The Eastern Mavericks District Basketball Club was established in 1995 and began with the vision of a handful of people who could see a need for a District Basketball Club in the Hills and Murraylands regions. Prior to the formation of the Mavericks, two clubs were operating in the area: the Murray Bridge Bullets from Murray Bridge and the Mt Lofty Spurs from Mt Barker. The Murray Bridge Bullets had a slightly longer history, with Senior Teams competing in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), which subsequently became the ABA, and Junior Teams competing in the BASA District Competition. The Mt Lofty Spurs had Junior Teams competing in the Junior Competition.
The first suggestions of an amalgamation came in June 1994, when a group from Murray Bridge comprising Viv Goodenough, Margaret Tucker, Des Gommers, Shane Thompson and Nathan Jones approached the Mt Lofty Spurs to discuss the future of the two clubs. Paul Kilvert, Richard Bray and David Tonks from Spurs/Eastern Hills met with the Bullets, and discussions continued until March 1995. At this time, more formal proposals were put forward by both clubs and the process began.
In July 1995, the Murray Bridge Bullets Senior Teams were granted Division 1 status, which was a milestone for the club, and they then played under the banner of the Eastern Mavericks, with inaugural coaches Kym Goodenough (Men) and Noel Robertson (Women). The first Junior Teams were entered into the Summer Competition in October 1995, and in that first season, half the teams wore Bullets uniforms and half wore Spurs uniforms. This was a courageous move on everyone’s part, and many players had to play for the first time wearing the uniform of the other club.
The inaugural President was Dr Paul Kilvert, Vice President was David Tonks, Secretary was Viv Goodenough, and Treasurer was Richard Bray. A dedicated team of committee members helped to mould the structure of the club. This is a continuing process, with changes being made in a constant learning environment. The name Eastern Mavericks District Basketball Club was registered, and the new uniform that you see today hit the floor in 1996. In the first Junior season of 1995/96, the club gained four premierships: Boys 14 Division 3, Boys 18 Division 2, Boys 20 Division 2, and Girls 12 Division 3. One of the main goals of the club in the early years was to obtain Division 1 and 2 status for Boys and Girls in all age groups. This proved to be our most difficult task, and many people would not realise that one of the reasons we were able to do this as an amalgamated club was because we had achieved Division 1 status for Men and Women in the Senior competition. Being able to show a club structure from U10 through to Seniors has been an important part of our growth. The club has made huge strides thanks to the dedication, determination and discipline of many parents and players. They can all be proud of what we have achieved. This club has a special feel, and its core values and principles are what have helped it become the family that we are today.
