Officials Course kicks off new season
Basketball returned to the NSC Thursday as the 2026/27 Senior League season tipped off with an officials course and rapid-fire friendly tournament. Senior Referees, Paul Ellison and Rob Ewan took the assembled players through some of the new rules and regulations for this season, including a discussion on charge/block principles which have been a hot topic of debate for a number of years. Meanwhile Ben Campbell brought the teams through a new electronic scoresheet system which has been made possible through a grant from IOM Sport. The new system will allow key stats to be collected for every player and includes a free to use app where fans can follow live score and stat updates as games are played.
The new season has also seen a change in league rules making it easier for Clubs to run multiple teams. The change allows players to transfer between matchday squads week to week, with some limitations on the number of transfers. While only a subtle change – some level of player transfer has been possible in the past – the new league rule will make it easier for Clubs to run smaller second teams without the worry about illness or injury leading to forfeit. Southern Phoenix and Wolves have already taken advantage of the new setup with both Clubs entering a second team in the 2026/27 Season.
Two new squads mean a total of nine teams will compete for the 2026/27 Championship with a double-round robin format leading into play-off finals in April. DGU Jets are the defending champions this year, after besting Wolves in a thrilling 74-63 final. With many of the squad returning they have a good chance of retaining the title and completing the Association’s first three-peat victory for over 15 years. There’s change at Wolves however as the club have split in two in order to enter a second squad. New additions of Oliver Hamilton, Jack Wilkinson and Evan O’Dea will help to bolster both Wolves sides and the club are hoping for a return to Championship winning ways after last season’s disappointing final.
Southern Phoenix have also added a number of new rookies to their line-up, allowing the addition of another team in this year’s league. Their trademark pace down the court will continue as Michael Pardoe and Matthew Jones are joined by new recruits Vannin and Rowan Coulter, bolstering their ability to run other teams off the court. League veterans Cavaliers also return this season, with shooting star Chris Wolfendale continuing to work in tandem with big man Dave Minay to power their hopes of silverware.
Hoops also return this season as the club nears its fifteenth anniversary in the Senior League. Becky Dunne, Danielle Murphy and Gemma and Zoe Kirkham continue to lead the charge, while rising stars Mairi Harrison and Rhi Evans are joined by rookie Lucy Radcliffe for the 2026/27 season. Cannons also make a return for their third season in the Senior league, and their shooting prowess was on full display at this Thursday’s friendly tournament as Dylan Evans and Samson Shimming drained multiple 3-pointers. John Long joins the squad from D2, along with Ryan Ripamonti who returns after to Senior action after an extended absence from the leagues. Cheldan Property Pirates round out the competition with a good mix of speed and inside play that caused some problems for teams last year.
Senior League action tips off this Thursday at 19:00 in the NSC Main Hall. DGU Jets will face Southern Phoenix in the opening game. Then at 20:30 both Wolves sides see action as Wolves B take on Cannons while Cavaliers will face Wolves A. All games are open to spectators with courtside seating freely available for anyone wishing to attend.
