s and women's teams, that would be amazing,” Baker said.
“Hopefully, all the junior Pirates come, wear their gear, and help get our teams over the line.”
The Echuca Pirates women begin their season on Saturday against Seymour, before another quirk in the draw sees them at home the day after for the home opener.
And it gets stranger, as they’re playing the same opponent twice in under 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the Pirates men also open against Seymour, from 1pm on Sunday at Echuca Stadium.
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