Barker staying put

Dandenong Rangers captain Lucas Barker is going nowhere for SEABL18, with the star playmaker re-signing with the club for the upcoming season.
Barker led the Rangers superbly to a SEABL grand final in 2017, in which they eventually lost in a nail biter to Mt Gambier 92-85 last September.
It was a stellar year individually for the skipper, who also represented the Australian 3×3 Men’s team at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, in which his side finished with an impressive bronze in the tournament.
But on the Dandenong courts is where Barker truly shined, averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists to lead from the front in a season that was so close to a championship.
Barker is simply thrilled to be able to once again wear the green uniform with pride.
“It’s always great coming back to play with a club you grew up playing for”, Barker told Dandenong Basketball’s website.
“I’m excited about coming back to play with an awesome bunch of guys, and to play for the great coaching staff we have here, led by Darren Perry.”
That hunger to go one step further with the Rangers in 2018 was the main driving force to getting Barker to put pen to paper next season, and hopes a fresh looking side can be the catalyst for a championship.
“After coming so close last year, I expect to be right in the mix once again”, Barker said.
“We will have some new faces, but have the right mix of veterans, experienced players, and young fellas that’ll make us competitive.”
In other signing news for both the Men and Women sides, WNBL youngsters Kiera Rowe and Rebecca Pizzey have put pen to paper for the SEABL season, while star recruit Tayla Roberts; who has dominated the SEABL for several years; will also turn out for the Rangers in a coup after a strong WNBL season.
The 2018 SEABL Season will kick off for the Rangers Men and Women in Ballarat on 6 April, followed by a Double-Header Home Opener on 14 April.