The Craigieburn men’s basketball side didn’t know what to expect after being demoted.
After struggling the past season in Big V division 1, the Eagles were relegated to division 2. Despite unfamiliarity with the opposition they have started the season in great form to have a 6-1 record.
On Saturday night, the Eagles knocked off the previously undefeated Western Port 84-71.
After being close for most of the game, the Eagles got on top late in the third quarter and then controlled the last to secure the win.
Jonathan Maybank top-scored with 28 points and had 11 rebounds.
Coach Denis McNamara said he was pleased with how the season had started.
“We didn’t know what to expect – the playing ability of the competition after coming from a stronger division,” he said.
“The first eight or nine weeks are about seeing all the other teams and working out where we are and how we fit in.”
With the retirement of three players from the past season’s team, McNamara has turned to youth.
“The young guys are stepping up and are doing really well,” he said.
“The most pleasing thing is that they are Craigieburn locals – we are developing younger players.”
Among those who have stepped up are Liam Watt and Jae Dickinson.
Another who has stood out for the Eagles is Maybank.
The American is the cousin of Hume City Broncos star Jermaine Maybank, and has another cousin playing basketball for Bulleen.
“He turned up at the tryouts and fitted in really well,” McNamara said.
“He was staying with his cousin for three months, but enjoyed it so much he extended his visa.
“Normally, you find with imports that you have to go find them and are paying them lots of money.”
The Craigieburn women’s side lost on Saturday night to Latrobe City 70-60.
The Eagles were outscored in each of the first three quarters before going point-for-point with Latrobe City in the final quarter.
Carli Norman top-scored for the Eagles, her 14 points joining seven rebounds.
