Kersenbrock was a pivotal contributor to the unprecedented success of the PowerAde Shark's men's team in 2005, which saw them become the first men's team in Big V history to go undefeated through out a championship season.

Ben was a dominant force in Division One in 2005, winning the league MVP, All Star Five (Forward) and Scoring Statistical Award on the back of averaging over 26ppg, 16rpg, 3.5apg and 2bpg through out the season.

In being signed, Ben is excited about the prospect of returning to his number 14 PowerAde Shark's uniform "The reason that I am returning to the league for a second run has nothing to do with statistics. I am coming back because I loved the people that made up the club and the surrounding community." He said. "I just want to help the team win. If it means scoring 30 plus or locking down the opponent's best player, then that is the role that I accept."

PowerAde Shark's head coach, Steve Blackley, was very realistic about Ben's role for 2007. "On the court, Ben's role will be very different compared to 2005. In 2005 we had 8 player's average double figures and we could have had any of those eight lead us in scoring on any given night. In 2007, we will look at Ben to be our go to guy and he will have more plays called for him and we will need him to score more heavily for us." He said.

Steve also added, "Having Ben back will be great for me as a coach and great for the players. Knowing we will have the best player in the league suiting up for us each game gives us a certain confidence that we lacked last season. But having said that, we can't expect Ben to do everything and we will need all the others to pick up there games also."

Further great news to be announced is the return of Blair Kersenbrock (nay Edwards) to the PowerAde Shark's women's team. Ben and Blair were married late in 2005 and will return to fulfill there joint dream to play in Australia together as husband and wife. Blair stamped her own reputation as a good Big V player in 2005, winning the Free Throw Shooting Statistical Award and averaging 13ppg, 6rpg and 3apg.

Upon discussing coming back in 2007, Blair said "I am excited to see all of the people that made 2005 such a great year for Ben and I; our teammates, the Committee, and of course the kids that we have trained. I hope to bring experience, hard work, and hopefully a jump shot! I look forward to seeing all of the girls again and I'm excited that the team has had success this past year."

Although not having coached Blair in her previous stint with the PowerAde Shark's, Coach Glenn Shannon is well aware of the impact a player of Blair's caliber can bring to a team. "Having watched some video footage of Blair from last year and checking over her stats, I liken her similar to Gin Amos. She plays very smart with and without the ball and can run all day. If Blair can replicate her form of 2005 this will be a great fit with the running style of game we are trying to develop." He said in a recent interview.

Glenn is also the Director of Coaching for the Junior Shark's Program and he knows the expectations of Ben and Blair off the court, stating "Ben will be coaching our Under 18 Boy's team in conjunction with Rohan Greaves. As far as possible, I will be spreading Blair through out our junior girls program. She will spend a lot of time with our Under 12 girls but also be there to share her knowledge and experience with the girls program as a whole. As a club we will benefit greatly in the community if we can get Ben and Blair to do school clinics and junior skills days. Young players are in awe of American basketballers and a husband and wife team would be something that they have never experienced before."

Ben and Blair will arrive in mid January to take up there position's with the PowerAde Shark's Program for the 2007 season. The full transcript of the interviews with Ben and Blair Kersenbrock, along with interviews with Glenn Shannon and Steve Blackley can be found on our website at www.sharksbasketball.com.au

Article courtesy of bigv.com.au