UNDER 14 Girls
Jasmine Bridgman and Nikeisha McNamara’s Sharks finished 4th after only finishing the preliminary rounds with only 1 win and played the top side. The team played their hearts out and beat Victoria Bushrangers, who were unbeaten in the competition by 2 points in a thriller to go into the top 4. The team coached by our very own “Showtime” Quinn were expecting more victories, but with such a new group, you enter these Championships uncertain of how the players will go for the first few days. Bianca Clements and Jenna Daniels Magpies team started the week well getting early wins and setting themselves up for a top four finish, but unlike the Sharks they were not able to perform at maximum in the semi final and crashed out. While the team finished overall fifth, they had five wins from eight games. All four young ladies played very well and had a fantastic time meeting other players from around the state and the country.
UNDER 14 Boys
Lewis McLauchlan was playing in his first Junior Country Championship, and made the most of it, with his robust style and uncanny knack to find the ball when it looks almost impossible. Lewis made his strength work for him gaining many rebounds, on both e offensive end and defensive end. Getting some good points for his team, and when given a defensive task, stopping his opponent. Lewis averaged over 20 minutes per game.
Like the Under 14 girls, Lewis made some great friends and will look forward to catching up with them sometime soon.
UNDER 16 Girls
Rhianna Stringer was our sole under 16 girl representative at these Championships. Rhianna come of an extremely hard pre season and was rewarded for all her efforts by being named as team captain. Rhianna lead her team exceptionally well, growing as the week went on. The team itself played extremely hard and were able to finish third overall after winning 5 of 8 games. The Magpies lost twice to the team that eventually won the Championship, so an excellent achievement there. Rhianna is now setting her sights on making the South Australian Country team that will play in the Australian Junior National Championships held in Logan, Brisbane in July this year.
UNDER 16 Boys
Jack Vigar and Michael Baker both played in the Magpies team, who finished 5th overall. Both men played exceptionally well. Making the most of their opportunities, Michael averaged 22 minutes a game and averaged 5 points per game. Michael also played some exceptionally good defensive roles, stopping his opponents when his team needed.
Jack played 25 minutes per game and 6 points to go with it. With his long range able to help out his team. Jack played primarily as a shooting guard and is something he does exceptionally well. Both have the opportunity to try out for the Nationals team, especially as they were so close to making the side last year as bottom age players, and with the rapid improvements made in the last 12 months, will again push for selection.
UNDER 18 Womens
Tegan Crocker and Shannon Tarran were both in the Magpies team. Their team finishing a very respectable 6th in an extremely tough competition. Both the girls were extremely competitive when on the court, where they were getting 25 to 30 minutes per game. With playing good minutes, the girls were also able to help their teams with consistent points, Shannon averaging 9 points per game and Tegan roughly the same. Both girls will now set their sights on making the South Australian Country team that will play in the Australian Junior National Championships in Terrigal, NSW.
UNDER 18 Men’s
Chad McLean was our sole representative to make the under 18 men’s team. Chad played in the Sharks side, after hitting the court in the first game, Chad showed why he was selected in the side with a barrage of long 3 pointers and didn’t stop shooting the ball for the rest of the week, averaging 23 points per game, while playing 28 minutes. Chad was also able to lead his team in assists, averaging 8 per game. With his quick passing and long range shooting, he was able to mix his game up well and cause the defence think twice about his game. Chad too is looking to make the South Australian Country team, and with his performances in Albury has given himself the best chance
Brad Coulson’s team in Pt Macquarie made it to the grand final, but unfortunately run out of steam and were comprehensively beaten by Victoria Country. Brad continued his hot form, producing good points and minutes in the grand final, but it wasn’t enough. A super effort for Brad in only his second time with the S.A. Country state team. He has certainly given himself a chance to make the Nationals team.
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