IN 2020 we only got one round of Western Junior League basketball underway before COVID-19 shutdowns brought the competition to a standstill, never to resume.
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This weekend sees the next edition get underway and - fingers crossed - the Bathurst Goldminers will enjoy a full three rounds of action and a complete finals series.
The excitement levels are that extra bit higher than normal across the Goldminers teams this year.
As restrictions took away opportunities for them to travel and play basketball in 2020 there's even more determination than usual for the Bathurst club to come out of the blocks firing in a new season.
The opening round of the under 12s to 18s competition will see the Goldminers teams doing some travelling south as they journey to stadiums in Leeton, Narrandera, West Wyalong and Griffith.
Bathurst Goldminers D-League representative Roxy George is part of the under 16s squad this season.
The city's had a strong history in the 18s and 16s age groups in recent years and George will hope that can continue.
"A lot of our team moved up from last year but most of our side are top age with a few bottom age players," she said.
"Everyone's really excited to get back on the court for it. Training's been going well. We've been running through our plays, doing a lot of fitness and working on our skills.
"We'll have four games there. We've played against those teams before and we know how a lot of them play."
George's father, Dan, said it's a big relief for all the kids involved to have competitive basketball back on their radars.
"We only had that one round last year before it all went downhill. It's great for the kids to have an avenue to test themselves out again," he said.
"The Western Junior League is a great concept too. The third round will be at the end of March, so it's fairly compacted, but it will be exciting headed away to the Riverina with all the squads this weekend."
Bathurst has a team involved in every age group once again this season, showcasing the city's depth across the junior talent pool.
Games get underway at the various venues from 8am on Saturday.
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Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
