Basketball Academy
Australian School Championships and USA Tour 2025
The end of the year has once again showcased the strength, spirit and rising reputation of the Berwick College Basketball Academy.
Our teams travelled to the Gold Coast for the 2025 Australian School Championships and produced a week of basketball built on resilience, connection and hard work. Both Junior Boys and Junior Girls fought their way into bronze medal matches, putting together consistent performances across the tournament. The Junior Boys advanced through their pool undefeated before a tight semifinal slipped away in the final moments, while the Junior Girls showed grit all week, highlighted by an overtime quarter-final win that summed up their determination.
Our Senior Girls rounded out their campaign with a composed performance in their final classification game, battling above their size and depth throughout the week. The Senior Boys, competing in the Championship Division, faced significant adversity with injuries and reduced rotations but continued to play with toughness and pride. Their ability to stay connected and compete possession by possession stood out and reflected the values of our program. Across all squads, Berwick athletes displayed teamwork, resilience and genuine growth, reaffirming our standing as a school that competes hard on the national stage.
While one group was competing in Queensland, our USA Tour squad continued their own unforgettable journey across Texas and California. Earlier highlights included college visits, competitive fixtures, training sessions and cultural experiences that gave students a first-hand look at American basketball environments. These opportunities broadened their understanding of the game and fuelled new motivation as they look ahead to 2026.
Days 11 and 12 added two memorable chapters. After a long travel day from Houston to Los Angeles, the group received a true introduction to LA traffic before enjoying some well-earned shopping time at The Outlets at Orange. The following day marked one of the most anticipated stops on the tour: Universal Studios Hollywood. Students immersed themselves in the world of moviemaking and theme park excitement, with the Studio Tour and its 3D King Kong experience proving a major standout. The Waterworld stunt show delivered spectacular live action, and a few Big Pink Donuts were enjoyed between rides such as Jurassic World, The Mummy, Harry Potter and Transformers.
The tour concluded with its grand finale at Disneyland, rounding out a year in which our academy once again represented Berwick College with pride, professionalism and a commitment to continual improvement.
Thank you to all students, staff and families for your support, effort and energy throughout an incredible 2025. Together, let’s make 2026 our best year yet.
Gerard Leonard
Health/PE - Basketball Academy Coach