A HEREFORD basketball club is laying the foundations for the sport in the city.

Hereford Mavericks Basketball Club finished the first part of their new season in fourth place in Division 1 of the Gloucestershire Basketball Association Men’s League.

Head coach Steve Farmer is now involved in a development plan which is being established to discover talented basketball players in Hereford.

“We are a club in only our second season, but the development of the team and the standard of play, has been huge,” said Farmer, who works at Fairfield High School.

“Basketball in Hereford now looks to have a very bright future.”

The Mavericks have been boosted by the arrival of new signing and captain Bob Innes, who has played National League basketball in Scotland.

They have also been helped by newcomers James Kitchen and Ian Shimmel.

“The younger lads have also contributed, and a lad who has come back to the area from university in Edinburgh, has done really well for us,” said Farmer.

The Mavericks finished third last year in their maiden season in Division 2 and won a cup competition.

They endured a tough start to their second season when some early losses affected the team’s confidence.

However, after starting the campaign with one win and five losses, the Mavericks found their feet and enjoyed a six-game undefeated run.

The Mavericks have also just beaten the league leaders in a cup match.

The Mavericks ended 2008 with a record of seven wins and five defeats.

Farmer added: “We want to raise the level of basketball in Herefordshire and this will involve a partnership with a couple of schools in the county.”

More information about Hereford Mavericks is available from Steve Farmer on 07968 434137 or by e-mailing: mavericks@gbba.org.uk