State Basketball

Our Under 15’s girls basketball team travelled to Sydney on the 31st October to compete in the finals of State-wide knockout, that comprised the best 8 schools in the state on the 1st and 2nd of November. We drew a difficult pool with Westfield Sports High School, Endeavour Sports High and Dubbo Secondary College - South Campus.

The girls had an early start on Day 1 with an 8am game against Dubbo. The girls were determined to beat Dubbo as they finished fifth last year at the same competition and were confident of going further in 2023 to take out a medal. This game tested the girls as they had a strong team that had been training regularly. We were able to take an early lead, and our speed proved to be our strength as we managed this comfortable lead. All girls played extremely well, but special mention to Skye and Sam who used their basketball smarts and their skills under the ring to get numerous rebounds. The final score was 52-45 with the girls holding on to their lead to the very end. Top scorers were Syke, Charlie and Hannah.

Our next game was back to back, meaning we literally ran from court 2 through the stadium to court 3 where our next opponents lay waiting. Without a break, or a warm up, our girls took the court against Westfield Sports High. Westfield had an extremely strong team and were just too good. The girls tried extremely hard, but were physically tired after the Dubbo game and unfortunately lost 19-67. Special mention in this game to Elsie, Jaida and Gemma who had great games, providing some great defense and making them work for each basket.

The girls then had a well deserved break where they reset and worked on their game play for their next game. Endeavour Sports High were another tough opponent and made the girls work really hard for each basket. Our fast breaks were troubling them on the scoreboard as Bellah, Ella and Charlie worked extremely hard in both offense and defense. Top performer was Hannah for this game as she managed to score some handy points and she used her body well under the basket for some excellent rebounds.

This loss meant we finished 3rd in the Pool and would then play the team that finished 3rd in the other pool - which happened to be Smiths Hills High School from Wollongong. This game was winnable - if the girls bought their A game. Unfortunately though at the start of the game we had one on the bench vomiting, and 3 minutes into the first quarter we had 3 on the bench wanting to vomit. A combination of lack of sleep, the heat and stress levels were taking the team out one by one. After an inspirational talk during a time out in the first quarter, our girls rallied and started playing some great basketball. Every girl played in true Yeti spirit and ran their heart out on the court. Knowing this game was for 5th or 6th in the state meant that there were lots of bragging rights on the line. Unfortunately for Smiths Hills they were in foul trouble early in the 3rd quarter, with 2 of their better players fouled off. This rocked their team and their coach, but gave our girls the belief they needed that they could win this game. They defended like their life depended on it, and hung on for a 32-26 victory, meaning that they finished 5th at the state finals.

Huge congratulations must go to these girls, they represented the school and their families with sportsmanship and teamwork. Attending competitions like this takes a lot of behind the scenes work, and I would like to thank those who helped.

Firstly to the coaches, Toni and Heath - your knowledge and calmness throughout each game enabled them to perform to their best. To those who did the scoreboard for the team throughout the season - thank you. To Jy, Noah and other referees who helped on the Gala day - thanks as without referees we don’t have games. Thank you to Mr Chappell for being our driver for the trip and entertaining us with his IPOD music all the way there and back!!! Thanks to Hannah and Jaida for not getting fouled out in any game at the state finals. Thanks to Gemma and Elsie for providing the Yeti with an action packed trip away. Thanks to Hannah and Jaida who have played in the under 15’s team now for the last time. Thanks to Ella, Bellah, and Charlie for running in every game, providing speed and tight defense in each game. Thanks to Sam and Skye who continued to put their bodies on the line to get the ball for the team. Finally thanks to the whole team who found that little bit extra whilst representing NHS to finish 5th in the State, the school is proud, your parents are proud, and I am proud of your efforts. Let's set our sights on at least one place better next year.

Final standings:

Westfield Sports High School
Endeavour Sports High School
Rouse Hill High School
Hunter Sports High
Narrandera High School
Smiths Hill High School
Dubbo College - South Campus
Lisarow High School

Mrs Chappell