Nationals challenge a big test

THE upcoming Australian under-14 club championships will be a big stepping stone for the Tasmanian players selected to compete in the tournament, team coaches say.

For the second year running the boys’ and girls’ under-14 club championships will be held as one event in Dandenong next week, with teams from the north and south of Tasmania travelling to take part.

Coach of Tasmania’s southern boys’ team Nathan Lee believes Tasmania’s large pool of players travelling to Dandenong will be a huge advantage for the state’s chances of performing well.

“I think it’s an exciting opportunity for our athletes,” Lee said. “We’ll be sending four teams, which I think will be one of our key advantages.

“A lot of other clubs will be the only team from their home town, so we see it as a good opportunity to really support each other on and off the field.”

Lee believes the chance to compete in an interstate tournament will be a rewarding experience for the state’s up-andcoming stars.

“It’ll give them exposure and a taste of what might lie ahead in their careers — it’s a big stepping stone,” he said.

The club championships will act as a lead-up event to the start to the WNBL competition, with the season-opener following the finals of the under-14 tournament.

Tasmanian under-14 girls coach Jason Browne said the chance to see top-level female basketball will be a good learning experience for his side.

The boys’ and girls’ under-14 championships will start on Monday.