BASKETBALL Wagga will ramp up its quest to build up its player ranks as a return time frame for women's side Wagga Blaze remains a work in progress.
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The Blaze withdrew from last year's Waratah League competition due to a lack of players, and the competition ultimately didn't run after only three teams applied to play due to COVID restrictions.
Basketball Wagga won't rush the team's return until the time is right, and have applied most of their focus to developing a new generation of players in both the male and female ranks.
A strong group of girls is about to step up into the under-18 bracket next year in a good sign for the senior program in the future, while a number of Wagga players have been accepted into the Southern Sports Academy's under-16 and under-18 programs.
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Basketball NSW is also yet to confirm the format for women's state league competitions next year, and there is a possibility an under-20 league will be introduced.
Basketball Wagga events coordinator Isabelle Forbes said a focus on building from the grassroots up is front of mind, with the Aussie Hoops program targeted at new players at the entry level to be revived.
"We will be recommencing Aussie Hoops and things like that, the programs for the really young players," she said.
"We've got the courts booked for Tuesdays and Fridays, so we're in the planning stages for things we can run there, and we're encouraging more people to get involved and volunteer."
Wagga Basketball recently appointed current Heat player-coach Zac Maloney as their coaching development manager in an effort to get more people involved.
The Heat will hold their first player trials on November 20 at Bolton Park, while Heat and Blaze junior trials are scheduled for November 7 at Equex Stadium.
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