IT'S a fixture the Shoalhaven Tigers men's side have been anticipating for close to 18 months.
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But Ben Bagoly's Waratah League division two side, who defeated Central Coast in their season opener, will finally get a chance to play their maiden game at the new Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre this Saturday when they host Springwood from 6pm.
"This has been a game marked on our calendars for some time now, as all the boys were super disappointed to miss out last season due to COVID-19," Bagoly said.
"We're all looking forward to being a part of the first-ever senior Tigers team to play there and building on the rich culture this club has.
"The old Den has plenty of history there, with numerous talented players learning their craft there - which in my opinion, is one of the best floors to play on in the state.
"We all know how important it is to continue to build the Tiger brand of basketball that our fans are proud of while making our new Den a fortress.
"It's been a big effort from the whole club, including the board and volunteers, to get to this point and we're determined to give them something to cheer about on Saturday,"
As happy as Bagoly was with their round one win, he and his squad know they need to continue improving if they are going to make Saturday's milestone game a victorious one.
"While it's still early in the piece, there's plenty of positives to take," the coach said.
"Offensively, we created plenty of chances in transition and open shots for our shooters - which I'm confident will fall at a better clip as the year progresses.
"But it was on the defensive end that I was most impressed with, as we've taken huge strides already this season.
"After integrating a new scheme this season, the boys are starting to show positive signs in it, as shown by them identifying errors during our film session on Monday.
"As a coach, it's great the players are honest and willing to make each other accountable - which makes my job a whole lot easier.
"I'm not expecting the boys to be playing their best basketball in April, because we all want to be peaking during the finals in September.
"It's all about taking each and every opportunity we get on the court to improve and that's what Saturday is, especially with the game having so much buzz around it.
"Although we beat Springwood in a trial match earlier in the season, we won't be taking them lightly, as everyone is focused on making Saturday's historic fixture a memorable one for all involved - I can't wait."
The other senior Tigers team, Ben Morris' youth men's division two side, are on the road in round two, travelling to Ryde to face the Inner West Bulls White from 4pm Saturday.
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