Newlands UNIDOS

Welcome to your weekly Newlands Unidos Equipos de Baloncesto (Newlands Basketball Teams) update. We are Coburg Basketball Association’s newest club, and we are thrilled to be part of the local basketball community representing The Newlands values each week. You may have seen the gym busy with players practicing their skills in the mornings with Players First, or our teams training with their coaches on a Thursday or F. Perhaps you’ve seen our fabulous uniforms? Either way, we are here, wrapped to be part of the school community and look forward to sharing news and information with you all each week! 

Week 3 Match Round Up  

This week, Newlands Unidos Equipos de Baloncesto lined up for Round 3. After ANZAC day and then a bye, some teams were not only playing their second ever match together, but also their first in the brand new “Unidos” uniform. The excitement amongst the teams (and parents!) was next level!

Las Gatas - Under 8 Girls

An awesome third game for Las Gatas. And while we didn't win, the real wins were having every player on the court and having a turn with the ball.

We also scored our first basket — thanks to Elowen Hemingway! And most importantly, we're seeing some awesome teamwork with lots of great passing and sharing among the players.

Los Lobos - Under 8 Boys/Mixed 

Perhaps the only Unidos team that has had a chant made for it? Thanks to Christian (Albie's Dad) for putting it together! Check it out here. 

This week saw a close tussle between two very evenly matched teams. It was a 0-0 draw, but lots of close shots on goal that nearly rolled in, along with good passing moments and skill work. It's fantastic to see the boys cheering each other from the bench (literally chanting their team mates names!) and genuinely having lots of fun on the court while they learn the rules! 

Las Leonas - Under 10 Girls

After two weeks without a match, it’s fair to say the Leonas were ready and ROARING to play this week. Ada was sidelined due to injury, but stepped up as Assistant Coach, delivering great insights and training ideas to prepare us for the games ahead. Our two weeks of training at Coburg High courts clearly paid off, with the girls implementing exactly what they had practiced - high passes, low passes, bounce passes, always looking for a team mate. This was combined with great defensive skills, keeping their hands up to block shots, intercepting the ball, going for the rebounds and fast breaks towards the attacking side. Our first win for the season, 10-4 against Brunswick Magic!

Las Panteras - Under 10 Boys

Las Panteras played really well against a tough team who had been playing together for 4 seasons! The improvement from game one was massive. Some highlights included - our first scoring from Art & Hank, fantastic movement of the ball into the attacking half, huge improvements in defense, rebounds and some great intercepting. It was really lovely to see the kids looking after one another on the court after a few bumps & falls. 

Las Tigresas - Under 12 Girls

The girls played well this week against tough opposition and despite losing 24 to 8, there were some great 2nd half goals from Hazel. Aviva was identified by the opposing team as a strong player so she had a defender on her for most of the game. We have some players away at the moment for the team so there is lots of running and little chance for subs, so we are loving the timeouts! Coach Louisa is drawing up inbound passing plays for future games - the defence will not know what has hit them! Just like the other Unidos teams we love watching the girls support and encourage one another during the games, no matter the end result! Vamos Las Tigresas!  

Las Halcones - Under 12 Boys

Despite a tough 60–6 loss to the Chicago Bulls in their final grading game on the weekend, the Halcones are far from defeated. While the scoreboard may have stung, the team knows this is all part of their Rocky-style montage phase, the part where champions are built. Right now, it’s all about running up the metaphorical steps, hitting the metaphorical slabs of meat, and putting in the hard work before the real season begins. Every missed shot, every hard lesson, and every tough quarter is helping shape the Halcones into a stronger, tougher and more united team ready for Round 1.