Oxley Alumni Receive Basketball Honours

Three former Oxley basketballers received high honours from Kilsyth Basketball Club, one of the biggest clubs in Australia, for their outstanding performance in basketball in 2021.

Ben Ursich (Class of 2014) won the Most Valuable Team Player honour for the Kilsyth Cobras for 2021, after a career season in the NBL1. With his elite shooting and lock-down perimeter defence, Ben led the Cobras to a 9-4 record at season close. Ben ranked third on the Cobras roster in scoring, doing so at an ultra-efficient rate with his 50% shooting from deep, ranking fourth in the league, while his 2.6 made three-pointers per game was among the league-leaders. 

Hamish MacDonald (Class of 2019) was a clear choice for Team Most Valuable Player and a strong candidate for league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year following a sensational 2021 campaign. The forward ranked in the competitions top five for scoring, rebounding, steals and field goal percentage, with his above the rim athleticism, and defensive versatility, shaping him into arguably the league’s top frontcourt player. 

Ranking among the league leaders in scoring and developing into a strong playmaker, Miranda Gartner (Class of 2019) established herself as one of the league’s elite guards in 2021, en-route to taking home Team Most Valuable Player honours. Eclipsing the 20-point mark on five occasions, including a season-best 26 against Hawthorn, Miranda was in the mix for a spot on the All-VYC team prior to its early finish. 

Congratulations! It is wonderful to see how far each of these past students have come. From their time representing the College in basketball in the EISM competition, they stood out as talented players and were each appointed captain of their teams, and also awarded Most Valuable Players after the seasons end. Both Hamish and Miranda were also House Captains for Blue House during their final years at Oxley. 

Frederik Kotzé

Head of Sport