Mount Gambier Lakers Shine at Adelaide Invitational Challenge
The Adelaide Invitational Challenge was an initiative by SA Country and Basketball SA designed to give the Athletes an opportunity to play basketball at a high level replacing the Country Cup and Southern Cross Challenge that were cancelled due to COVID-19.
The AIC ran from January 9th to the 17th with Under 16 and Under 18 Athletes from January 9– 12, Under 14 and U15 Athletes January 14 – 15 at the St Claire recreation Centre in Adelaide.
Mount Gambier had a number of athletes attend the SA Country vs. SA Metro competition as well as Kurt Russell as an U18 boys coach.
Mount Gambier’s own Harry Wright who played for the SA Country Sharks enjoyed a successful week that included a 20-point outing against SA Metro Blue, thoroughly enjoyed the experience, ‘It was great, I loved playing the metro sides and I enjoyed playing with my Sharks teammates.’
While Harry enjoyed the experience, he also took away some valuable lessons, ‘We learnt how to play at a faster pace but also with control, the style gave me confidence to attack the ring and I was able to finish under pressure which I am pleased with.’
A number of the Mount Gambier Athletes impressed and enjoyed success, Cara Nulty, Stella Mobbs and Macey Griffith were all part of an U15 SAC Sharks team that went undefeated.
Coach Kurt Russell was happy with the efforts of the Mount Gambier athletes, ‘The Mount kids should be proud, all of the kids would have gained some valuable experience from their games and learned a lot, so now it is up to them to go away and work on their game to improve.’
Kurt also enjoyed the opportunity to coach some high-level talent, ‘I coached the Under 18 Magpies boys side, being able to run set plays out of time outs to test their IQ’s was great, coaching close games and coaching on the fly was a lot of fun and a great experience.’
The tournament was also a platform for athletes to gain selection into SA Country national’s teams as well as identification for the National Performance Program. While it was not the same opportunity as years past due to COVID, it was still an opportunity for the athletes to play at a high standard and develop at the game of basketball.
Mount Gambier Athletes that competed at this year’s AIC Challenge:
|
U14s |
U15s |
U16s |
U18s |
|
Henry Pedler Harvey Croker Jacob Sim Ben Copping Sienna Lewis Shayden Russell Maya Anderson Claire Mitchell Elodie Adam |
Ava Collins Stella Mobbs Macey Griffith Cara Nulty Taj Brumby |
Mac Baron Harry Wright
|
Tara Bryant Zach Nulty Ben Young |
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