Kilsyth signs first players for 2022 season

The Kilsyth Cobras have signed their first 2022 NBL1 South players, with Nikita Young and Tim Lang committing to the club.

Young enjoyed a standout rookie campaign with the Cobras in 2021, leading the league in three-point percentage (50 percent), while ranking second on the team in steals (1.6 per game) and fourth in scoring (8.9 points per game).

After dominating the Big-V VYC competition to start 2021, Young became a key piece of the Cobras NBL1 rotation, and was in season-best form prior to the league’s cancellation of the remainder of the season in July.

Finishing the season strong, Young averaged 11 points and three steals per contest over the final month of the season – including a six steal outing in just 18 minutes against Ballarat.

Young’s 18 points on the road against Albury-Wodonga in Round 4 were a season high, and she recorded six double-digit scoring performances over the Cobras final 10 games.

Young’s deadeye three point shooting, ability to slash to the rim, and quick hands on the defensive end played a key role in helping the Cobras finish 2021 with an impressive 9-4 record.

The Mount Evelyn Meteor junior’s impressive debut season did not go unnoticed by head coach Hannah Lowe, who selected Young as her 2021 Coaches Award winner.

With her rookie year in the books, Lowe is excited to see what’s next for Young, whose rapid rise through the Junior Cobra program suddenly sees her poised for a major role for the Cobras in the 2022 NBL1 season.

"Seeing kids go through the local program and shine in the club’s senior team is something to be excited about and a credit to the junior pathways here at Kilsyth," Lowe said. 

"I am excited for Nikita to get the opportunity to really establish herself in the 2022 season, and with more opportunities to match up with players already in the WNBL."

Returning for his first season at Kilsyth since 2016, Lang picked up where he left off, playing a key role in helping the Cobras post an impressive 9-4 record in 2021.

The Cobras captain averaged a solid 8.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest in 2021, and finished the season strong prior to its abrupt end.

Over the final month of play, Lang upped his numbers to 11 points and seven rebounds per contest, leading the Cobras to a number of impressive wins over championship contenders.

And while he continued to produce on court at the age of 36, Lang’s role as a leader and mentor for a young Cobras roster proved just as vital in 2021.

Lang has enjoyed a stellar career at Kilsyth, amassing over 200 SEABL games with the Cobras and establishing himself as one of the best Australian centres in the SEABL/NBL1 over the past decade.

Over the course of his remarkable SEABL/NBL1 career, Lang boasts averages of 14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per contest, with his ability to stretch the floor and mix it up down low making him a matchup nightmare on the offensive end.

Heading into the 2022 season, Lang has a shot to reach the prestigious 300 career NBL1/SEABL game mark; a milestone reserved for a select few in Australian hoops.

And with his impressive games total, towering frame and ability to still light it up from deep and inside, Cobras Head Coach Peter Godfrey believes Lang is set for another big season ahead with the Cobras.

"Assuming all goes to plan and we get most of the season done, Tim will play his 300th SEABL/NBL1 game in 2022 – a significant milestone indeed for the big fella," Godfrey said.

"Tim’s leadership on the practice floor and in the locker room is priceless, and his 6’10 frame, NBL and international experience, and ability to stretch the floor continues to command the respect of opponents across the league."

View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.