WITH summer just around the corner, the next generation of Swan Hill basketballers have been taking their games to greater heights, with several juniors taking part in representative programs across the state recently.
Eight of our regions most talented basketballers were last week invited to take part in the 2024 Country Under-12 Jamboree in Echuca, with another 16 juniors following up by representing Swan Hill in the 3xCup State Championships in Melbourne last weekend.
Also in action this week are another seven of the Flyers best, who are all taking part in the next stage of selection at the Gold Nugget training camp in Ballarat, rounding out what has been a busy school holiday period.
Swan Hill coach Tess Denham was full of praise for not only the number of representatives the region has been able to produce, but also the programs themselves.
Denham was part of the coaching structure at last week’s Jamboree.
“I think it’s important for kids to strive to play in these events or programs in order to develop their basketball skills,” Denham said.
“It’s important to experience the game with different kids, different coaches and also see a pathway they might want to take with basketball. There’s so many great opportunities in this game and I think it’s important for kids to see that.
“Basketball is expanding and with eight kids representing our region and one coach at the jamboree, it truly is a great effort.
“The 3xCup competition and having four teams from Swan Hill competing was another great achievement by everyone and it’s great to see Swan Hill kids wanting to develop more in the game.
“The jamboree is an introductory program for the kids to step through to that next stage in basketball and personally, I think being able to have an impact on kids, not only from Swan Hill but from other associations, is really rewarding.
“These types of programs show kids different pathways and experience with basketball.”
Although registrations have now closed for this summer’s domestic competition, Denham was looking forward to another big summer of basketball, including the SHBA’s annual junior tournament which will be held on October 26 and 27.
“Basketball is becoming all year round, so it feels like it never really stops,” Denham said.
“The summer season starts in mid October and we have huge numbers across the board, so the association is super excited to get started.
“Lots of new kids from every age group have joined which is important to continue our growth as an association, everything is looking very positive for another great season ahead.”
2024 Country Under-12 Jamboree Representatives
Deacon Roberts
Isabel Free
Ivy Patterson
Lucas Pay
Mia Hirst
Ruby Kelly
Scarlett Free
Stella Scott
Tess Denham – Coach
3×3 State Championships
Under-11 Boys
Hamish Pay
Harry Grayling
Raph Foott
Wilhelm Foott
Under-13 Boys
Archie O’Brien
Deacon Roberts
Henry O’Brien
Wil O’Bryan
Under-13 Girls
Ivy Patterson
Mia Hirst
Ruby Kelly
Stella Scott
Under-15 Girls
Evie Kelly
Lola Patterson
Lyla Morton
Miela Roberts
Gold Nugget Representatives
Girls
Evie Kelly
Laela Grayling
Lily Nalder
Lola Patterson
Boys
Archie O’Brien
Hamish Lawry
Mityen McInnes
