Two unbeaten teams, Gippsland United and Coburg, both sitting at 7-0, will meet this weekend in a highly anticipated battle for the top of the table, Big V Division 1 Men's matchup.
Gippsland United comes into the matchup with a strong sense of purpose following last season’s Grand Final loss to RMIT. The team has retained its core group of players, to give them depth on the court to drive them forward.
Ben Barlow, team leader for Gippsland knows they have had a solid start to the year, “Our team maintaining the same core unit over the past four years has allowed us to start the year well,” he continues, “We’ve developed a strong connection on and off the court, and that’s helped us hit the ground running.”
Preparation, Barlow says, has remained consistent. “We treat each game like it’s the most important. One focus this week has been on staying composed when things don’t go our way, something we struggled with last weekend.”
One player to watch is Jalin Wimberley, Gippsland’s import and last year’s Grand Final top scorer. He’s proven himself a key figure in big moments—dropping 46 points in a previous matchup against Coburg that ended in a 96-80 win.
Wimberley knows what makes his team strong,“What sets us apart is our willingness to keep fighting,” Wimberley said. “Even if we’re down, we stay in it and believe we can come back.”
On the other side, Coburg enters with a revamped squad and new energy. The additions of Rhyss Lewis, Carlo Camp, and Nicholas Carlson have helped shape a group that’s quickly become a serious title contender.
Camp can’t wait for his team to hit the court so they can show their commitment on court, “Our relentless effort in close games gives us an edge,” said Camp. “Whether we’re up or down, we believe the game is always within reach.”
That belief is grounded in hard training and a focus on detail. “We treat every session like it’s a game,” Camp added. “We know Gippsland is undefeated too, and that demands respect.”
Defensively, Coburg is keeping it simple: win the small moments. “Limiting second-chance points, controlling the boards, and keeping their scorers from heating up early—those will be key,” Camp said.
Wimberley echoed that sentiment, noting that momentum swings could decide the outcome. “It’s going to come down to which team can slow the other down. Minimising big runs will be critical.”
While much of the attention will centre on the matchup between Lewis and Wimberley—two of the league’s most dynamic scorers—both sides bring more than just star power. As Barlow pointed out, depth will be a factor.
“Both teams have guys who can step up,” he said. “It should be a good game.”
This weekend’s clash could provide early clarity on who’s shaping up as the team to beat in Division 1—but more than anything, it promises a strong test for two sides with championship ambitions.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm, 17 May at Coburg Basketball Stadium.
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