By Dion Stergiopoulos
After months of intense preparation, it was time to hit the hardwood as St George Basketball’s Senior Reps began their quest for championship glory on Saturday, March 22.
With pre-season in the rear-view mirror, it was finally time for live Basketball at Hurstville Aquatic and Leisure Centre (home of the Saints), and fans were treated with four straight games from their Senior Representatives.
The Waratah League Men’s White team brought some high expectations into the new season on the back of a very strong off-season, despite entering a rebuilding phase, focusing on the future with a lot of younger talent while still maintaining some senior leadership within the squad.
Tragedy struck early for St George with star player Jayden Tanevski struck down with an illness prior to tip off against Wagga Wagga Heat.
Tanevski was the team’s top scorer last season averaging over 30 points per game and is one of their key players.
Despite this setback, the Saints remained competitive, going toe to toe with the Heat as the game went down to the wire.
During the closing stages, the youthful Saints squad was unfortunately outmatched by the Heat; in particular their two star import players with their class and ability on full display for the fans.
In the end, the Heat were too much for the inexperienced Saints, running away with the 89-74 victory on the road. Yianni Trikilis top scored for the Saints with 24 points.
Although the result was unfavourable, St George head coach George Aliferis was incredibly proud of his team’s efforts and is excited for the rest of the season.
“I was very proud of the effort shown by our boys throughout the game,” Coach Aliferis said.
“We are playing in a league where a lot of the players are semi-professional, and our young team showed a lot of courage out on the court.”
The Saints are back at home this weekend, firstly with an interclub rivalry against St George Saints Red on Saturday, March 29 and then on Sunday, March 30 against Inner West Bulls, with both games live at Hurstville Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
St George Saints Senior Reps results – 22 March 2025
Youth League Mens
- St George Saints Red 128 – 61 Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Spiders Black
- St George Saints White 74 – 85 West Sydney Wolves
Youth League Womens
- Moss Vale Magic 59 – 52 St George Saints
Waratah League Mens
- St George Saints White 74 – 89 Wagga Wagga Heat
- St George Saints Red 91 – 93 Blacktown Storm
