The U/16 National Basketball Championship at LoganQueensland was e memorable event.
I was proud to attend the event on behalf of NSW Country Basketball, with a strong Newcastle contingent.
Todd Turner & Al Janson as Assistant Coaches, Harry Anderson, Daniel Barbajo & Ryan Beisty as players.
Our draw was a difficult one, ie our first two (2) matches were against teams site unseen. The 2nd day we had to play two (2) games in the day, then back up the next consecutive afternoons against our toughest opposition.
Firstly we played Tasmania. Slowly we grew in confidence, eventually dominating the match. The boys surprised us with their execution, and commitment on Defense, a great first up effort & victory.
Day two (2) was always going to be difficult. We had a early morning game versus the ACT (boasting a 6ft 10in giant), then an evening match against North Queensland.
Versus the ACT we jumped out of the blocks, getting to a 20+ lead prior to the half. We then took our foot off the accelerator, the ACT getting back into the game, only 3 down with 1.5min on the clock. We steadied and made it home by making our free throws.
Next that day, versus North Queensland, all could tell it was our 2nd game for the day, and their first. We were ugly, tired and had to generate everything we could to scramble home. It wasn’t pretty, but when the game was over, we were sitting 3 and 0, you could not ask for a better start to the tournament.
Day 3 was D day. We knew that the game versus SA Metro was our game of the tournament, the outcome would determine who would accompany Vic Metro from our pool, into the top 4, playing off for the medals. Our boys discovered what they must do to compete at this level, ie effort levels, pressure management and then execution offensively and defensively. Midway through the 4th quarter it was anyone’s game, scores level. The boys were giving all they had, unfortunately, we ran out of petrol. SA took over for the last 4 minutes, the 2 games the day previous taking their toll.
Obviously disappointed by the result on the previous day, we failed to prepare mentally for what was our toughest assignment on day 4, Vic Metro. Although we showed patches of being able to compete, we were taught a lesson. Vic Metro were impressive, which reflected the amount of opportunities the Metro teams get to train or have trial games. I still believe the match was valuable, ie it showed everybody where we need to be, and what is achievable if we are committed.
Day 5 was rest day, which was overdue, training in the morning followed by a fun day at Movieworld, then dinner with the parents. A fulfilling day which enabled us (team) to get smiles back on our faces, as we had just suffered two (2) losses in a row, now 3 and 2.
Day 6 was our last pool match versus WA Country. We showed a bit of everything, effort, ugly and execution. We did enough to win comfortably. This meant we had placed 3rd in our pool, which meant we had to play 4th from Pool B for the right to play off for 5th & 6th. This was WA Metro, who happened to be coached by former NBL Coach Allan Black. A tough game, though we kept our nose in front for the entire match, eventually getting home by 11.
This meant we faced the New Zealand national team playing off for 5th & 6th. NZ were big and fast. We actually saw them play early in the tournament and rated them as a medal contender. The task was daunting, though we competed, and in fact if it wasn’t for our tournament nemesis, FREE THROWS!!!!!!, we may have one (2 from 14 in the 4th Qtr alone). Unfortunately, we lost by 9.
6th place with a 5 and 3 record is a good result. We ended up being the top Country team at the tournament, and were only just off the mark on playing off for a medal.
The Newcastle representatives, Harry, Ryan & Daniel can be proud of their contribution. All played hard, often exceeding our expectations. Hopefully they are able to bring back some of their experience to the Hunters program. Todd and Al were invaluable, I hope that I have the opportunity of doing something similar with them again, as we enjoyed the Championships immensely.
The Championships from a Coaches perspective is full on. The match preparation & scouting involves constant video filming then review. Analysis of our own performance, then of our opposition, then collate into a training schedule. Player management is also a priority, ie match preparation, recovery, injuries then general household chores, eating, cleaning & entertaining.
The team bonded well, therefore I believe their experience was enhanced.
My memories from this year’s Tournament has captured my enthusiasm for future involvement. I encourage anyone that is on the cusp of selection, work hard, as it is definitely worth while!!!!!
