After a week off due to venue availability the Southland Sharks Summer League returns Thursday evening at ILT Stadium Southland with the final round robin games to decide the seedings for next week's semi-finals.
In the 6pm game, undefeated Team Orange lines up against Team White. Orange has two solid wins under its belt and will be looking to sweep the other teams and cement its position as the team to beat. For White, it's a chance for the under-19 group to make a case for selection for next year's Southland age group line-up and push for Sharks' pre-season spots.
Then Team Black and Team Blue will square off from 7:30pm. Black have lost the services of stand-out player and 2017 SIT Zero Fees Southland Shark Connor Coll, who suffered a leg injury over the weekend which will see him miss the rest of the competition. This game is likely to be used as an opportunity for younger squad members to have a good run with coaches Dan Peck and Frank Bennett keen to see how the young talent matches up against each other.
Another feature to look out for will be the Team Blue playing kit. Word on the street is that some old-school Sharks unies could be making an appearance.
SBA Development Officer Dan Peck is looking forward to another interesting night of hoops. "With only five rounds each week is a chance for players to state their case for selection. I think we're all excited to see who puts their hands up," Peck said.
Meanwhile the standard of play in the inaugural Summer League has impressed Sharks Head Coach Judd Flavell.
"It really started as a conversation between Dan and myself in the office during the Sharks' season and it was something we thought would keep the Sharks name out there and create an environment where the Sharks players can continue to play," he said.
"Having the young fellas step in and really challenge in their first taste of next level basketball, stepping outside of age group basketball and then having guys that have been around the scene for years and formerly with the Sharks has worked really well."
"I really believe it is something that has the potential to grow even more ever year and it will mean, not just the Sharks will be in good hands but also local basketball and the Southland rep programme as well," Flavell said.
SHARKS SUMMER LEAGUE WEEK 3
At ILT Stadium Southland, Court 1
6:00pm - Team Orange (2-0) v Team White (1-1)
7:30pm - Team Blue (1-1) v Team Black (0-2)
Entry is free.