SKiPPS Basketball

Basketball continues to go from strength to strength at SKiPPS, with an impressive 13 teams currently representing our school in the Melbourne Central Basketball Association (MCBA) competitions.

For a relatively small school, SKiPPS has developed a fantastic reputation for both participation and success on the basketball court. Our teams consistently punch above their weight, and it is wonderful to see so many students enjoying the game, developing their skills and representing our school with pride.

What makes this achievement even more impressive is that our entire basketball program is run by parent volunteers. Every one of our 13 teams is coached and supported by parents who generously give up their time to run training sessions before and after school, organise teams and support our young players. Even the role of SKiPPS Basketball Coordinator is entirely voluntary! It is a wonderful example of the commitment and community spirit that makes SKiPPS such a special school.

Over recent weeks, a number of our players have taken the exciting step of trying out for the Melbourne Tigers representative basketball program. We are delighted to share that ten SKiPPS students have successfully earned selection in the Tigers Under 12 and Under 14 squads!

Congratulations to:

• SKiPPS Sprites (Year 6 Girls): Annie
• SKiPPS Sky (Year 5 Girls): Zhara, Isabella and Katerina
• SKiPPS Shooting Stars (Year 4 Girls): Ada and Ellie
• SKiPPS Scorpions (Year 4 Boys): Freddie and Kyarne
• SKiPPS Court Queens (Year 3 Girls): Mireya

• SKiPPS Heat (Year 3 Boys): Eli

   

Selection into a representative basketball program is a significant achievement, particularly given that some of these students are competing against players older than themselves. It is also fantastic to see seven of our ten successful players are girls, reflecting the strength of girls' basketball at SKiPPS.

While our basketball program is first and foremost about participation, teamwork, friendships and having fun, it is wonderful to celebrate students who are taking their skills to the next level.

And the future is looking bright! We have recently begun running introductory basketball workshops for our Foundation students who might be interested in joining a SKiPPS team when they enter Year 1 in 2027.

Congratulations again to our seven Tigers representatives and to all our SKiPPS basketballers. 

A particularly big thank you to the wonderful parent volunteers who make this program possible. Without their generosity, enthusiasm and willingness to give up their mornings and afternoons, hundreds of opportunities for our students to play, learn and grow through basketball simply wouldn't exist.

If any parents have any questions about basketball or would like for their child to get involved with one of our teams, please reach out to me mjbarbuto@gmail.com 

Matthew Barbuto

SKiPPS Basketball Coordinator