Barrier Daily Truth

Shooting stars shine in Whyalla

Friday, 17th February, 2012

SHOOTING STAR: Angel Simmons won the Most Valuable Player award in the girls Under 12 grade at the Whyalla Junior Basketball Tournament.

Young basketball stars Harry Trengove and Angel Simmons have led the Broncos in a competitive showing at Whyalla.

Broken Hill took six teams to the Whyalla Junior Basketball Tournament last weekend and four of the teams made it through to the finals.

BH Basketball Association president Grahame Semmens said the result was especially pleasing given that the local junior competition has not yet started and the players have had little game time.

The Under 12 boys and girls had mixed results throughout the tournament, but were aided by standout performances from Angel and Harry.

Under 12 coaches Kate Semmens and Jay Tonkin congratulated the duo and their teammates for “playing their hearts out” in every game.

In the Under 14 grade the boys were bundled out in the semi-finals by a much taller Eastern Hills side, while the girls made it into the grand final only to lose by a solitary point in the dying seconds.

The teams were coached by Kizzie Staker (boys) and Anthony Harman (girls), and both said they were extremely proud of their teams for making the finals.

The Under 16 girls team were unfortunately undermanned and were subsequently outmuscled by their opponents.

Despite their disadvantage the girls never gave in, and impressed coach Kym Ravlich with their competitive attitude.

The Under 16 boys had a chance at making it to the grand final, but squandered too many chances under the ring and from foul shots.

Although they missed out on playing in the big game, Coach Grahame Semmens said all his boys had put in a consistent effort across the carnival.

Mr Semmens congratulated everyone who took part throughout the weekend.

“Broken Hill can be extremely proud of all our players. Thank you to all our coaches and supporters who travelled,” he said.

“And a special mention must also go to Krista Sutton who was carnival organiser and did a great job.”

Players are reminded that the autumn basketball season startss this Sunday. 

Late nominations are still being accepted, and there are grades ranging from Under 8 all the way through to Over 35’s.

Anyone wishing to play can contact Jenny Powell on 8087 4754.

There will be training for all Under 8 and Under 10 players on Sunday from 10.45am, and a meeting for all Under 14 girls at 12pm to finalise numbers and organise teams.