The Greater Shepparton Basketball Association is set to have a large presence at two major basketball tournaments during the coming week, with a host of players and coaches set to represent the local association at the elite level.
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A strong contingent of talented juniors and coaches will embark on the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup and Southern Cross Challenge in what is a great sign of the strength of the region's basketball.
Shepparton will have six emerging stars and one established coach take to the courts at Albury’s Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, as members of Basketball Victoria Country's two squads at the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup.
Exciting talent Jordan Michel will don an under-18 boy's jersey, while rising stars Isabel Whitelaw, Hannah Onley and Boston Dowling will line-up in the under-16 girl's and boy's squads respectively.
Joining that quartet up along the Murray River are Shepparton duo Montanna Burke and Sarah Vincitorio, who will be lining up in the under-14 girl's teams.
And recently announced head coach of the Shepparton Gators’ men's outfit, Josh Waight, will take the reins of one of the under-16 boy's teams.
Meanwhile, three junior guns have a week of preparation before hitting the floor in next weekend's Southern Cross Challenge at the State Basketball Centre.
Shepparton trio Riley Onley, Aiden Whitelaw and Spencer Dickins are all heading down to Melbourne as members of the under-14 boy's squad.
GSBA general manager Mark Roffey, who will be heading down as coach of the under-15 girl's at the Southern Cross Challenge, said the association was thrilled to have such a high representation at two elite events.
“It's terrific for our players and for basketball in Shepparton,” Roffey said.
“To have such a large number of juniors, as well as coaches, represent the association is a great feat.
“We are really proud of their achievement and cannot wait to see how they fare.”
Roffey said the two elite tournaments were going to benefit the skill and development of the region's junior basketball stars.
“The Country Cup is a great chance for our players to really showcase their talents,” he said.
“Both our under-18 and under-16 representatives will be vying for a spot in the Vic Country squad for nationals later this year.
“Jordan and Isabel represented Vic Country last year, hopefully they can do it again and be joined by both Boston and Hannah.
“The Southern Cross Challenge and Country Cup are going to have a big pool of players that will help enhance the skills of all players.”
● And the Shepparton Gators’ Big V outfits are set to begin hosting open training sessions for their respective men's and women's sides next week.
It presents an opportunity for emerging stars across the Goulburn Valley to play in one of the premier basketball leagues.
● More information will be posted on the Greater Shepparton Basketball Association Facebook page in the coming days.
