Tassie talents to watch at U16 national basketball champs
The next crop of Tasmanian basketball talent hits the spotlight when the under-16 national titles begin this weekend. Check out the players to watch looking to make their mark.
Tasmania’s next Jacob Furphy or Lucy Aherne could use the under-16 national basketball championships as a springboard to success as the state’s reputation for producing elite talent grows.
Furphy is currently dominating at the under-19 World Cup alongside fellow Smithton product Nash Walker, while Devonport’s Aherne has also represented Australia at age level.
The next crop off Tasmania’s production line gets their first chance at national level at the under-16 championships in Bendigo starting this weekend.
“We’re really proud of the pathway on offer for Tasmanian athletes,” Basketball Tasmania development manager Nic Martin said.
“There’s so many recent example of players who have been in talent programs and gone to play professionally, for Australia or for high level colleges.
“You can see we’ve been consistently batting above our average at national championships.”
Martin said the state’s focus has always been to set goals high and show they can take their fair share of scalps.
“Being a small state, we go into those tournaments now with expectations around our on and off court performance,” he said.
“We’ve been consistent in achieving good results the last few years. Our mindset is if we hold ourselves to high expectations then we can achieve great things.”
Here are three boys and girls players we believe will be among the Tasmanians to play pivotal roles at the nationals, with both teams to open their campaigns on Sunday.
BOYS
Johnty Dynan. Position: Forward/Centre
Current Club: Burnie Tigers.
A member of the under-15 Australian squad last year, and a current member of Basketball Tasmania’s National Performance Program. A skilled and versatile player who will look to impact both ends of the floor. Also played in last year’s under-16 nationals, where he averaged 11.89 points, 6.89 rebounds and 2.78 assists.
Prince Williams. Position: Guard
Current Club: Launceston Lightning.
“Making his debut as a bottom-age athlete, Williams is a fast guard who will challenge the opposition with his up-tempo style of play.
Darcy Hickey. Position: Forward
Current Club: Southern Wolves.
Making his debut at this year’s Nationals, Darcy will be looking to build on the great preparation and momentum he and the team have had leading into the tournament.
GIRLS
Brydee McPherson. Position: Guard
Current Club: Latrobe Demons.
McPherson is a versatile guard will keep the opposition guessing on both ends of the floor. Brydee averaged 12.78 points, 3.67 rebounds and 1.78 steals per game at last year’s under-16s.
Maddison Mayne. Position: Forward
Current Club: Penguin
Mayne will be returning for her second year at under-16 nationals and will be looking to progress her play. A strong rebounder and defensive presence, Maddy averaged 2.11 points and three rebounds per game at least year’s under-16s.
Ellie Schulze. Position: Guard
Current Club: Glenorchy
Making her debut as a bottom-age under-16 athlete, Schulze will be looking to make an impact in a variety of ways. A strong rebounding guard and defensive weapon who looks to make the right team play on both ends of the floor.
Originally published as Tassie talents to watch at U16 national basketball champs
50+ photos: Ellas Titans, Tracy Village triumph in basketball finals
Overtime heartbreak extends United’s losing run
Bitter NBL break-up: Trez says Sixers deserted him
Came to play, want to stay: NBL imports set to join Aussie Bryce
New era for NT Basketball after dramatic vote
