THREE Wimmera basketballers travelled to Melbourne at the weekend to try-out for Basketball Victoria’s Indigenous under-14 teams, a new initiative by the organisation.
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Tyra King and Kristal Hounslow, both 12, tried out for the girl’s team, while 10-year-old Jandamurra Lauricella also attended but was too young to make the boy’s team.
Horsham Amateur Basketball Association’s Rebecca McIntyre is assistant coach for the girl’s team and said it was a fantastic weekend.
“It was really amazing. I don’t think we will understand the impact this program will have for years to come. To be part of it was amazing and it’s the first of its kind in Australia,” she said.
The squads were put through their paces by professionals, including Simon Mitchell, the coach of new NBL side the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
“They went through some physical testing, doing things like the vertical leap and agility testing,” McIntyre said.
“Sunday morning they had Simon Mitchell take a session and he was phenomenal.”
The squads then took part in the Women’s National Basketball League Indigenous round, attending a game between Dandenong and Bendigo.
“It would have been a big highlight for them and some were overwhelmed by it all,” McIntyre said.
“One of the parent’s said they had been waiting 30 years for something like this – the program is fantastic and it was great to see three Wimmera basketballers taking part.
“It shows them what is possible and that they have something to strive for and to see what they can achieve.”
The two under-14 teams are expected to be announced shortly.
