Record number of teams registered for second straight season in Albany Basketball Association

The Albany Basketball Association continues to grow, with a record number of teams registered for the 2020-21 season.

The ABA gained 16 extra teams to have 237 teams registered for the season that begins next week.

The men’s A-grade competition will consist of nine teams again, after last season dropping to seven.

Railways Tigers, Barking Owls, Ambassadors, Tigers and Raiders under-18s all remain from 2019-20.

Denmark Magpies, Infernos, Sonics and Albany Sharks have all join the A-grade competition.

The men’s A-grade champions of the last three seasons, Knights, will not field a team while Blazers have also dropped out.

The women’s A-grade remains a four-team competition but is also missing last season’s premiers in Kinjarling Storm.

Newly formed club Sonics will join the women’s A-grade ranks while existing teams Valkyries, Crystal Blues and Raiders under-18s will all play again.

ABA president Rob Whalley said support had been incredible.

“Basketball is getting bigger and bigger each year which is fantastic,” he said.

“We are growing in age groups both ways as well, by adding a Year 3 competition along with a women’s vets comp.

“There has been a bit of movement in the men’s A-grade but it’s great to have all three clubs in Railways, Infernos and Sonics represented.”

The men’s B-grade continues to be a pillar of strength for the association with three separate divisions.

Men’s B-grade division 1 consists of six teams, division two has eight, and division three will be made up of 13.

The women’s B-grade competition will be combined this season as it stands, with 14 teams.

Men’s and women’s A-grade will remain on Tuesday night and all competitive grades will be played Monday to Wednesday while most primary school children will play on Saturdays.

The first three weeks of fixtures have been released with games beginning next week, October 12.

A total of 120 registrations have been received for the 14-week Aussie Hoops program on Saturday mornings.