What began as a backup sport has evolved into a pathway to the national and international stage for Armadale born and raised Hayden Price.
Nearly 100 athletes put their hand up to trial for the U20 men’s state team, with Price emerging as one of just 11 selected.
For head coach Jamie O’Loughlin, Price was already familiar.
“Hayden was known to the staff as he trialled last year and was selected as an emergency for that team,” O’Loughlin said.
This year, his name was called without the reserve tag – a moment years in the making.
O’Loughlin said expectations for the 2026 squad were high.
“The team is focused on playing up to its potential and this means being present play after play,” he said.
“We are confident that bringing our best effort play after play will give us an opportunity to win games and potentially the national championship.”
O’Loughlin said Price has earned his spot as part of the team’s big-man rotation, bringing size, footwork and reliable hands to the court.
But it’s his work ethic that stands out most.
“Hayden is a very hard-working and coachable young man,” the head coach said.
“He’s a pleasure to work with and plays for the team.”
For Price, basketball began when he was about 10-years-old.
At that time, footy was his focus, with basketball filling in as a secondary option.
These days, the hierarchy has well and truly flipped.
“As long as I’m on the court and playing, I’m happy,” Price said.
However, the shift didn’t come easily.
After two years of trialling and being named a reserve, Price knew something had to change. Extra training sessions outside official hours helped build both his skills and confidence, ultimately helping him stand out at trials.
Price’s dedication has already opened doors beyond WA, with his selection to play college basketball at Eastern Arizona College in America.
During the season, Price trained five days a week, committing himself to the grind.
His dedication was rewarded with the opportunity to represent WA at the national championships in Victoria – an experience he’s approaching with excitement rather than nerves.
“I was expecting to be pretty nervous, but I’m just excited,” he said.
One match, in particular, has his attention.
“On paper, Victoria’s probably the best team, so that’ll be a good game,” he said.
O’Loughlin said the championships were a critical stepping stone for players with aspirations beyond state level.
“Selection to the U20 state team and the opportunity to play against the best 18 and 19-year-olds in the country is a notable step in a player’s journey towards the college or pro ranks,” he said.
“US college and NBL programs have eyes on this event and players will graduate from here to those levels in the next 12 months.”
Price already has his sights set firmly on a future in the game, inspired by NBA greats Nikola Jokić and Shaquille O’Neal.
“Playing in the NBA would be amazing, but I just want to play basketball as my job,” he said.
“If I can take it as far as I can, I’ll be happy.”
Watching from the sidelines with pride is mum Racheal Price who has seen first-hand the sacrifices behind the success.
“Seeing Hayden succeed in basketball means everything,” she said.
“He’s put so much time and effort into it, including early mornings and late nights.”
When the call came confirming Hayden’s selection to the state team, Mrs Price said she was both overjoyed and relieved.
“The time and effort put in has finally paid off,” she said.
“Hayden was over the moon as he’d been reserve twice, and to finally make it was a dream come true.”
