Willetton was at the centre of Australian junior basketball last week, with 48 teams from around the country competing in the under-14 Club Championships at Willetton Stadium.
Over the course of the week-long tournament, players battled in out in front of big crowds before the finals wrapped up on October 3. For the home side, it was a chance to show their skills on a national stage and do their club proud.
The girls finished the tournament on a high, taking out gold in the Shield Division, while the boys fought hard to secure a fifth-place finish in the same competition. According to the players, it was more than results, it was about friendship, pride, and the thrill of representing their community.
Thirteen-year-old Zara Lilly, one of the standouts in the girls’ side, noted the week was about enjoying the game as much as competing.
“We just have a lot of fun together and when we’re having fun we play better basketball,” she said.
Zara said the support from the stands made the experience even more special. “Having all our friends and family there to support and cheer was the best,” she said.
She also drew inspiration from close to home. “My sister Sienna has always been an inspiration for me,” she said. “She made the U14 SCC team, represented Willetton at Club Champs and made the State U16 team.”
Twins Tommy and Kemp Martin, who turned out for the boys’ team, agreed the chance to compete on a national stage was unforgettable.
Tommy said the highlight of his season had been a nail-biting one-point win against Lakeside, while Kemp enjoyed the time spent off the court.
“Staying with the team during nationals, we had so much fun,” Kemp said.
Both boys spoke about the value of support from their old teammates and the chance to measure themselves against players from other states.
Meanwhile, for Kyan Elliott, being named vice-captain of the boys’ side was a proud moment. “Representing Willetton is one of the best feelings,” he said. “I loved the pressure of playing well in front of a big crowd on the show court.”
Neve Johnstone, another member of the gold medal-winning girls’ side, said the week had been about bonding as much as basketball.
“Staying together in Fremantle for the week, we had so much fun hanging out at the accommodation and bonding as a team,” she said.
Her proudest moment came when the team sealed the Shield Division title. “Winning the Shield Gold Medal! That was definitely the highlight,” she said.
Like her teammates, Neve credited her coaches and older club players as role models. “I love being a Tiger and getting to represent my club with my teammates. It’s something I’m really proud of.”
Across the squad, the players spoke about juggling school, sport and family, but also about their dreams; whether it was making a state side, representing Australia, or simply playing for fun.
What united them all was the pride in pulling on a Willetton jersey and the joy of sharing the journey with teammates and friends.
As the trophies are packed away and training resumes, the Tigers’ young stars will carry with them not only medals and memories, but the lessons of teamwork and resilience.
