Sport
New signings tip the scales
Tuesday 25 March, 2008 12:00am
REIGNING State League champions the Penrith Panthers will open the 2008 State League Basketball competition when they take on the Hawkesbury Jets at the Nepean Valley Regional Sports Centre at Cambridge Park on Sunday, March 30.
But the reigning champions are considered long shots to repeat their 2007 success.
The Panthers will also start underdogs against Hawkesbury, despite the Jets reputation as a club still trying to find its feet.
The two clubs have had a role reversal this year, after the Jets signed three new players which has brought a new depth to the team.
Two of the Jets' new signings came directly from Penrith star forward Ben Hawkesley and outstanding guard Rhys Daley.
In addition, former Panther and Springwood Scorchers guard Robert Crane has signed for the Jets, in what can only be described as the most astute recruitment program of the off-season by the Hawkesbury Association.
Penrith head coach Jeff Cooper has called up Angus Brandt and Terry Mortimer from Penrith Youth League team to fill the vacancies.
