Lakers Compete at Southern Cross Challenge
Southern Cross Challenge took place from the 17th of January to the 20th at Melbourne’s State Basketball Centre.
Mount Gambier was proudly represented by three outstanding athletes in Harry Wright, Mackye Baron and Paige Exelby who played in Under 15 SA Country sides. The tournament has some of the most talented young athletes from all over Australia compete and is a great opportunity for the players to test their skills against the best of their age group.
Mackye and Harry who are Mount Gambier Lakers teammates played for the SA Country Sharks who started the tournament with a tough introduction to high level basketball with a game against Vic Metro, Mackye enjoyed his experience away and the opportunity to play against some of the best, ‘the toughest teams were the Vic Metro and Vic Country teams. There players were great all-round players and the Vic sides had really good chemistry.’
The two boys helped their team to two wins from seven games including a win over state rival SA metro.
Paige Exelby who was part of the SA Country Magpies side who although had a tough tournament based on results still showed great determination and improvement.
Former Mount Gambier Pioneer Kurt Russell Coached the SA Country Magpies U15 boys’ side and gained a lot from his experience, ‘It was a fantastic opportunity, from where the side was at the start of the tournament to the finish showed great improvement, I was really happy with the group.’
‘I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it was great to get back into coaching, I see it as a great pathway for myself.’
Mackye, Harry and Paige will also be competing for their U16 Mount Gambier Lakers teams in the Bendigo Junior tournament over the January long weekend.
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