From left: Dandenong Rangers youth development officer Paul Lankford, Berwick Lodge Primary School student Nicolette, 300gamer Mark Roberts, student Dylan, Rangers star Lester Strong and Alex Palazzolo, deputy general manager of the Dandenong Basketball Association. By Glen Atwell
MARK Roberts has been a Dandenong Ranger for as long as he can remember and the star basketballer intends to keep it that way for many years to come.
After slipping on his first Rangers singlet more than 20 years ago, Roberts played his 300th game for the proud club on Saturday night in front of a bumper crowd at Dandenong Basketball Stadium.
His team did not disappoint, beating ladder leaders Sandringham by eight points (8981) in a thrilling Big V men’s championship match.
The result capped off an emotional night for Roberts, who was presented with a plaque before the game.
“It was a different feeling, there was a good buzz around the stadium,” he said.
Roberts, 29, teaches grade five at Berwick Primary School and got the surprise of his life when the school organised as surprise celebration for “Mr Roberts” last Friday.
Rangers star Lester Strong attended and held a basketball clinic for students after Roberts was presented with a 300game plaque.
On game night, Roberts was over the moon to see many of his students in the boisterous Dandenong crowd.
“It was great to see the kids there, it was special night for me,” he said.
The rest of the Rangers ensured the night would be happily remembered and outscored Sandringham in every quarter.
It was the Rangers’ seventh consecutive win.
After losing three of their first four games, the Rangers have turned the tide on a troubled start to the season and Roberts believes there is plenty more improvement to come.
“The structure of the team changed dramatically this season,” he said.
“Brent Hobba and Ash Cannan added a lot of height, so each player had to adapt.
“I don’t have to score as much, it took the team about four games to really gel together,” Roberts said.
But now the Rangers have finally ‘clicked’, Roberts expects to win the majority of the remaining games.
“We knew were going to get better and better, and there is still improvement to come,” he said.
“Our aim is to remain undefeated for the rest of the season.”
That’s the sort of high expectations Roberts has been setting himself since first walking through the doors of the Stud Road basketball stadium all those years ago.
Roberts started first played as an under12 and spent his junior career in a greenandyellow singlet.
He progressed to the senior program in 1994 and spent three years developing his game before moving to Ballarat to complete a university degree.
“I was in Ballarat for four years completing my education, but I’ve been a Ranger ever since I moved back to Melbourne,” Roberts said.
Roberts said the Dandenong club had a community spirit that was unrivalled.
“It’s the people, the coaches and the great chances the kids are given to excel, it’s such a remarkable basketball club,” he said.
Despite describing this season as “more than likely” his last on the court, Roberts has a passionate desire to be involved for many more years.
“I’ve had a good run with injuries throughout my career, but I’ve always thought this would be my last year.
“I can’t wait to get involved coaching junior basketball and helping out the young kids coming through, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Roberts said.
