School squad growth
Today we continue to look at the Gold Coast’s leading basketball programs.
OUR boys are hoping for a chance at being promoted to Division 1 after a strong showing in Division 2, being the only team to beat champions Woodbridge, who they handily beat by 20 in pool play.
We’ve only lost one starter from last year’s team. Jai Clarke is coming off a strong Division 1 rep season and will be supported by seniors Zeus Rooke and Flynn Groth.
The Southport girls are in the hunt for a medal after improving each of the past two years, finishing fifth and fourth.
With four of their five starters returning, the Toro girls have their eyes on a medal.
With the inside presence of state player Skye Mason and back-court generals Semanita Tuhega and Alan Manumeleuga, the Toro girls are focused on securing a medal at this year’s CBSQ.
STEVE WEILAND King’s College
THE program, while young at the moment, is aiming to focus on tournament and game play.
We want to play against the higher quality schools this year. Our focus is to develop our younger kids to progress through to our senior team.
Our boys players to watch in the future include Mekhi O’Riely, Jalen Blanchard, Elijha Kamu, Nevarda Higgins and Charles Anderson who are all 16s Division 1 rep players for Gold Coast and Northern GC.
Girls to watch in the future include Janique O’Riely, Halle Brooker and Cassie Muir, who are all Division 1 Gold Coast rep players.
ADAM DARRAGH Varsity College
THE Vikings are looking strong across the board.
The Vikings program is filled with Gold Coast representative players and all teams are working hard.
Year 9 student Kiama Tahere was recently selected into the state under-16 performance squad and we’re looking forward to seeing her lead the Junior Vikings teams in 2020.
In the Year 7 boys, we’ve added Nikau Tahere and Brodie McGregor this year.
PERO CAMERON Hillcrest
WE are proud to have the Gold Coast’s most experienced coach David Claxton returning to our coaching ranks.
Dave joins Rebecca Morris, John Szigeti and myself to lead Roger Hodgson’s program.
Our girls team, led by Australian squad player Lilly Rotunno, should do well. The boys have under-18 Gold Coast rep captain Reuben Nicholas.
We look forward to helping our junior athletes on their pathways beyond high school.