Wildcat Youth Returns

The Eltham Wildcats are proud to announce the return of junior and youth stars Sam Whelan, Ovie Magbegor, Zahn Agosta and Zak Cunningham for the NBL1 South 2024 season.

All four players have worked their way up through the junior and youth ranks of the Eltham Wildcats to earn a spot in the NBL1 men’s squad for the 2024 season. This accomplishment highlights the pathways and opportunities the Eltham Wildcat Basketball Club represents for our local community.

Sam Whelan and Ovie Magbegor have solidified their roster spots and played crucial roles in the emergence of the team on the NBL1 stage the past couple of seasons. Whelan remains as team captain while Magbegor has been instrumental off the bench where he excels in playing the dynamic forward role.

Head Coach Craig Stratford explains the importance of Whelan and Magbegor to the group in 2024.

“Both Sammy and Ovie have been members of our men's team since we moved up to NBL1, it has been great to see them establish themselves as quality NBL1 players.

“They are continuing to grow as leaders, willing to offer their experience to the next group of young Eltham talent who are aspiring to follow in their steps within our program,“ said Stratford.  

Magbegor highlights community and winning when asked about his return for the season.

“It means a lot to be able to go around again with Eltham. To be able to play in front of an incredible basketball community like the one Eltham provides, makes playing basketball that much more enjoyable! Hoping for a deeper run this year with the team!”

Zahn Agosta & Zak Cunningham are Eltham juniors who have worked their way into the team and have become role models and the perfect example for our current Wildcat junior athletes.

“After getting the chance to work with both of these talented young Eltham athletes at different points in their basketball development journey, all of our coaching staff are excited to see them playing NBL1 this season," expressed Stratford.

“Both Zahn and Zak are great role models for our Eltham juniors aspiring to play high level basketball - they are quality young men, who are talented and have worked hard to get this opportunity.” 

Agosta & Cunningham will also be suiting up for the u23 Youth League team while playing their respective roles off the NBL1 bench in the point guard and centre positions.

The announcement hits different for local Zahn Agosta.

“I started playing for the Wildcats in U8’s. I cried my first game, but I fell in love with the red & black from there. This has always been a goal to play for Eltham at the highest level and having that chance this year is super special to me.”

Cunningham echoes his teammates sentiments with his love for the Club and local community.

“I love playing NBL1 at Eltham and I’m really proud to be able to do that.

“To go from being a kid on the sidelines of Big V games at Eltham High School to now having the opportunity to play in front of the next generation of Eltham Wildcats each week and the club that made me into the player I am today is pretty special.” 

You can see all four Wildcat stars in action this Saturday night when the season tips off at Montmorency Secondary College against local rivals the Diamond Valley Eagles. Tickets and season memberships are on sale now.