Giliam selected in Victorian squad

Warragul basketballer Taylah Giliam has been selected as an emergency for the under 20 women’s Victorian team to contest the Australian Junior Championships in Gosford, New South Wales in February.

Taylah’s selection as an emergency came after rigorous screening and tryout events across the state.

Victoria will head into the championships looking to excel following its under 20 women’s success in 2017 as well as rising talent coming through the ranks after championship success in both under 18 competitions this year.

Looking to add a seventh consecutive title to the trophy cabinet, the under 20 women’s team features a number of stars including under 16 world champions Jaz Shelley, Ezi Magbegor, Kiera Rowe and Rebecca Pizzey as well as plenty of other Women’s National Basketball League listed players – including 2017 under 18 national champions Chelsea D’Angelo, Ahlise Hurst and Steph Gorman.

Also adding to the strength of the under 20 women’s program is former Victorian representative, Opals Commonwealth Games gold medallist and WNBL champion Katrina Hibbert, who was selected as the Victorian head coach earlier this year.

Hibbert said she is thrilled to see her power-packed side in action with the mix of experience and strong depth across the board.

“The depth we have with the team will allow us to play an aggressive defensive style with an up-tempo offensive game,” she said.

“I’m very excited to coach this group and to see them reach their potential as a team.”