MORE than 30 teams will bounce, dribble and shoot out next year as part of the Australian Under-16s Junior Championships to be hosted by the Stirling Senators from July 8 to 15.
Held at the Senators’ newly expanded home at Warwick Stadium, which is run by the Churches of Christ Sport and Recreation Association (CCSRA), the 2017 national competition will feature every state and territory and include some of the country’s future basketball stars.
CCSRA director and Stirling Senators spokesman Joshua Nipps said hosting the national event was an incredible opportunity for the club.
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READ NOW“The last time it was hosted in Perth was eight years ago, but this is the first time the Senators have ever hosted the event,” he said.
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“This is an incredible opportunity for us to host and showcase the facilities at the stadium, the incredible backing we have by the community and the direction the sport is heading in WA as a whole.”
Four teams will represent WA, two metropolitan and two country teams both featuring male and female sides.
“This is the best competition with the best young talent from Australia; the future Australian Boomers and Australian Opals will be competing,” Mr Nipps said.
“There is certainly a call to action in this; we will have opportunities for local businesses to take part in the event, people to be involved and we encourage everyone to come and watch and support the team.”
The Australian Under-16 Junior Championships men’s competition started in 1955 while the women’s began in 1971 and the last time the competition was held in the state it featured Australian Opals Steph Talbot and Sara Blicavs.
Next year the WA Metro Men will aim to improve on their bronze medal performance from this year’s competition while the Victorian Metro Men and Women will aim defend their titles.