Island Basketball on the big stage

Phillip Island’s best young basketballers demonstrated they will be force to be reckoned with in future when they competed in the Southern Peninsula Junior Basketball Tournament recently.

The under 12 Boys team went undefeated for the weekend and ran out impressive 15 point winners in the grand final. This team has now won two tournaments back to back and had Coach Terry Robinson excited by their alibility, team work and determination.

“These boys have worked hard in training and continue to improve. Patrick Ryan was a deserving MVP of the final with his athletic play at both ends of the floor however it was the outstanding contributions of all members of the team that was most pleasing. We got better and better and saved our best for the toughest games against the best opposition,” he said.

The under 14 Boys and under 14 Girls teams competed strongly in their first ever tournament and displayed exciting potential against teams from Melbourne and regional Victoria. Although they didn’t reach the finals both teams announced themselves to the basketball world and are motivated to develop their skills to match it with the best.

Head Coach Amanda Rowbotham said it was the first time that the Phillip Island Rips had sent three teams to a tournament and indicated it was a sign of emerging strength in local junior basketball.

“It took lots of hard work and commitment from players, parents and the club to participate in this tournament. We were away for the whole weekend and everyone enjoyed the experience of top level basketball. We’ll definitely do this again and give our talented young players the opportunity to play against quality teams from all over Victoria. It gives us all something to aim for and motivate us as a club”, she said.

“With a new competition starting in Cowes to complement the existing one in San Remo, basketball is definitely on the rise on Phillip Island. The success of the U/12 Boys has inspired our other players and made many other clubs comment on our potential,” she said.

For more information about Phillip Island Junior Basketball competitions in Cowes, San Remo and programs including Aussie Hoops please go to www.idba.net.au