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West Coast Classic: Warwick’s Cody Ellis eyes NBL1 and chance to show nation WA’s strength

Josh GarleppThe West Australian
VideoWest Coast Classic: Warwick Senators' Cody Ellis 6 3's in first half

Fresh off helping Warwick to their first banner in 31 years in the State Basketball League, Senators captain Cody Ellis is already eyeing what his side could achieve against the nations best teams in the NBL1 next year.

The Senators defeated Perry Lakes by 15-points in the grand final of the West Coast Classic on Sunday night, the side dominated the ten-week coronavirus replacement tournament organised by Basketball WA.

REWATCH THE WCC GRAND FINAL WIN FOR WARWICK

The NBL and WA hoops powerbrokers are considering an agreement that would bring the SBL under the NBL1 banner while also including a nationwide play-off tournament of every state winner next September.

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“I can’t wait to get started,” Ellis told the West Australian.

“I think we definitely have the team to do it but I think winning the NBL1 and getting to go against east coast teams is something I’ve wanted to happen for so long especially when I was in the NBL.

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“I always thought the SBL had just as much talent as any other leagues in the country but we just don’t get looked at because we’re so far away.

Wani Swaka Lo Boluk and the Warwick Senators celebrate their West Coast Classis grand final win over the Perry Lakes Hawks.
Camera IconWani Swaka Lo Boluk and the Warwick Senators celebrate their West Coast Classis grand final win over the Perry Lakes Hawks. Credit: Michael Farnell/Sports Imagery Australia

“I have no doubt, whoever wins (our comp) will certainly help put WA back on the map.

Ellis expects the majority of the Senators maiden championship-winning side to return next season, but will look to add an import big while Canadian Justin King will likely be considered a local by 2021.

The side is coached by Ellis’ father and Perth legend Mike Ellis and is packed talent including Wildcat Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, but the majority of their roster came through Warwick’s junior program.

Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings at Perth Arena...Jesse Wagstaff scores a three pointer over the top of Cody Ellis.
Camera IconPerth Wildcats v Sydney Kings at Perth Arena...Jesse Wagstaff scores a three pointer over the top of Cody Ellis. Credit: Nic Ellis/The West Australian, Nic Ellis

“Our family has been a big part of the club and to do it with dad coaching was huge,” Ellis said

“It’s something we’ll look at over the next week or so, it’s something very special. It still kind of hasn’t sunk in properly but it’s nice to get something to hang in the rafters.

“It’s kind of got our monkey off our back that we can get over the line now.

“It’s something we’ve been preaching over the last few years that you shouldn’t just be happy making finals but you have to have that want to go and win a grand final and it takes heart and guts to do that.

Wani Swaka Lo Boluk and the Warwick Senators celebrate their West Coast Classis grand final win over the Perry Lakes Hawks.
Camera IconWani Swaka Lo Boluk and the Warwick Senators celebrate their West Coast Classis grand final win over the Perry Lakes Hawks. Credit: Michael Farnell/Sports Imagery Australia

Swaka Lo Buluk is anticipated to have a jump in minutes this season at the Wildcats this season and coach Trevor Gleeson, two-time MVP Bryce Cotton and Mitch Norton were all on hand as the youngster added nine points and six rebounds to the Senators win.

“He was a big part for us this year, Trev (Perth coach) enjoyed him playing with us and working on the stuff he needs to to get to the next stage in the NBL,” Ellis said.

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