Shark to Attack Big V All Stars
By Ryan Mobilia
Division One Big V player Carl Arts has been rewarded for his outstanding play this season with a place in the 2009 Big V All Star Game.
The 23 year old 210cm (6’6”) forward and Southern Peninsula import is the only player not to be selected from the elite Championship Division.
A four year College basketball standout with the University of Alaska-Anchorage, Arts recently finished his playing career with the Seawolves as the third leading scorer and rebounder of all time.
Arts has starred for the Sharks this season averaging close to 30 points and 14 rebounds a game.
His first game of the season saw him score a season high 46 points against Whittlesea and his 2009 Big V résumé also includes games of 20 and 21 rebounds respectively.
The All Star Game, to be played as part of the McDonald’s National Junior Classic on Sunday June 7, at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, will feature the stars of Big V’s Championship Division going head to head.
At first surprised by the news of his inclusion, Arts explains he was excited when told by his coach.
“It is going to be a great chance for me to play against elite competition.” Said Arts.
When asked to describe his thoughts on the opportunity to represent an entire Division, Arts expressed, “It made me feel special.”
“I feel very privileged to play a level above what I’m playing right now. So it certainly makes me feel appreciated a lot more and that they’ve recognised the hard work that you’ve done.”
The All Star teams will be made up of players from the North-West and South-East regions, which will include both current and former National Basketball League stars Daryl Corletto, Rhys Carter and Damon Lowery.
Unfamiliar with most of the players who will be involved in the game, Arts says he does know some of the guys and follows the progress of a couple of the Championship teams.
“I like to see players I played with and against in college, how they’re doing.”
His former college team mate Ivan Platenik, now playing for the Waverley Falcons, will line up alongside Arts.
“It’ll be great to have the opportunity to play one more game with him.”
Player Sam Belt of Ringwood, who will be representing the South-East team, is another person whom Arts has a history.
“I played against him in college. In the ‘Elite Eight’ in my senior year… so that’ll be pretty cool to play him again.”
In terms of the prospects of his Southern Peninsula team so far this season, Arts believes the Sharks could be doing a little better, but sees hope in their 6-7 season thus far.
“I think as a team we are starting to gel a little bit more.”
He understands that Division One is not the highest playing level possible and this is reflected in his basketball goals for the future.
“To get to the next level, whether it’s championship or SEABL, just continue to get better and continue improving.”
And as for his short time living as an import in Australia, Arts admits he is cherishing the opportunity.
“Oh it’s awesome. It’s been everything I’ve expected.
“To play in another country is nice, but to play in am English speaking country is really nice. It makes things a lot easier and you can really bond with your team mates a lot better.”
The All Star teams are;
North / West Men
Coach Steve Smith
Daryl Corletto (Melbourne)
Daniel Johnson (Melbourne
Matt O'Hea (Melbourne)
Ivan Platenik (Waverley)
James Orr (Waverley)
Jermaine Maybank (Hume City)
Michael Petridis (Hume City)
Damon Lowery (Eltham)
Luke Egan (Eltham)
Carl Arts (special inclusion Southern Peninsula)
South / East Men
Coach Ken Harrington (Ringwood)
Adrian Sturt (Melbourne)
Glen Barlow (Latrobe City)
Sam Belt (Ringwood)
Vashon Weaver (Latrobe City)
Luke McMillan (Ringwood)
Luke O'Hea (Ringwood)
Rhys Carter (Latrobe City)
Matthew Snowball (Ringwood)
Jeff Reid (Latrobe City)
Willie Weimer (Ringwood)
North / West Women
Coach Warren Taylor (Hume City)
Sharin Milner (Hume City)
Katrina Hibbert (Hume City)
Tenille Cann (Hume City)
Lauren Bennett (Hume City)
Carmen Weaver (Diamond Valley)
Jayde Tyrrell (Diamond Valley)
Megan McIntyre (Diamond Valley)
Jess Kelly (Eltham)
Hannah Pickford (Eltham)
Danielle Fidge (Diamond Valley)
South / East
Coach Sarah Nobbs (Melbourne)
Julie Brookhouse (Waverley)
Brooke McKay (Waverley)
Alex Lough (Waverley)
Candice Rogers (Bulleen)
Lisa Pardon (Bulleen)
Audrey Muse (Geelong)
Maddy Taylor (Geelong)
Hope Terdich (Melbourne)
Bec Campagli (Melbourne)
Meagan Green (Bulleen)
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