Local boys shine in Deni basketball

By Kimberly Grabham

Young Hay boys Seth May, Kobe Payne, Ned Williamson, Cody Pearson, Thomas Maloney, and Max Hutchings have travelled to Deni every Wednesday night to play in the men’s open B grade competition. They made it all the way to the grand final, and narrowly lost by two points.

Having never had coaching or played as a team in basketball before, the boys spend many hours together during the week practicing at the Hay Park basketball court.

“The competition was strong and the boys definitely came in with full expectations that they may be beaten every week, but they were very keen,” said Seth’s mother, Jenelle Sneddon.

“Each week they improved out of sight. They watched other games and learned from other adults how to put drills into play.

“John Arthur of Deniliquin stadium helped from day one, giving sideline line coaching and pep talks.”

The team made it into the finals placing fourth, which meant a fight against the Deni Giants inter town basketball team.

After a gruelling game and their best play of the competition, the team won 29 to 27 to make it through to the grand final.

At the grand final, they were up against 2023 premiers.

“It was an extremely tough game and they held their own,” Jenelle said.

“Half time the boys were up by six points but unfortunately the other side was too experienced and they lost by two points.

Seth’s mother, Jenelle Sneddon has faithfully taken the Hay members of the team to Deniliquin each week, to ensure they can play the game they love.

“I have accompanied this group to Deni and back each week.

“These boys have the most amazing friendships and I see it week after week. It has been my privilege to take such a well-mannered, fun group over to Deni.

“The improvement has been incredible and more so the encouragement they give each other.

“I have constantly had people tell me how great the group of boys are and their respect for other teams, coaches and each other.

“The laugher, banter and pure mate-ship is second to none with these boys and I could not be prouder of them all. To go from underdogs to grand finalists is an amazing. ”

Jenelle laughingly told the boys if they make it to the grand final she would take them to a NBL game in Bendigo, and believes that this may have been part of the motivation and drive for the boys to make it.

Congratulations team, and to Jenelle for going the extra mile to make sure these boys got to play the sport they love.

Back: Oliver Ives (Deni), Thomas Ives (Deni). Ned Williamson, Cody Pearson. Front: Seth May, Thomas Maloney, Max Hutchings, Kobe Payne. Image: Jenelle Sneddon.