Youth policy for Slammers

Nine new faces have been included in the Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers squad ahead of this weekend’s Pre-Season Blitz, as the club fights to erase the legacy of back-toback wooden spoons.

Coach Greg Worthington has flagged the lightning style pre-season carnival, that will see the Slammers play four games in two days, as an opportunity for the club’s young talent to impress.

Captain Trent Worthington and guards Anton Fimmano and Nat van Dijk are the only players from South West’s 2011 roster that will take part this weekend.

New imports Carlos White and Senario Hillman have been included in the squad.

All 14 State Basketball League franchises will join four WA Under 18 State teams at the tournament.

The Slammers begin their campaign on Saturday with games against SBL powerhouses Goldfields Giants and Perry Lakes Hawks.

Theywill clash with the State Country Under 18 team on Sunday morning, before a bout with Stirling Senators that afternoon.

Greg Worthington said the Slammers’ youth stocks would be given a chance to stake their claim for a regular season berth this weekend.

He highlighted teenage forward Mitch Bradbury, as well as swingman Dylan Ness and Josh Branchi as names to watch.

The Blitz is the first official hit-out for the trio.

‘‘It’s pretty exciting. They’re all upand- coming players. Dylan and Mitch have been the two standout juniors in the two practice games we’ve played,’’ Worthington said.

‘‘I’m just looking forward to them getting challenged by the Giants and the Hawks — the higher competition — and see how they do there.’’

Worthington said his side, that has tasted victory only once in the last two seasons, would be looking for wins to build confidence ahead of the home-and-away season.

Each team will play four games over the course of the weekend.

The format will see each game consist of two 20-minute halves, with the clock only stopping in the last three minutes of each half.

Both teams will only be allowed to call one time-out.

Basketball WA competition’s manager Christian Rice said the shortened format, without finals, will allow teams to rotate players more andwas awinner for the Country clubs.

‘‘The benefit of this format is that it is a lot quicker and allows teams to play more games, see different teams and the fans also get to watch more games over the course of the weekend in a quick and exciting format,’’ he said.

Slammers men squad: Carlos White, Senario Hillman, Trent Worthington (c), Wade Hitchcock, Anton Fimmano, Luke Deighton, Dylan Ness, Mitch Bradbury, Tim Collins, Josh Branchi, James Goodlad, Nat van Dijk.

Women: Bianca Donovan, Cara Hargreaves, Zoe Harper, Ellie Deighton, Valerie Ogoke, Taylah Kemp, Beck Preston, Danielle Anaru, Danelle Wallam, Catherine Waycott, Christie Jetta, Christie Larsen, Lisa Cartwright, Rochelle Cloke, Valerie Ogoke.