Junior Hoop Time

On July 1st, our Year Three/Four students attended Coburg Basketball Stadium for Junior Hoop Time. Our boys team was entered into the All Stars division, and our girls team played in the Future Stars division.

Four of our Year Six Leaders in Action, Mia (6MP), James, Cedar and Archie (6JD), took on coaching roles for the Junior Hoop Time teams. They generously gave up their lunch times on a Thursday to run team training sessions once a week to get the players ready to compete. They also attended on the day to head coach the teams, and showed fantastic support, encouragement and were positive role models to the players. The Year Sixes agreed the experience improved their communication, leadership and confidence. We are so proud of these young coaches for being amazing mentors.

Boys Team

Ali (4CG), Sam (4CT), Leander (4IW), Milan (4CG), Jasper (4IW), Kevin (4IW), Matiyar (4AK) and Harper (4AK) made up our boys team, and were coached by Cedar and Archie. They played four pool games, made the Semi Finals which they won to go through to the Grand Final! The boys played a close grand final match up against Strathmore North, but ultimately fell short. These boys played in the highest division, All Stars, and displayed remarkable skill, determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship. They represented Essendon North beautifully. They won and lost with integrity, and always supported each other. Well done boys and coaches, we are so proud of you all. 

Girls Team

Willow (4CG), Holly (4CG), Ana (4CT), Quinn (4IW), Evie (4IW), Scarlett (4IW), Lexi (4IW) and Audrey (3AC) made up our girls team, and were coached by Mia and James. They played four pool games, made the Semi Finals, and even won their Grand Final! Every single player contributed to the winning day, and the encouragement and support they gave each other and other teams was inspirational. They represented Essendon North with such fantastic sportsmanship and integrity, that we received the following email from St Joseph’s Collingwood. Well done girls and coaches, we are so proud of you all and can’t wait to hear how you go at Regionals!

Dear Essendon North Primary School,

 

I’m writing to extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of St Joseph’s Collingwood following yesterday’s Hoop Time event.

 

We had a slightly rough start to the day, with our girls’ team feeling quite disheartened after a few scoreless games. However, playing against the Essendon North Eagles completely turned things around. The kindness, encouragement, and sportsmanship shown by your students, and the support from your staff were the highlight of our day.

 

Your team lifted the spirits of our girls, helping shift their mindset from frustration to joy. That positive change was a direct result of the respectful and supportive attitude your school brought to the court.

 

Thank you for modelling what school sport should be about. Please pass on our thanks to the students and staff involved. 

 

Warm regards,

St Joseph’s Collingwood

The Physical Education Team with Lana Thomas and Josh D'Souza (ENPS Basketball Coaches)