ABA 2024-25: President Darren Berry excited for another highly anticipated season in association’s 70th year

The Albany Basketball Association is set for another huge season across all junior and senior grades in its 70th year. More than 230 teams will hit the courts for the 2024-25 season with 67 senior teams filtering through nine grades, with 166 junior teams competing in 26 grades. The season will start on Monday, October 7 with the A-grade competitions to tip off in their usual Tuesday night slot at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre. ABA president Darren Berry said while the numbers are down slightly on last season and both A-grade competitions have been reduced from eight teams to six, the sport is still in a very healthy position. “We’re pretty well maxed out anyway so it’s not going to hurt having slightly fewer teams to make it a bit more manageable,” he said. “We’ve got 10 affiliated clubs now, so hopefully if we give it a bit of time it’ll stabilise and everyone will be able to establish a junior program to build up and get their A-grade teams going. “I think across the board, basketball is still one of the highest participating sports going around so it’s still pretty strong. The development of the game is working in the right direction. “Probably the one disappointing thing we have lost this year is the Year 11/12 girls.” The ABA is optimistic of hosting an NBL1 match between Perry Lakes and Perth Redbacks after foiled attempts in previous years. “It’s still in the pipeline and I’m lining up a meeting with the NBL1 in Perth,” he said. “Redbacks and Perry Lakes are both keen and interested in doing something. “So we’re just trying to work it in with their scheduling and availability to get funding from the government.” NAIDOC Round and Pink Round will again be highlights this season and Berry said the awards night at the end of the campaign is expected to be one of the biggest yet to mark the 70-year celebrations. The ABA are always on the hunt for more umpires and are hosting an umpire beginner course on Saturday with registrations available on the association’s Facebook page.