Chayse Stoddart is already outperforming kids much older than him.
Camera IconChayse Stoddart is already outperforming kids much older than him. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson d471432

Seven-year-old Piara Waters basketballer out-shooting opponents much older than him

Jessica WarrinerComment News

CHAYSE Stoddart has only just turned seven, but he is already shooting hoops against kids four years his senior.

The Piara Waters local shoots hoops at Cockburn Basketball Association for the Spearwood Hawks under-10s team, and also plays for an under-12s team on the weekend at Victoria Park.

Mum Amanda Stoddart said her son took to the sport like a duck to water after practicing with his dad every day at home.

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“He started Aussie Hoops (at Cockburn) when he was quite little, when he was four,” she said.

“It was definitely his dad’s idea. I’m football. I push him towards football, but he loved basketball… he’s very passionate about it. Watches it, plays it, he’s non-stop playing it outside. If he’s not out the front playing it it’s out the back on a little hoop.”

Pint-sized Chayse was nominated for the Local Sports Star award by coach Kirsty Perry.

In 2016, Chayse received an All Star award for being in the top 5 players for the under-10s division and was the team’s top scorer at just six years old.

“We forget that (he was) only six years old, that’s the biggest thing. We encourage him a lot, because we know he likes it, but at the same time (he was) only six. He’s in Year 1,” Ms Stoddart said.

“It’s quite amazing. I’m shocked still that he’s playing under-10s. He’s got four more years in this grade, that’s the unbelievable thing. Imagine what he’s going to be like in four years.

“We’re very, very proud of him; extremely proud.”

Chayse said it can be difficult out on the court, but he always has a good time.

“You get to have the ball and you get to have lots of fun. And you get to have shots and you get to have free throws,” he said.

The youngster said he wants to be like Michael Jordan, and is a big LeBron James fan “because he can do cool dunks”.

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