By Brendan Rees
Having not even reached their teens, a group of sports stars from the City of Casey will achieve their dream of competing at state level basketball later this month.
Ryan Baker (Berwick Fields Primary School), Cedric Rault and Phoenix Windsor (both from St Catherine’s Primary School in Berwick) fought through a tough selection process in May to make the final team of 12 to represent Victoria in the boys’ under-12 School Sport Australia Basketball Championship in Darwin.
Dakota Kirikiri, 12, of Narre Warren North Primary School also made it through to the girls’ under-12 Victorian basketball team and will compete in the School Sport Australia Basketball Championship in Darwin from 11-17 August.
Team manager of the under-12 boys basketball team Sam Thompson said the talent this year was exceptional with 64 boy’s trialling from across the state.
“We are a very quick team this year with a lot of great outside shooters as well some fantastic athletic big guys that can create their own shots off the dribble,” he said.
Thompson said Ryan, 12, who plays for the Dandenong Rangers, had shown excellent ball handling skills.
“He is a great rebounder and a team first player.”
He said Cedric, 12, who plays basketball for Casey Cavaliers, was a great point/shooting guard who was very quick. “My only advice for the other states would be not to leave him open at the three point line.” Thompson said. Phoenix, 12, who plays for the Dandenong Rangers, was a versatile shooting forward. “He has fantastic court vision and is able to dish and drive using his fantastic ball handling skills to either set up his team mates or create a shot for himself.”
Team manager of the under-12 girls basketball team Sam Amos said Dakota, who plays for the Dandenong Rangers, was a “real competitor.”
“She impressed selectors during trials with her defence, great ball handling, scoring ability and understanding of the game. She is going play a very important role when we are away as one of the team’s point guards,” he said.
“We have selected a very athletic and skilled group of girls.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the girls to develop as both individuals and basketballers, whilst competing at the top level,” Amos said.
He added his team plans to play a “very aggressive brand of basketball” that will hopefully result in bringing home a gold medal.
Past School Sport Victoria members have gone onto to compete at national and international competitions including the Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
