Caleb-Noah Mathieson.
Camera IconCaleb-Noah Mathieson. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Basketball: Canning Vale boy already balling on the big stage

Jessica NicoCanning Gazette

AT just 11 years old, Canning Vale’s Caleb-Noah Mathieson has already had a taste of what it takes to perform on the big stage.

The young basketball enthusiast joined his under-13 Lakeside Lightning teammates at the recent Basketball WA State Championships, taking on the best young players from metropolitan powerhouses like Willetton and Perry Lakes as well as those from smaller country associations such as Albany, Busselton and Bunbury.

Caleb-Noah’s team was one of the strongest in his division, easily accounting for teams from Stirling, Busselton, Willetton and Perth in the round robin before beating Joondalup 17-14 in the semi-final.

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Despite losing the grand final 40-15 to the Hills Raiders, Caleb-Noah said he had learnt a lot from the competition.

“I think I performed really well in my new team,” he said.

“Playing in this competition, I feel I have achieved something great and it was such a great experience playing against players from all the different state teams.

“It has definitely motivated me to train harder and be a better player.

“Now I want to learn more and improve on my skills so I can be one of the best players for my age and hopefully play in the NBL and maybe represent Australia one day.”

Visit www.basketballwa.asn.au for more information on how to start playing basketball.

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