Mandurah Magic legend and State Basketball League stalwart Casey Mihovilovich will move into second place on the all-time games record in the Women’s SBL when she takes to the court for the 414th time on Saturday night.
The perennial Magic starter, who currently sits on 412 games with a double-header of action set for the coming weekend, will surpass former Mandurah stars Shelly Boston and Tracey Richter to occupy second place on the games played list, behind only Sue Williams who played 512 games.
Mihovilovich, or “Milo” as she affectionately known by the Mandurah Magic crowd, became the only player to reach the 400 game milestone playing for just one club when she played against the South West Slammers in Bunbury earlier this season.
Now, she is set to conquer her next milestone, again playing against the Slammers.
The club legend started with the Mandurah Magic as a 14-year-old in the club’s first year in the Women’s SBL in 1996.
Mandurah Magic president Paul Ballantyne said Mihovilovich’s contribution to the club was enormous, and praised her loyalty.
“Casey is an ornament to the game and a treasured member of our club. We consider ourselves very fortunate that she has spent her entire basketball career playing for the Mandurah Magic despite no doubt being strongly pursued by other clubs over the years,” he said.
“Her willingness to pitch in at club level behind the scenes using her expertise as an accountant and local government executive are also why we love Casey. People just don’t realise the amount of positive impact she has on the club.
“We look forward to celebrating her 500th game at some time in the future.”
During her stellar career, Mihovilovich has amassed an impressive cache of individual accolades, including the league’s MVP in 2011, four SBL all-star awards and a Mandurah Magic season MVP on an incredible nine occasions.
She has captained the Magic for an outstanding 15 years and represented the club in the grand final series in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2009, but is yet to taste the ultimate success.
Mandurah Magic women’s team coach Randy Miegel had the highest of praise for Mihovilovich.
“Having been the head coach of the Mandurah Magic women for the last three years I have been blessed to coach Casey – she is a special to the club both on and off the court,” he said.
“Her court vision and the ability to sum up a game situation are second to none, she is fearless and will take on any opponent. She wants the ball in her hands at crucial times of the game.”
Mihovilovich said her parents and family gave her the inspiration needed to give so much to the sport of basketball.
“My parents and family have always supported me and that has allowed me to take risks, learn from my failings and continue to strive to be better in basketball and life,” she said.
